August 11 Sermon: From the Heavens to the Heart
As you and I take in the world around us, we're blessed to have so many tools at our disposal. We are able to explore the depths of God's created order. And we are not only able to have the gift of being able to look around us without too much effort, we could know the deeper details of what we are observing in the world. We can get a telescope and we can have a closer look at the heavenly bodies that adorn the night sky. And we can look into a microscope and see even deeper intricacies in these objects that we see that are close at hand to us. And both of these tools, they allow us to get beyond what is visible with the naked eye.
May 12 Sermon: Receive Your King
This past Thursday was Ascension Day, forty days after the resurrection. Christians believe and we confess that the Lord Jesus Christ ascended into heaven and you have probably taken note over the years that whenever we get to this Sunday I make some sort of comment about how this is a pretty forgotten doctrine. But I do say that for a reason. This is a pretty forgotten doctrine, but I do say that for a reason. It is rather something that we don't consider all the time. As I've mentioned before, I don't have very many books in my library, whether digitally or in physical form, about the Ascension. I used to say I only had one. I now have two. Whoo, I doubled my books on the as ascension. I used to say I only had one, I now have two. I doubled my books on the ascension.
Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 6: Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof
In our faith journey, understanding the nature of sin and its impact on our lives is crucial for personal growth and spiritual development. Chapter 6 of the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF), titled "Of the Fall of Man, of Sin, and of the Punishment Thereof," offers profound insights into sin's origin, nature, and consequences. This chapter is a theological exposition and a roadmap that helps believers navigate the challenges of living in a fallen world. Let's break down the critical points of this chapter in a way that's accessible and meaningful for everyday life.
Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 5: Of Providence
As we navigate through the complexities of life, the doctrine of God's providence offers us immense comfort and guidance. This is the theme of Chapter 5 of the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF), a foundational document for churches in the Reformed tradition. As a congregation recently making our home in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, we are working through the Confession to get to know it better.
This chapter, titled "Of Providence," delves into understanding how God interacts with the world He has created. It is a complex topic, but the Westminster Confession helps us understand this concisely and is accessible to everyone, regardless of theological background.
Devotions: Freed By His Blood
Day 1: The Supremacy of Jesus Christ
Reading: Revelation 1:4-5
Devotional: Today, we meditate on the authority and comfort Jesus brings as our supreme Lord. In these verses, John introduces us to the majestic nature of Christ's rule. Reflect on how the description of Jesus as the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth encourages you amidst your trials. Consider how Jesus' victory over death offers you hope and assurance.
Devotions: The Revelation of Jesus Christ
Day 1: The Divine Origin and Purpose of Revelation
Bible Reading: Revelation 1:1-3
Devotional: As we begin our journey through the Book of Revelation, let's consider this profound text's divine origin and purpose. God's intention for revealing this message is not to confound us but to unveil His plan and encourage steadfast faithfulness. Reflect on how the Lord is revealing His purposes in your life today. What does it mean to you that this scripture is God-breathed and intended for your encouragement?
February 18 Sermon: The Revelation of Jesus Christ
It's fun to be a part of when something is revealed to people who are unexpected, when they are waiting for something, and my mind immediately goes to those renovation shows that are on television. While watching those shows, you get insights into what the owners of the house would like to have done to update their home. And then we're taken along on the process of remodeling, but we're never really given the full view. During the course of the heart of the show we're given some updates but we don't ever see the full finished project, and the shows are edited in such a way that we have a very good idea of what the exterior and the other rooms are supposed to look like, what they might look like, but we don't really see the full thing until we get to the end. And then, right before the final commercial break, we get a preview of the reaction of the owners of the home and they're gasping. We are excited to see the full reveal.