First Presbyterian Church of Norway: Recent Episodes
Rev. Matthew J. Stanghelle
Pastor Matt continues our series by showing how we are to serve the church with our gifts.
Pastor Matt continues our Romans Series by showing how our worship should be directed by our theology
Pastor Matt continues our series on Romans by showing how Paul shifts his focus from the Jews the Gentiles.
Gideon Rossouw continues our Romans series by highlighting the tragedy of Israel's rejection of God's Principle of Salvation
Pastor Matt continues our series in Romans, this time highlighting the importance of faith, showing that not even the Jews were justified by their works, and that it has always been by faith that man becomes righteous
Gideon Rossouw starts the section from Romans 9 - 11 by highlighting the privileges shared by the Jews, and how these privileges did not lead to their salvation.
Pastor Matt continues the Romans series expounding on the glorious doctrine of God's eternal decree.
Pastor Matt continues our Romans series by showing what it means to be adopted into God`s family and being heirs with Christ.
Gideon Rossouw continues our Romans series by showing how we can know if we are a Christian - by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit
Gideon Rossouw continues our Romans series by showing how believers enjoy the freedom which comes from the Spirit.
Gideon Rossouw continues our Romans series by showing how Sanctification is a battlefield between the New Man and the Old Man
Gideon Rossouw reminds us this week that we are not called to vindicate ourselves, but rather to leave justice in God`s hands
Gideon Rossouw encourages us to experience the faithfulness and mercy of God in this week`s sermon
In this Psalm Gideon Rossouw highlights the reasons why God calls his people to worship Him
This Psalm shows the joy that comes when belivers uncover their sins before the Lord, in confession
Gideon Rossouw continues the Summer Psalms series by showing the movement we enjoy as the people of God, going from the valley of suffering to the fortress of our God
Gideon Rossouw continues our Psalms series by highlighting a often neglected aspect of the Christian life - Divine Absence
Gideon Rossouw continues the Psalms series by highlighting the importance of knowing God
Rev Gideon Rossouw continues our Romans series by highlighting the way in which Christ`s act on the cross led to death being dethroned
Gideon Rossouw continues our Romans series by highlighting Paul`s contrast between Adam and Jesus, and the effect of their respective "acts"
Gideon Rossouw continues our Romans series by explaining Adam`s original sin and its infleunce on us
Pastor Matt examines church membership and how we are in communion with both Christ as well as one another
Pastor Matt continues the Romans series by reminding us to look to the cross of Christ in order to see an objective expression of God's Love.
Pastor Matt continues our sermon series in Romans, by highlighting the gifts we as Christians enjoy by being in Christ and justified by His blood.
Pastor Matt reminds us of the inheritance promised to those of faith, in the covenant of grace.
Pastor Gideon continues our Romans series by highlighting the dual blessings of rightousness and forgiveness.
Gideon Rossouw continues the Romans series by showing boasting is excluded from the Christian life, since we are justified by faith apart from works so we have no grounds for boasting.
Gideon Rossouw concludes the three part sermon series on God`s rightousness in justifying faith
Pastor Matt continues our Romans series by showing the gospel starts with the message of our condemnation, which is essential to grasp the grace and glory in the work of Jesus Christ on the cross.
Pastor Matt picks up the gospel series by highlighting how Paul answers many of the questions the Jews might have had to the gospel.
Pastor Matt concludes our series of the goals for 2025, showing how obstacles can become opportunities.
Pastor Matt reminds us that the work of ministry belong to all parts of the body, and that responsibilty of building Christ's church belong to the team
Pastor Matt continues our series on using Biblical wisdom for making plans God's way, looking at the ordinary means of grace.
Pastor Matt takes us through one of our main goals for the year, not focusing on church growth in terms of worldy growth, but in keeping the main thing the main thing.
Pastor Matt continues our series on Biblical wisdom for making plans God's way, as he explains how we should make plans that are guaranteed to succeed.
Pastor Matt starts our new series on how to make plans God's way, by showing that successful plans are made with the help of wise counsel.
Gideon Rossouw continues the Romans series, by preaching on the worthlessness of mere external signs.
Pastor Matt continues the sermon series through Romans by showing how both Jews and Gentiles stand under the judgement of God.
Pastor Matt continues our Romans series by pointing to how our works save us, showing how our assurance rests on Christ's works which are credited to us who are saved.
Gideon Rossouw continues our Romans series by highlighting the dangers of religious presumption, and how our context today is not so far removed from the first century Jews in Rome.
Pastor Matt continues the Romans series by showing that God's judgment of the Jews is just, and that they are no exempt from the judgment of God by virtue of circumcision.
Pastor Matt continues the Romans series by showing us how idolatry functions as the chief sin leading to many others, and how this leads to God's wrath on those who reject Him.
Pastor Matt continues our Romans series by continuing the theme of God's wrath against sin, showing how God gives people over to their sins, as judgement
Gideon Rossouw continues our series on Romans, as he shows the conditions of the hearts and minds of those who suppress the plain truth of God
Pastor Matt reminds us afresh this morning that our hope is in the gospel, and that we ought not be ashamed of the gospel since it is the power of God unto salvation.
Pastor Matt reminds us that we, who labor for the sake of the Gospel, are like farmers who labor for the harvest
Pastor Matt takes us through Paul`s thanksgiving for the faith of the Roman Christians, and explains what faith is and why we should thank God for this gift.
Pastor Matt continues our series in Romans, by showing how the resurrection of Jesus was promised by God in the Old Testament.
Pastor Matt continues our series through Romans showing how the gospel has been promised long ago by the Prophets.
Pastor Matt starts the new series on the epistle of Romans, by showing how Paul was set apart for the gospel.
Gideon Rossouw concludes our summer series by pointing us to the throne of grace, and how we may approach God's presence.
Gideon Rossouw continues the Psalms series by taking us through Psalm 23, showing Jesus as being the good shepherd.
Pastor Matt preaches through Psalm 22, showing how the gospel is the hope for the abandoned.
Pastor Matt continues the Psalms series, preaching through Psalm 20 and showing how we should not put our trust in anything but in the mighty name of God.
Gideon Rossouw continues the Summer Psalms series by preaching about God's revelation in creation and His Word.
Gideon Rossouw preaches through Psalm 18 this morning, showing how God is our deliverance and strength.
Pastor Matt continues the Summer Psalms series by pointing us to beholding God's face, using Psalm 17.
Pastor Matt continues the walk through the Bible series by using the book of Jude to show us how to contend for the faith.
Pastor Matt concludes the series on the New Testament by taking us through the book of Revelation, reminding us that Christ is returning.
Pastor Matt continues our series through the New Testament, by showing us what it looks like to walk in truth.
Pastor Matt takes us through 1 John, showing that it is possible to know with certainty whether we are Christians or not.
Pastor Matt reminds us to make our calling and election sure, by making sure that we continue to grow in grace, a work empowered by the Holy Spirit to us in salvation.
Pastor Matt continues the walk through the Bible series by looking at Peter's message of hope to the suffering exiles.
Pastor Matt picks up the series through the New Testament in this sermon on the book of James, showing how James seeks to provide wisdom to the church in the diaspora.
Gideon Rossouw continues his series of encouragements on prayer by pointing out the importance of corporate prayer.
Gideon Rossouw continues the series on the Lord's prayer by showing how we gain encouragement from prayer, knowing that God is all-powerful and worthy of praise.
Pastor Matt takes us through the second epistle to Timothy, pointing to Paul's call to Timothy to revive his ministry.
Peter Moi continues his sermons on the gospel of Mark, by focussing on Jesus entry into Jerusalem found in Mark 11.
Gideon Rossoouw preaches on the Lord-s prayer, starting a new three part series explaining how we should pray and meditate on this prayer
Gideon Rossouw continues our series on the Lord-s Prayer by showing that God is our provider of all the good things in life.
The Walk Through the Bible series continues with an overview of the book of Hebrews as we learn about the supremacy of Christ over all things.
Pastor Matt continues our walk through the Bible this week, as we pause and examine the message of an often neglected book in the New Testament, the letter to Philemon
Pastor Matt reminds us of the importance of good works as it accords with godliness and right doctrine, using the book of Titus.
Gideon Rossouw preaches on the exhortations found in Hebrews 13 on how to live a life of gratitude and godly fear.
Pastor Matt continues our series through the New Testament by preaching on the importance of guarding the gospel and godliness if we are to be a thriving church.
Pastor Matt continues the series on the New Testament by encouraging us from 2 Thessalonians to follow the tradition of the Apostles.
Peter Moi continues going through the gospel of Mark by pointing us to Jesus, our suffering savior.
Pastor Matt continues the New Testament series by showing how 1 Thessalonians prepares us for the return of Christ.
Pastor Matt points us to the supremacy of Christ in this week's sermon and how we ought to grow into mature believers in the knowledge of Jesus.
Pastor Matt continues the series through the New Testament by showing from the book of Philippians that the Christian life is not pursued in isolation but in a team.
Pastor Matt continues our New Testament walk through the Bible by preaching on the mystery of the Gospel, revealed to us in Christ.
Pastor Matt continues our series through the New Testament by highlighting the importance of the gospel and the essence of justification by faith.
Pastor Matt continues our series through the New Testament this morning, preaching on 2 Corinthians. We are reminded that the ministry of Christ and the apostles are marked by suffering and weakness in the eyes of the world.
Pastor Matt examines Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians 11 and explains what it means to be a worthy participant of the body and blood of Christ, using both the Scriptures and the church fathers.
Pastor Matt continues our series in the New Testament by walking through the book of 1 Corinthians.
Pastor Matt continues our series through the New Testament by preaching on Romans and how Paul shows us the beauty of the gospel.
Pastor Matt continues our series on the books of the New Testament by showing how John's Gospel reveals the glory of Christ.
Pastor Matt continues our Walk Through The Bible series by looking at the nature of Jesus' global kingdom mission through the writing of Luke in the gospel of Luke and Acts.
Pastor Matt leads us through the gospel of Mark by emphasizing Jesus as the Son of God.
Pastor Matt continues our -Walk through the Bible- series by introducing the Gospel of Matthew, which focuses on the Kingdom of Heaven.
Pastor Matt preaches on the miracles of faith and the preservation of God's church using the gospel of Matthew.
Peter Moi exposits Ephesians 2, showing how we are both justified and sanctified in Christ Jesus.
Gideon Rossouw continues our series on the church by explaining how the church functions as a community for the glory of God.
Gideon Rossouw continues our Reforming worship series by preaching on the church as the bride of Christ.
Pastor Matt continues our reforming worship series on the Christian Sabbath by warning those who break the Sabbath and neglect the gathering of the saints.
Pastor Matt continues our series on the Christian Sabbath by showing from Scripture and tradition the importance of evening worship.
Pastor Matt continues the four-part series on the Christian Sabbath by showing how the New Testament transforms our understanding of the Sabbath.
In a time when the Lord's Day has become 'My Day,' Christians need to reclaim the Lord's Day for God's intended purpose. This first message lays the ground work for the Christian Sabbath by surveying its Old Testament background.
Refresh your soul in the news that in Christ, God is giving you the greatest possible inheritance in the universe-
Who can live with God-- David proclaims God's righteous standard in Psalm 15 and helps us understand the grace of Christ which is the only way to gain free access to God.
Gideon Rossouw continues our Summer Psalms series by expounding on the foolishness of atheism, using Psalm 14.
Pastor Matt continues the Summer Psalms series by preaching through Psalm 13 and showing how the road to hope comes by complaint, petition, and trust in the Lord.
David proclaims in Psalm 12 that while wicked and deceitful men seek our ruin, God keeps his word to guard us forever.
In the face of overwhelming evil, David calls us to fight for justice. God is on his throne and he loves righteous deeds-
Gideon Rossouw continues our Psalms series by showing how God provides a refuge for the oppressed and judges the wicked.
Gideon Rossouw continues our Summer Psalms series by showing how God is both the creator of the world and the caretaker of humanity, using Psalm 8.
Gideon Rossouw explains Psalm 7 by highlighting the two images used by David - The LORD as our refuge and our judge.
Gideon Rossouw continues our Summer Psalms series by explaining how we should make sense of God-s discipline.
Pastor Matt continues our Summer Psalms series by explaining how the Christian life is a battle against evil. Psalm 5 is a battle cry for justice.
Gideon Rossouw continues our Summer Psalms series by showing how we, as the people of God, can rest in His faithfulness.
Pastor Matt continues our Psalms series by showing how Christians can find rest in the God who will overcome our enemies.
Gideon Rossouw continues our series in the Psalms by showing that Jesus is the promised Messiah-King in Psalm 2.
Pastor Matt starts our new summer Psalms series by preaching on Psalm 1, showing us that the way of the righteous is following Jesus - the Living Word of God.
Pastor Matt continues our -Reforming Worship- series by examining why church membership matters and why it is essential to be a local church member.
Gideon Rossouw examines whether creeds are Biblical, continuing our -Reforming Worship- series.
Pastor Matt discusses an essential question regarding communion. Are children allowed to partake of the Lord's supper--
Pastor Matt wraps up the series on the Old Testament by showing four essential texts and how Jesus fulfills the entire Old Testament.
Malachi is God's final message to Israel at the close of the Old Testament. A century after the exiles' return to the land, the post-exilic community is steeped in covenant infidelity. Israel complains to the LORD about their perceived mistreatment in a series of disputes. Meanwhile, they are utterly blind to the gravity of their covenant transgressions and the offense they have become to God. Yet the LORD declares, -My name will be feared among the nations- -1-14-. Malachi, whose name means -my messenger,- speaks of another messenger who will prepare the way of the LORD -3-1- 4-5-. Jesus reveals that Malachi spoke about John the Baptist -e.g., Matt. 11-14-, and the New Testament shows that the day of the Lord is indeed upon us. In these last times, Jesus is God's final message -e.g., Heb. 1-2-, and for those who fear him, among every nation, -the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings- -4-2- Luke 1-78-79- John 8-12- Rev. 22-2-.
Zechariah proclaims the return of the king. The prophet's messianic expectation is unrivaled in the Old Testament. Amid the dark days of the post-exilic community -c. 520 B.C.-, God's people need hope. Externally, foreign kings rule over Jerusalem, imposing high taxes and authoritarian control. Internally, the community shows little interest in religious or moral reform. The temple remains uncompleted, and all hope seems lost. In every way, the prophet's ministry began when people -despised the day of small things- -4-10-. But everything is about to change. God promised to return to his people, and he used Zechariah, more than any other prophet, to proclaim the messianic kingdom. The king is coming -9-9-- The LORD will return to his people and establish his global rule -14-9-. Zerubbabel and Joshua, the governor and priest, signal God's return. Still, the LORD's promises will ultimately be fulfilled in the coming of his son, Jesus Christ. Over 50 passages from Zechariah are echoed in over 60 places in the New Testament, and key citations from Zechariah in the Gospels show that the apostles understood that Zechariah's ultimate hope is met in Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords. On the pages of Zechariah, we read about our Lord Jesus Christ, who inaugurated his kingdom in his first coming and who will consummate his global kingdom rule upon his return. Behold, your king is coming-
Gideon Rossouw teaches on the radical call of Christ to follow Him, from the gospel of Mark.
Gideon Rossouw continues the series on Mark, by explaining God-s design for marriage and the kingdom.
Gideon Rossouw discusses the nature of God-s kingdom and how we are encouraged to follow Jesus in discipleship.
Peter Moi preaches on the importance of prayer in the lives of believers from the gospel of Mark.
Gideon Rossouw continues the series in Mark by preaching on the transfiguration and how Jesus is revealed as the Son of God.
Peter Moi continues in the gospel of Mark by reminding us that there is a cost in following Jesus.
Gideon Rossouw continues our series on the gospel of Mark by highlighting the importance of seeing Jesus rightly in order that we might worship Him rightly.
Peter Moi continues our series on Mark, as he reminds us of the danger of wrong doctrine and how it leads to unbelieving hardened hearts
Mark continues his gospel of the kingdom by showing that the proclamation of the kingdom of God also extends to the gentiles. Three miracles highlight that Jesus rewards the faith of dogs, Jesus brings healing to deaf dogs, and Jesus feeds hungry dogs
Haggai teaches that we need a renovation of our hearts to please God and experience his blessing. In a time when God's people were called to rebuild his house, which lay in ruin, the post-exilic community was busy building their own homes and living lives of indolence and vanity. The prophet shows that the self-centered pursuit of pleasure and plenty winds up empty. The writer of Hebrews picks up Haggai's themes and calls the church to sacrifices that are pleasing to God. Haggai is a book that calls God's people to a renovation of life goals, attitudes, and worship.
Zephaniah contains some of the most beautiful language in the entire Bible. Amid the terror of the day of the LORD, the prophet proclaims a glorious hope for the remnant of God's people. Fortunes shall be restored, the lame shall be saved, and the LORD will be in our midst -Zeph. 3-17-20-. Jesus' mission of mercy fulfills this hope. He inaugurated God's salvation plan in his first coming, and all will be accomplished when he returns -cf. Matthew 5-2-12- 11-2-6- Rev. 21-. Meanwhile, God's people have a mission too. During God's season of mercy, before the coming day of judgment, the gospel compels us to share God's message of hope to the lost -cf. Acts 17-30-31- 2 Pet. 3-.
Peter Moi expounds the difference between true worship and vain religiosity in the gospel of Mark.
Great consolation for life's woes can be found in Habakkuk. The prophet wrestles with the problem of faith when everything around him appears to show that God no longer cares. Writing before the fall of Assyria -c. 640-615 B.C.-, Habakkuk wrestles with God in two dialogues to come to terms with God's seeming disregard for saving his people. The first dialogue deals with the problem of the perceived delay in God's salvation. The second dialogue deals with the problem of God using wicked nations for his divine purposes. The turning point of the book is God's reminder that -the righteous shall live by his faith- -2-4-. God will save his people in his time and in his way, and the time will come when -the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea- -2-14-. The prophet concludes that -though the fig tree should not blossom- he will -take joy in the God of my salvation- -3-17, 18-. The NT carries forward the theme of faith, citing Habakkuk 2-4 on three occasions -Rom. 1-17- Gal. 3-11- Heb. 10-38-. Though still embattled by physical and spiritual enemies, God is in control, and his people have only to walk in faith and find strength in the joy of the Lord.
Written a century after Jonah, between 663 and 612 BC, Nahum prophesies the downfall of the Assyrian Empire. Written to Nineveh, a chief city in the empire, the LORD foretells of his coming wrath against the Assyrians for their unceasing evil -3-19-. Upon wider biblical reflection, the theme of God's wrath on nations reveals that God judges states, nations, and empires based on their response to God and his moral order -cf. Jer. 18-7-10-. Furthermore, the wrath promised to wicked nations is also decreed for any person who rejects the Lord Jesus Christ -cf. Heb. 10-19-31-. The only hope for salvation from the wrath of God is by repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ -cf. Rom. 5-8-9-.
Micah's prophetic writings showcase God's amazing grace. Israel and Judah are soundly condemned by three cycles of legal hearings in the case of the LORD vs. his people. Flagrant examples of idolatry, injustice, and treachery bring the sentence of God's covenant curses. Nevertheless, while impending doom, in the form of national destruction and exile, is the short-term punishment, amazing grace is also promised. There remains a future pardon for the remnant of God's people. The hallmark of this future grace is the shepherd-king who will lead them. A ruler shall come from Bethlehem -5-2- cf. Mt. 2-6-. The book concludes with the prophet praising God for his compassion- -Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance--- -7-18-. The gospel reveals that we are justified in God's courtroom by faith in Christ. The amazing grace of the gospel is that God forgives all who have faith in Jesus Christ, whose blood atones for the sins of his people, past, present, and future -Rom. 3-21-26-.
Religious hypocrisy haunts God's people in every age. The book of Jonah treats this ailment. Jonah is a foil for Israel, whom God uses in this narrative to confront their hypocrisy. The principal issues of hypocrisy are the abdication of their God-given calling, the vanity of their prayers, and the delusion of their judgments of who is worthy of mercy and who is beyond redemption. To get this wrong is to miss the gospel entirely. Everyone deserves judgment, and at the same time, no one is beyond God's mercy. As Christians, we have the holy calling to bring the gospel not just to Nineveh but to every tribe, tongue, and nation -Matt. 28-19-20-. -Salvation belongs to the LORD- -2-9- cf. 4-2-, and God's mercy extends even to enemies who repent.
Obadiah proclaims that war with God is a losing proposition. The Lord indicts Edom, Israel's blood relatives, for their treachery. They stood by and cheered as the Babylonian Empire sacked Jerusalem. This betrayal was ultimately against God, who declared that Edom, the house of Esau, should serve Israel, the house of Jacob -cf. Gen. 25-23-. By despising this yoke, Edom declared war against the Lord. As a result, God would raise up the nations to destroy Edom. Edom's fate is illustrative of the peoples and nations of the world that rebel against the yoke of God's lordship. The terrifying prospect for rebels is eternal conscious punishment in hell -e.g., Matthew 25-41, 46- Luke 16-24, 25- Rev. 14-11-. The only hope for peoples and nations is Jesus Christ. All who believe in him shall not perish but have everlasting life -John 3-16-. These new creation glories are for God's people who, with Christ, shall inherit the earth in the kingdom of God -e.g., Matt. 5-5- Rom. 8-19- Rev. 11-15-18- ch. 21-. While the world seeks to cast off the yoke of God's lordship in the spirit of Esau, those who take on Christ's yoke by faith shall enter God's new creation rest now and forever.
God cares about social justice. So, it isn't surprising that Amos, likely the first of the writing prophets, concentrates so much of his efforts on addressing Israel's social injustices. Many modern notions concerning social justice are incompatible with biblical justice, so it is essential to understand what God has to say about the matter. While most of Amos focuses on the destruction of Israel because of their radical injustice, the book ends with a promise of restoring the Davidic kingdom -9-11-15-. As David's kingdom is raised in Christ, we discover that Jesus is the only one who can restore justice in his kingdom. Not only does Jesus satisfy the justice of God as the substitutionary atonement for his people, but he also teaches the new way to live, the way of justice, before God and man.
Little is known about the prophet Joel, but his message is unforgettable. The day of the LORD is coming, and all the inhabitants of the earth should tremble. Joel writes to a rebellious Judah about God's coming judgment. He uses the imagery of an invading army of locusts to describe the coming judgment of God's people -called -the day of the LORD--. The land will be devoured, and the people will be left with nothing. But it does not need to end that way. Joel also prophesies hope for those who repent. Indeed, -everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved- -2-32-. Those who return to the LORD are promised a secure hope for the future -2-18-3-21-. The greatest hope is the spiritual renewal promised in 2-28-32. The apostle picks up these words and shows how the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost fulfills Joel's prophecy and is a sign preceding the great and final Day of the LORD -Acts 2-17-21-. Those who wish to escape the coming judgment, and participate in the reward of God's eternal blessing, are called to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ -Acts 2-37-41-. There is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved -Acts 4-11-.
Celebrating the one-year anniversary of Ber-a Presbyterianske Kirke with a sermon from Paul's letter to the Philippians.
Gideon Rossouw unpacks -The Faith We Confess- beginning a new teaching series on the Westminster Confession of Faith.
Hosea, the first book of the twelve minor prophets, gets straight to the heart of Israel's problem. A holy people in covenant with God has become a nation of prostitutes. The core issue is apostasy -14-4- which is related to -spiritual whoredom- throughout the book -e.g., 5-4-. Israel has rejected their pure devotion to the LORD and has chosen the worship and ways of the surrounding pagan nations. To illustrate Israel's lurid estate, God commands Hosea to marry the harlot, Gomer -ch. 1-. Unsurprisingly, Gomer does not remain faithful to Hosea, and yet we are astonished to discover God's command for Hosea to redeem the whore -cf. 3-. And this redemption illustrates what God will do for his people. Even as God will punish apostate Israel, so will he redeem his people on the day of his choosing -cf. chs. 2, 11, 14-. This day was inaugurated when God sent his son into the world. The apostle Paul reveals that Hosea's true meaning lay in Christ's redemption of Jews and Gentiles into his church -Rom. 9-11-. And in Christ, we behold the greatest miracle of all. Jesus transforms a spiritual harlot into a pure virgin devoted to him -2 Cor. 11-2- Rev. 14-4-.
The kingdoms of this earth war and rage, but God sits upon his throne, exercising dominion over all. The message of God's universal dominion was desperately needed when God's people were captives under foreign rule. The book of Daniel is written to encourage God's people that God is in control. Nothing they experience past, present, or future is outside God's providential rule. But Daniel writes even more. God's kingdom dominion is universal, and he will rescue his people and restore them to their kingdom. One like a Son of Man shall rise and receive an eternal kingdom at the end of days -cf. 7-13-14-. The New Testament is clear that Jesus is the Son of Man who receives the kingdom from the Father -Matt. 26-64- Mark 14-62-. This kingdom is the church's inheritance and will be enjoyed world without end -Matt. 25-34- Luke 1-33- Rev. 11-15-. The best news is that God's kingdom rescue plan has already begun -Matt 12-28- 28-18- Col. 1-13-14-.
God appointed Ezekiel as a watchman for Israel -chs. 3- 33-. Ezekiel's prophetic duty was to warn God's people of impending judgment and call them to repentance. He preached doom to the rebellious house of Judah, whose nation was destroyed in 586 BC at the hands of the Babylonian empire. Writing from exile, Ezekiel pronounced judgment on Israel's enemies, but he also preached hope for the faithful remnant -11-13-20-. God's new and eternal city shall arise from the ashes of the old -chs. 40-48-. The New Testament demonstrates how Christ fulfills Ezekiel's prophetic vision. Christ's church is the true temple and city of God -cf. Eph. 2-21-22- Heb. 12-22-. Revelation alone alludes to Ezekiel forty-eight times, portraying the heart of the new heavens and earth as God's eternal city where his presence would dwell with his people forever -Ezek. 48-35- Rev. 21-3-.
Lamentations is a national eulogy, a collection of five poems grieving the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C. The book comes to terms with God, who brought about the death of his nation. While Babylon besieged the city and destroyed the Temple, Lamentations focuses entirely on God, who was behind it. Judged for their grievous sins, the exiles are in their darkest days. But amid grief, there is hope for national restoration -5-19-22-. God's -hesed- -covenant love- is the basis for this hope -3-21-22-. The New Testament shows that their hope was not in vain. Jesus Christ came as the divine warrior to triumph over his enemies -Col. 2-15-. And as the true temple -Jn. 2-19-, he too was crushed by God for the sins of his people and rose again to make his Jew and Gentile church into a living temple and a holy nation -Acts 2-23-24- Eph. 2-19-22- 1 Pet. 2-9-. These glorious realities will be fully realized in the second coming when Jesus treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God over his enemies and ushers his church into the heavenly Jerusalem and the new creation -Rev. 19-15- 21-1-2-.
Jeremiah was a man against the world. From an early age, the LORD called him to be a prophet to the nations, -to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow- -1-5, 10-. His ministry not only pronounced doom for the nations in rebellion to God but also to Judah, whose brazen wickedness would get them expelled from the land. Jeremiah was not a popular person. Speaking the truth came at great personal cost -e.g., 11-18-23- 16-1-13- chs. 36-38, et. al.-. But the few who did receive his message were given hope. God would make a new covenant and write his law on their hearts -Jer. 31-33-. These words came true in the ministry of Jesus, and speak to his Jew-Gentile church, the Israel of God -Heb. 8-8-12- Eph. 2-11-22- Gal. 6-16-. Like Jeremiah before him, Jesus was as a man against the world -e.g., Matt. 10-34-36-. But for those who receive him, he has given the right to be called children of God -John 1-12-. These gospel promises are the wonderful plans for which Jeremiah ultimately speaks -29-11-.
Perhaps no other book in the Old Testament matches the grandeur and majesty of Isaiah. Regarded by many as the theologian of the Old Testament, Isaiah's prophetic ministry lays a foundation for redemptive history. He vividly describes man's depravity, the character of God, and the coming Messiah and new creation glories. Isaiah called Judah to repentance throughout his ministry and prepared them for the coming judgment that would ruin their land. At the same time, he also preached the hope of restoration, foretelling of the new creation glories to come for the remnant of God's people-those who are humble and contrite in spirit and who tremble at his word -66-2-. The key to unlocking these new creation glories is Jesus Christ. John tells us that Isaiah saw Jesus' glory during his throne room vision in Isaiah 6 -John 12-38-41-, and Peter shows in his first epistle that Jesus is Isaiah's suffering servant by whose blood we are healed -1 Pet. 2-24- Isa. 53-5-.
The Song of Solomon is a collection of love poems between a bride and groom. Major themes in the book are love, adoration, and sex. Sexuality is God's gift, and within the confines of marriage, sex is a deep and profound expression of love that pleases God. Historically, however, the usage of this gift has been grossly distorted, both in Israel and the Ancient Near East, even as it is today. Sadly, Christians throughout church history have also, at times, taught and practiced far from biblical views. God has made us sexual beings, and we need wisdom for stewarding our sexuality. As we learn from these love poems, we must avoid the error of -spiritualizing- this book, that is, trying to read deeper than the face value of the text. It is a book about sex- Yet, at a more profound level, while allegorical interpretations of the book have led to gross comparisons between God and his people, there is a spiritual lesson to learn. The beautiful union of man and wife, which is on full display in the Song of Solomon, does foreshadow the greater union of Christ with his church -cf. Eph. 5-22-33- Rev. 19-6-10-.
Life is meaningless--a chasing after the wind- -1-14-. The wise man and the fool suffer the same fate. All men die, and we can't take anything with us when we go. Others will enjoy what we have toiled for, and even the good things we have now will not give lasting satisfaction. The book of Ecclesiastes calls this hevel -e.g., vanity, meaninglessness, transience-. Ecclesiastes paints a bleak but accurate picture of life. Yet a deeper study reveals that the author also writes to give us meaning, direction, and joy- In this way, Ecclesiastes imparts wisdom for mortals-how we should live when death is inevitable. The end of the matter is to fear God and keep his commandments -Eccles. 12-13-. The New Testament confirms the reality of meaninglessness -under the sun,- while giving us hope beyond. The apostle Paul writes that the whole creation has been subject to -futility- while it eagerly awaits the revealing of the sons of God, the redemption of our bodies as the adopted children of God -cf. Rom. 8-18-23-. The gospel reveals that we have a life beyond these mortal, transient days. The path of wisdom that leads to these new creation glories is found in Christ as we walk by faith and live by the Spirit -e.g., Rom. 1-16-17- 8-1-17- Gal. 5-15-26- Eph. 2-8-10- Phil. 1-27- 1 Cor. 15-58- Rev. 21-1-8-.
The Book of Proverbs is enigmatic. The book is filled with riddles -e.g., 1-6-, and the book itself is a puzzle. Proverbs gives little mention of God and no mention of the Covenant or God's great redemptive acts. Does this mean that Proverbs is merely a collection of -secular- wisdom-- By no means- A deeper look reveals that Proverbs is a profoundly religious book. Proverbs shows that the way of wisdom is for sons of the covenant. Only those who trust in YHWH and follow his ways are genuinely sons of wisdom. Proverbs indicates that there is a way of life and death. 'Common-grace' wisdom is insufficient without the -fear of the Lord- -e.g., 1-7-. The New Testament continues this call to wisdom in the life of Christ, -in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge- -Col. 2-3-. If you want to be truly wise, you must be a child of God through faith in Christ. The path of wisdom and life is found only in him -John 14-6-.
The book of Psalms is God's songbook, called Sefer Tehillim --Book of Praises-- in the Hebrew Bible. Psalms is a collection of 150 psalms, hymns and odes -often collectively called -psalms-- divided into five books comprising the -praise of Yahweh- -e.g., Hallelujah-. Many authors contribute to the Book of Psalms, but the principal writer is David. As God's anointed king, David was the model worship leader of God's people. But he is also the type and foreshadow of Jesus Christ. The New Testament writers argue that Jesus is the ultimate worship leader and the focal point and climax of the Psalms. For example, the writer of Hebrews shows that psalms addressed to the LORD --Yahweh-- or God's Anointed --the Messiah-- are speaking to Jesus -e.g., Heb. 1-5, 8-9, 10-12, 13 in reference to Ps. 2-7- 45-6-7- 102-25-27- 110-1-. Likewise, the writer shows that Jesus speaks to us through the voice of the psalmist -cf. Heb. 2-12- with ref. to Ps. 22-22-. While the Book of Psalms is a collection of God's ordained songwriters, the Holy Spirit is the ultimate author, and the Holy Spirit spoke through the psalmists to declare the glories of Christ -e.g., Acts 1-16- 4-25-. Though often neglected and sidelined in churches today, the people of God in all ages have sung the psalms as the words of Christ. Paul himself, pointing to the three principal types of Psalms in the Greek OT -psalms, hymns, and odes-, urges the church to -let the word of Christ dwell in you richly- by singing them -Col. 3-16- cf. Eph 5-19-. When we sing the Psalms, we sing the gospel-
Rev. Ric Stanghelle shows from 1 Kings that the choices we make will affect the generations to come, and he challenges us to leave a legacy of faith.
The book of Job imparts wisdom for suffering. The book is both a theodicy-a defense of God regarding the problem of suffering-and a rebuke of self-professed knowledge of the hidden purposes of God's dealings. The book of Job rebukes man's arrogance for thinking he can know the purposes and reasons for God's actions and why bad things happen to certain people. The central message of Job is this- The LORD gives, the LORD takes away, and the LORD restores, for reasons not revealed to us- and it is folly to speculate- indeed, it angers God -42-7-9-. But because God is sovereign over all the affairs of our lives, the path of wisdom is to fear the LORD and say, 'Blessed be his name-' -1-21- 28-28- 42-2-. In the final analysis of suffering, we have what God has revealed to us in Scripture -e.g., Job- Ps 23- Rom 8- 1 Cor 15-50-58- Jas 5-10-11- 1 Pet 4-19- 5-10-11- Rev 21-3-4-. To say anything further is folly and the very antithesis of wisdom. When it comes to speculation on why someone is suffering, the way of wisdom is this- place your hand over your mouth -40-4-.
The Book of Esther reveals the backstory for the Feast of Purim, which celebrates the deliverance of the Jews from an annihilation plot during the days of the Persian empire. The heroes of this story are Esther, a Jewish captive turned Persian queen, and Mordecai, her guardian and cousin. But standing sovereignly behind these heroes is God. While God is not expressly mentioned in the book, a closer look shows that God's hand of providence is behind this grand reversal of conditions. As Mordecai implores Esther to save the Jews, he tells her, -And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this- -4-14-. God providentially used Esther, and Mordecai, to save his people from certain extinction. In a greater way, Esther foreshadows the ultimate reversal which God has bestowed on his church in Christ-who forever reversed the conditions of our estate from slavery to freedom and from death to life -Acts 2-22-24- Col. 1-13- Eph. 2-4-8-. While the Jews celebrate temporal deliverance with the Feast of Purim, we celebrate eternal salvation by -proclaiming the excellencies- of our God who has saved us in Jesus Christ -cf. 1 Peter 2-9-10-.
The book of Ezra-Nehemiah is a call to spiritual reformation. Rebuilding the city of David is not enough. God's people must also live according to God's ways. The book casts the theme of reformation in several ways. First, the LORD uses civil leaders to bless his people and curb evil. Second, the need for reformation is constant as the people continue to fall back into old sins. Third, the ministry of God's Word is the principal means of reform. While the glory of Israel was restored for a season, Jerusalem's temple was rebuilt, and the walls repaired, the greater and constant need of God's people is to be built up by the ministry of God's Word. We are ever in need of reformation. As we turn to the New Testament, we discover this greater truth. God uses the ministry of his gospel preachers to save, strengthen, and reform his church -cf. Acts 2-14ff- Eph. 4-11- Titus 1-9- 2 Tim. 2-2- 4-2-. Until Christ returns and ushers us into the eternal city, the church will be in continual need of reformation. Not a reform to new ideas, but a reform that calls us back to the ancient and authentic ways, to the Word of God.
Chronicles gives hope to the exiles expelled from the Promised Land due to their sin. God is still with them, and he has work for them to do. Chronicles calls God's people --all Israel-- to reunite for their appointed task-return to God's city, rebuild his Temple, and restore the LORD's worship. Worship is a central focus of the book, emphasizing David and Solomon's roles in building the Temple in Jerusalem and uniting -all Israel- together in worship. It is in this work that God's people will find healing. That healing will only come through repentance and faith. The LORD's message to Solomon becomes a clarion call for the reader, -If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land- -2 Chr 7-14-. In every age, healing comes through the humility of repentance and faith -Acts 3-19-21- Jas 4.8-10-. Today, united by Christ, Christians share this temple building legacy -e.g., Eph. 2-10-22- Rom. 12-1-8-, and -every member- is needed -cf. Eph. 4-16- Rom. 12-1-8-.
Has God failed-- That is the question the exiles in Babylon were asking. The Book of Kings is written to restore the faith of God's people in the LORD --Yahweh--, the King of Kings. Israel may have rejected the LORD as king -cf. 1 Sam. 8-7-, but he still sits on his throne -1 Kings 22-19- 2 Kings 19-15, 18, 19-. Everything that happened to Israel and Judah was according to the LORD's sovereign will expressed by his covenant at Moab -cf. Deut. ch. 4, 28, 30-. Israel broke the covenant, again and again, so God made good on his warnings and expelled his people from the land -Israel in 722 BC and Judah in 586 BC-. But this was all according to plan, which is also the reason for hope. While the LORD's covenant faithfulness brought the downfall of Israel and Judah, that same faithfulness kept a king on David's throne. Has God failed-- By no means- Nothing can stop him. He is the King of Nature and the King of Nations- Today, we are in a new season of waiting. The LORD continues to work out his plan of salvation in Christ, and we are a part of that plan -cf. Rom. 9-6ff- Eph. 1-11- Heb. 11- 39-40- 2 Peter 3-15-- And while we live in days of darkness, we wait in faith and hope for our Lord's second coming when the King of kings shall return, and the kingdom of the world shall be the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ -Rev. 11-15- 19-16-.
The book of Samuel -known as 1 and 2 Samuel- is about the rise of the Messiah, which means -anointed one.- In the last days of the judges, Israel demanded a king like all the other nations. Their request was a rejection of the LORD as king, but God told Samuel the prophet to answer their request -1 Sam 8-7, 10-19-. God gave them Saul, a king truly like the nations. But Saul's rejection of the LORD's word led to his downfall -1 Sam 15-23-. Out of the ashes of Saul's rejected kingship, the LORD tells Samuel to anoint David king, 'a man after his own heart' -1 Sam 13-14-. And while the LORD never rejects David, David's reign, which begins triumphantly, is also plagued by failure and tragedy -2 Sam 13-20, 24-. Nevertheless, the LORD makes an everlasting covenant with David to raise up for him a son, and he will establish the throne of his kingdom forever -2 Sam 7-12-13- cf. 22-51- 23-5-. The NT reveals that the only king that can rule God's people is God himself. God sends his own son, the Lord Jesus, to be the anointed son of David, the Messiah -Gk. -Christ--, whose kingdom shall have no end -Luke 1-32-33- Rev 11-15-.
The book of Ruth is like an oasis in the desert. After story upon story of grim narrative, treachery, and tragedy -e.g., the bulk of Numbers through Judges-, Ruth paints a picture of beautiful redemption. Not only does Ruth tell the story of how a Gentile women became a part of the people of God, but it also shows how that same woman became a part of the linage of King David -4-18-22-, and David's greater son, our Lord Jesus Christ -Matt. 1-5-. All of this is made possible by God's providential care through the loving-kindness of Ruth's kinsmen redeemer, Boaz. The book of Ruth is a picture of faith and beautiful redemption, and it is a welcome break from the treachery and tragedy that surrounds it on all sides.
Choose life that you may live -30-19-. On the plains of Moab, a new generation of Israelites enter covenant with the LORD to go into the Promised Land and be his people. But total allegiance is required, and failure comes with stiff penalties-a cursed existence and expulsion from the Land. While it becomes clear that Israel will fail -30-1-3- 31-27-29-, the LORD promises a Prophet to lead his people who is greater than Moses, and Deuteronomy ends with hope anticipating that greater Moses to come -18-15, 18- 34-10-12- cf. Acts 3-22- Heb. 3-1-6-. That Prophet will be the way to eternal life and the only one who can ultimately save us from the covenant curse of the law -John 14-6- Gal. 3-10-14-.
Rebellion has consequences. The book of Numbers records the tragic story of the failure of God's people to enter the Promised Land. The consequence of Israel's continuous rebellion to God, his servants, and his law, was forty years of wilderness wandering and the death of an entire generation. Nevertheless, God was faithful to bring his people to the Promised Land, even as he gave us a greater leader than Moses to bring us into a greater land. The NT understands Israel's rebellion as the sin of unbelief which results in the failure to enter the new creation rest in heaven -cf. Heb. 3-4-, and this tragic story was written for us, -that we might not desire evil as they did- -1 Cor. 10-6-.
Holiness is the dominant theme of Leviticus -used 92x in the book-. Holiness means -set apart.- Israel has been -set apart- by the LORD to be his people. Therefore, they shall worship, and they shall live as a people -set apart- for God, they shall be distinct from the surrounding nations. Leviticus contains the laws that God gave to Moses for the people of Israel -27-34-. The basis for these rules and regulations is that God is God, emphasized by the recuring statement, -I am the LORD- -used 49x-. This message concludes with a reflection on the use of the Law in the NT and today.
The book of Exodus is all about God defining the relationship with Israel as his covenant people. Exodus picks up the narrative from Genesis and for the first time reveals the personal name of God-Yahweh, the great -I AM.- In Exodus, the Lord reveals his glory in three key locations as he shows himself to be the Deliverer, the Lawgiver, and the God Who Dwells with His People.
The gospel of Jesus Christ is promised from the very beginning. This message kicks off a new sermon series called Walk through the Bible- Introduction to the Holy Scriptures Book by Book. This morning we begin with the book of Genesis to understand the story of creation, the spread of the curse, and the promise of the gospel.
Peter Moi helps us see Christ's glory in his resurrection and appearances from John 20. Therein we also discover the entire purpose of John's gospel.
Everything in John's gospel builds to this- Jesus' hour of glory. As Jesus goes to the cross, we see nine ways that Jesus is glorified. And it is by beholding Jesus' glory that John calls us to believe in him and have life in his name.
What does Jesus pray for you- Jesus's priorities in prayer are very different from what you might expect. John 17 gives us a window into what Jesus prays for us, and what we should prioritize in our prayers today.
Jesus gives us peace in a world of tribulation. The foundation for Christian peace is grounded in four encouragements that Christ gives us in John 15-16.
Peter Moi shows us that abiding in Jesus leads to a fruitful life and love for the church.
Lonliness is a troubling plague in modern society, and Christians are not immune. Jesus cures the hearts of his disciples troubled by the news that he is about to leave them-a ready cure for all who long to see Jesus today as lonely souls on earth.
So you want to be a Christian- You must become a foot washer. But what exactly does that mean- Jesus shows us that real love is at the heart of this ancient practice. And it is Jesus' real love that we must practice if we call ourselves Christians.
Peter Moi unpacks Jeremiah 1 to show us Jeremiah's call to judgment and its implications for today.
The Pharisees do everything they can to silence and humiliate Christ. But his glory cannot be hidden. And we see many parallels in the modern political landscape. John concludes the first major section of his gospel by revealing the tactics of wicked men and Christ's glory which they can not diminish.
All people die. But can we have a certain hope in eternal life after death- Peter Moi shows us three reasons for our resurrection hope in John 11.
How do you know if you are a real or fake Christian- John 10 reveals truth about who Jesus's sheep really are.
The more the world knows Jesus, the more they hate him. In John 8 Jesus finds himself locked in mortal combat with the darkness. But on which side are you- Will you remain in darkness or come into the light of life-
Blood is on the hands of every pastor-the spiritual blood guilt of their people. And there is only one way to wash it off.
H-vard Handeland argues from John 7 that the more people know Jesus, the more they hate him. So it is for God's people who do not belong to this world.
Why do people walk away from Jesus- We are given the answer by Jesus himself in John chapter 6.
Rev. Richard Stanghelle shows us from John 6 that Jesus is the one who satisfies our hunger. He is with us through storm and sea. An he invites us to share in his work today. Jesus is the one, and like him there is no other-
Rev. Richard Stanghelle shows us Jesus' five witness from John 5. People listen to many voices, many experts, and many guides while refusing to listen to Jesus. Who will you listen to-
Am I really saved- Would God really save me if knew all of my sins- Honest Christians wrestle with assurance of faith. John 4 is a great antidote to doubt. Come behold the glory of Christ for he is the savior of sinners.
It is not enough to know who Jesus is, you must respond to Christ in faith. John exalts the glory of Christ in this important section of the Gospel. Embrace God's love in Christ and you will never perish. Reject it, and you remain condemned. How will you respond to the Christ of faith-
Who is the Jesus of history- Your eternal destiny hangs in the balance in how you answer this great question.
Why did God become man- John's gospel begins with an introduction to the glory of the incarnation-the Word that became flesh. Find grace, truth and life in Christ, as as we unpack the question- What is the glory of the incarnation-
Join us for a new series in the gospel of John. The gospel of John is a manifestation of the glory of Christ, through many signs and witnesses, so that you may believe in him and have life in his name. Behold the glory of Christ and live-
Heaven is our home- Psalm 134 keeps our eyes fixed on Christ in heaven, as we serve him as pilgrim-priests on earth. Come bless the Lord, and may the Lord bless you from Zion.
Psalm 133 celebrates our union and communion with Christ and his church. Behold how very good it is when brothers dwell in unity-
Has God abandoned us in this dark hour- This was a real question for God's OT pilgrims. But it's a question we still ask today as we wait for Christ amidst the darkness of our times. Psalm 132 displays the glories of Christ and his church and gives us assurance that he is with us always. His commitment to dwell in Zion shall never change.
Pride not only ruins lives, but it may cost your soul. Many among the -visible- people of God never made it because of their proud hearts. David points us to a better way, and the One who is our greater hope-whose greatest act of humility made possible our journey home.
Will God forgive my sins- Every Christian has experienced the dark night of the soul, when sin and dispair overwhelm them. Psalm 130 gives us the antidote. In the Lord there is forgiveness and therein lies an unshakable hope-
Persecutions without number are the lot for God's old and new testament people. And Christians today cannot escape it either. Psalm 129 gives us a national confession and prayer to remind ourselves of one simple and glorious truth- Jesus wins every time-
This sermon addresses the question of Israel, the Church and who are God's People. To help Christians know their place and purpose within the Psalms, it is vital to know how they fit into God's Old and New Testament plan for his people. Is the modern state of Israel God's people- If not, then who-
We rarley get what we want the way we want it. But there is a true blessing for those who fear God. Psalm 128 explores the tension between God's promised blessings and the time and manner in which we get it. But there is peace for all who fear the Lord, and upon the Israel of God.
The turning point in our life and mission is the Lord Jesus Christ. But unless he builds the house, all our labors are vain and empty. We all long to give our lives to work that has lasting meaning and value. And only in the Lord, will our work will last forever.
Joy in the Christian life is essential, because the road to heaven is filled with tears and sorrows. Psalm 126 gives us great cause for joy-joy that we need today--because the Lord is doing great things for us.
Christians long for security and hope in days of trouble. In this regard, few texts of Scripture are more encouraging to our faith than Psalm 125. Like Mt. Zion, we shall never be moved-
What are the chances of survival without God- Zero. If the Lord leaves us to our enemies, they will swallow us alive. But blessed be God who has delivered us from their teeth- Our help is in the name of the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.
Have mercy on us, O Lord- The journey to heaven is frought with danger-hardships, heartaches, and those who hate us. Our only hope is to plead for the mercy of God. Find comfort and hope with the psalmist who cries out to the King of Grace.
Home is not where the heart is-it's where God is- Psalm 122 calls us to find our true home in God's place of worship. Learn why the church experiences their true home in heaven even as they gather as God's pilgrim people on earth.
The path to heaven is frought with danger, and so anxiety, worry and doubt can be our constant yet helpless companions. But Psalm 121 gives us far better news for heaven's journey-our help comes from the Lord who keeps us from all harm-
Nothing makes us long for heaven more than the fact we live on earth with pagans who hate peace. But hope shall be found in this new series, -Going Home- Longing for God in the Psalms of Asents.-
The glory that awaits God's people is beyond comprehension. And the devil will do anything to stop it. Peter concludes his letter with a sober warning and an ultimate reason for hope in suffering.
How does Jesus protect his sheep when the devil prowls around to eat them- Peter gives us a timely word showing how biblical leadership is a principle way that Christ cares for his weary, suffering people.
Few Christians are prepared for suffering. Peter gives us timely advice for how to act as Christians in suffering, and how we can find hope, joy and glory therein.
What does God want you to do in the midst of suffering- Is it a time to retreat, or a time to get busy serving God's people for his glory- Peter shows us how the economics of grace are vital for the suffering church to stay focused on what matters most.
God's people suffer the world's wrath when they don't celebrate its vanities. But higher joys await God's people. Peter shows us how to survive -Vanity Fair,- while pointing us to a greater hope.
Peter says that baptism saves you. But what does he really mean- Rev. Stanghelle helps us understand the integral connection between baptism, hope in suffering, and our victory in Christ.
Our greatest privilege in suffering is something that every believer should know. Rev. Matthew Stanghelle shows us the highest privilege of Christian suffering in our latest message from 1 Peter, -Suffering for Christ's Honor.-
Prosperity teachers are full of lies. So how then do we find real prosperity- Rev. Matthew Stanghelle shows us the unexpected path to prosperity from 1 Peter 3.
Should you stay in a difficult marriage- What does the Bible say- Rev. Matthew Stanghelle helps us find purpose and hope in hard marriages from 1 Peter 3.
Does God redeem pain- Can any good come from unjust suffering as a Christian- Rev. Matthew Stanghelle helps us find hope in suffering as we walk in the footsteps of Christ.
How should Christians live in an age of civil unrest- Should the church obey the government, or take political action against it- Rev. Matt Stanghelle explores the nature of civil obedience, and its limits, in our latest sermon from our 1 Peter series, -Civil -Dis-obedience.-