Crown & Covenant Reformed Presbyterian: Recent Episodes
The sermon presents Isaiah as a profoundly theological and Christ-centered prophecy whose message of divine judgment and redemptive hope spans centuries. Following a period of relative Judah's prosperity, Isaiah addresses Judah's spiritual decline. Central to the book is the covenant lawsuit against Jerusalem and the nations, exposing systemic injustice, idolatry, and the impending judgment that will culminate in the destruction of the earthly city, yet preserve a remnant through which God's salvation will be fulfilled. The sermon emphasizes Isaiah's rich Christological significance, highlighting how the New Testament repeatedly cites him to reveal the Messiah's identity as the suffering servant, the virgin-born King, and the light to the Gentiles, while also affirming core doctrines such as the Trinity, divine sovereignty, and the holiness of God. Through a detailed exploration of Isaiah's life, historical setting, the sermon underscores the book's enduring role as the 'Fifth Gospel' and the Old Testament's most comprehensive revelation of God's redemptive plan in Christ.
The sermon centers on the biblical qualifications for church elders, emphasizing that spiritual maturity and proven character are essential for leadership, particularly the prohibition against appointing new converts to oversight roles. Drawing from 1 Timothy 3:6–7, it argues that immaturity in faith leads to pride, which can result in doctrinal error, division, and personal downfall—illustrated by historical figures like Arius and King Uzziah. The passage underscores that true maturity is marked by the ability to handle spiritual truth, teach with wisdom, apply Scripture to all areas of life, and maintain a consistent, credible witness among unbelievers. Pastor Allison stresses that these qualities are not reserved for leaders alone but are standards for all believers, as the health of the church depends on the spiritual maturity of its members, and that every Christian is called to grow in grace, knowledge, and faithful living, reflecting the church's true identity as a unified, Christ-centered body.
The sermon centers on the biblical qualification for church overseers, emphasizing that a man must first be able to rule his own household well, as this is a necessary prerequisite for shepherding God's church. Drawing from 1 Timothy 3:4–5 and Titus 1:6, it argues that the home serves as a training and proving ground for spiritual leadership, grounded in the logical principle of 'from the lesser to the greater'—if one cannot manage the smaller, more intimate sphere of family life, how can they steward the larger, eternal body of Christ? The passage underscores that effective leadership in the home involves not only obedience and reverence from children but also consistent spiritual disciplines such as daily worship, biblical instruction, prayer, confession, intercession, encouragement, and diligent care, all empowered by God's grace. The sermon highlights that these responsibilities are not about perfection but about faithful stewardship, with the family serving as a microcosm of the church, where the gospel is lived out and the Word of God is proclaimed. Ultimately, the home is portrayed as a sacred arena where spiritual leadership is tested, refined, and prepared for the greater work of shepherding the church.
Based on the last five requirements in 1 Timothy 3:3 - not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous - The sermon presents a comprehensive examination of the character requirements for church overseers, emphasizing that leadership must be rooted in godly self-control and humility rather than personal ambition or pleasure. It highlights two central themes: the rejection of conflict-driven behaviors—such as violence, quarrelsomeness, and uncontrolled anger—and the necessity of gentleness, peaceableness, and a willingness to yield, all grounded in the recognition of one's own forgiveness and the call to mercy. The sermon also confronts the danger of greed and the love of money, warning that the pursuit of shameful gain or personal prestige corrupts both leaders and the church, and calls for a life of contentment and godliness. Through biblical exegesis, historical examples, and pastoral application, it underscores that true leadership is marked not by dominance or entitlement, but by sacrificial service, peace, and a heart fixed on eternal treasures.
The sermon presents a biblically grounded, balanced perspective on the qualification that an elder must not be 'given to wine,' emphasizing that wine is a good creation of God intended for rejoicing and medicinal use, but must be employed with wisdom and self-control. It argues that the prohibition is not about total abstinence or drunkenness alone, but about the danger of lingering over wine—allowing it to displace godly priorities, impair judgment, and become a habit that undermines spiritual discernment and leadership. Drawing from Scripture, the message highlights four principles: all of God's creation is good and to be received with thanksgiving; every created thing has a proper purpose; we must neither add to nor subtract from God's commands; and there is a proper time for everything, especially in matters requiring sound judgment. The sermon warns that habitual lingering over wine, even without drunkenness, leads to spiritual complacency, poor decision-making, and a failure to steward time wisely, contrasting the life of the Spirit-filled believer with the dissipation of drunkenness. Ultimately, the elder's character must reflect self-mastery, prioritizing spiritual fruit over temporal pleasures, and embodying the wisdom that comes from being filled with the Spirit rather than with wine.
The sermon centers on the biblical qualifications for church overseers, particularly emphasizing the necessity of being hospitable and apt to teach. Hospitality or hosting is sharing our material possessions with those who have a need without expectation of reciprocity. This is a calling of all Christians. Aptness to teach does not consist in merely having communication skills or academic knowledge, but it is a Spirit-enabled ability to apply Scripture with gentleness, patience, and discernment in diverse circumstances. It underscores that this gift is not limited to elders but is a vital calling for all believers, including husbands, parents, and older women, who are to instruct others in the faith with humility and love. The passage highlights that true teaching involves distinguishing essential doctrine from divisive disputes, resisting quarrelsomeness, and being willing to patiently explain truth in simple, accessible ways.
The sermon centers on the biblical standard of 'good behavior' for church overseers, emphasizing that it signifies a life of orderly, respectable, and well-structured conduct—mirroring the divine order of the cosmos. More than mere moral uprightness or blamelessness, this quality reflects a disciplined, purposeful life rooted in Scripture, marked by consistent devotion to God's Word, intentional planning, and self-control. The message illustrates this through biblical examples like Job, the psalmists, and Paul, showing that true respectability arises not from external reputation but from a life ordered by God's wisdom and sustained by grace. The passage underscores that such order is essential for effective leadership, especially in maintaining decency and peace in worship, where confusion contradicts God's nature. The pastor calls believers to pursue a life of purpose and faithfulness, not merely by human effort, but by committing their plans to the Lord, trusting that His direction, not their own, establishes their path.
The sermon emphasizes that the biblical qualifications of temperance and sobriety for church elders are not primarily about abstaining from alcohol, but rather denote a vigilant, self-controlled mindset essential for spiritual leadership. Rooted in the New Testament's consistent use of these terms to mean watchfulness and alertness, the preacher illustrates how elders must embody both personal and corporate vigilance—carefully guarding their own lives and diligently shepherding the flock against internal and external threats. Drawing from biblical metaphors of shepherds, the message underscores that spiritual leadership demands constant awareness, discernment, and proactive care, as neglect leads to spiritual harm and scattering of the church. The call to vigilance extends beyond elders to all believers, who are commanded to be sober-minded, watchful in prayer, vigilant about the ever-present danger of spiritual complacency and deception.
The sermon centers on the biblical qualification of elders as 'the husband of one wife,' emphasizing that this requirement is not merely about marital status but reflects deeper character, faithfulness, and spiritual maturity essential for leadership in the church. It underscores that marriage serves as a critical testing ground for virtues like self-denial, sacrificial love, humility, and integrity—qualities necessary for shepherding God's people. The passage argues that an elder's marital faithfulness is vital because his home life directly reflects his ability to represent Christ's love for the Church; hypocrisy in marriage undermines his moral authority to teach and rebuke others. While the interpretation of 'one wife' has historically varied—particularly regarding remarriage after death or divorce—the sermon not only affirms the meaning demands exclusivity, fidelity, and spiritual leadership within marriage modeling Christ's sacrificial love for His bride, but also requires an elder to be married. Arguments from Paul's example are arguments from silence, assuming that he had never been married simply because he was not currently married.
This sermon, drawn from 1 Timothy 3, presents a theological and pastoral exposition on the character and qualifications of church elders, emphasizing that the desire for such office is not inherently self-serving but can be a noble pursuit when rooted in godly motives, humility, and a servant's heart. The passage underscores that elders must be blameless—not sinless, but above reproach—reflecting a life marked by integrity, self-control, and consistent faithfulness, with each qualification serving as a reflection of the Spirit's fruit and a safeguard for the church's witness. The preacher calls both men and women to embrace these standards as aspirational for all believers, while cautioning against cultural distortions of masculinity and femininity that undermine biblical leadership. Ultimately, the sermon affirms that true qualification for leadership is not found in charisma or credentials, but in a life shaped by Scripture, repentance, and dependence on God's grace, calling the congregation to prayerful support and personal accountability in maintaining spiritual integrity.
Should I vote for a third party candidate- Or is that a wasted vote- What does the scripture have to say about the process of choosing our civil magistrates- Does it even address the topic in a specific way-
Should the civil magistrate enforce both tables of the law- Should there be laws forbidding public blasphemy or public worship of false gods- See what the scriptures say and what the church in history has taught and practiced on this matter.