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.
Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 4: Creation
As a congregation recently aligned with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, we will continue working through the Westminster Confession of Faith on this blog. I hope this will deepen your understanding of our faith's theological foundations. The Westminster Confession of Faith and the Larger and Shorter Catechisms are cornerstone documents embodying the rich theological heritage of the Reformed faith. Today, we focus on Chapter 4 of the Westminster Confession of Faith, which discusses God’s creative work.
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.
Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 3: God’s Eternal Decree
As an Evangelical Presbyterian Church, we stand proudly in the Reformed tradition. We subscribe to the Westminster Confession of Faith, a cornerstone document articulating the Reformed faith's core tenets. Among its chapters, Chapter 3 stands out for delving into the profound and sometimes challenging doctrine of God's eternal decree. It ventures into the territory of God's sovereignty and human freedom, a topic that has intrigued, challenged, and even confused believers for centuries. Let’s look at a few key points of this chapter of the confession. Let's quickly unpack this chapter to make its teachings accessible and meaningful for our daily walk.
Westminster Confession of Faith: Chapter 2
As we continue looking at the Westminster Confession of Faith, we dive into Chapter 2. After speaking on Holy Scripture in Chapter 1, we turn the page and zoom in on God and the Holy Trinity. It is a heavy topic, to be sure, but the Westminster Confession of Faith takes this difficult topic and condenses it down for us in a helpful and terse way.
A Sure Confidence
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.
Last month I shared that I had been experiencing some television nostalgia by watching the Andy Griffith show. Enjoying stepping back into the past inspired me to watch another show that I watched as a child. When I was younger there was nothing more exciting than Friday evening at 7:00 PM. That was when "The Dukes of Hazzard" would come through the airwaves to channel 11 on our TV set. The show had cars flying through the air and arrows with sticks of dynamite attached to them. What's not to love?
Westminster Confession of Faith: Chapter One
The first chapter of the Westminster Confession deals with the topic of Holy Scripture and it answers some important question for us about the Bible, such as:
- How do we know God and his will for us?
- What are the books that make up the Bible?
- How do we know that the Bible is God's word and has authority over us?
- How can we be sure that what the Bible says is true?
Devotions: Blessed Are Those Who Hear and Keep
Day 1:
Reading: Luke 11:14-23
Devotional: Today, focus on Jesus's authority over evil spirits. Reflect on the fact that Jesus's miracles are not random acts but meaningful demonstrations of His divine power. Jesus, through His authority, breaks the bonds of sin and evil, setting us free. Consider how this impacts your understanding of Jesus's miracles and His authority.
Question: How does understanding Jesus's authority over evil and death change your perception of His role in your life?
Three Reasons We Say a Prayer of Confession Each Week
Often people wonder the reasons behind some of the elements of worship that we do each week. Maybe you have wondered why we do a Prayer of Confession each week. In many cases the Prayer of Confession is the element of worship that is the first to go when a church trims something from their worship service. For me, the prayer of confession is one of the most important aspects of worship that we do each week and there are three primary reasons that I feel this way.
Devotions: Held by God
Day 1:
Bible Reading: Psalm 57:1-3
Devotional: Begin the week by reflecting on God's steadfast love and faithfulness, as revealed in the Psalms. This passage illustrates the depth of God's care for us, His constant presence and the refuge He provides in times of turmoil. Consider how God has been your refuge and fortress in times of adversity.
Question: How have you experienced God's steadfast love and faithfulness in your life?
October 8 Sermon: Held by God
Here we are today. We're finishing up our five-week series on understanding grace, and what we have been doing is we've been looking at the doctrines of grace and we'll review those here in just another second but today we are considering the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints. Now, during our journey through these five points in the doctrines of grace, I have been pointing out that there is a logical progression and consistency to these doctrines, and so it all starts out with our understanding of total depravity.
Our Identity in Christ
You are a new creation in Christ. As we grow in grace and the Holy Spirit works in us we will see this coming through in our lives. While we do not reach perfection in this life we are confronted with our sin, comforted with the gospel, and God grants us the gift of repentance to love and serve him in his world. As we journey through this life may we come to embrace our identity in Jesus and never doubt who we are or whose we are.
Devotions: Transformed by the Spirit
Day 1:
Bible Reading: Romans 8:28-30
Devotional: Today, we dive into the doctrine of predestination. Reflect on how God knew you before the foundations of the world and chose you for His glory. Recognize that God's grace is so powerful that it transforms our hearts and minds, drawing us to Him irresistibly. Pray for a deeper understanding of this divine election and its implications for your life.
Question: How does understanding God’s predestination impact your view of His grace?
October 1 Sermon: Transformed by the Spirit
In week four of our series “Understanding Grace” we look at the doctrine of Irresistible Grace. For those appointed to salvation, the Holy Spirit will work in their life to bring them to faith in Jesus Christ.
The Bible teaches us that we are all dead in sin and unable to come to God on our own. However, when the Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin and draws us to Christ, we understand the irresistible nature of God’s grace.
The doctrine of irresistible grace is a source of great comfort and assurance for believers. It reminds us that our salvation is not dependent on our own efforts, but on the grace of God. It also gives us confidence that God will continue His transforming work in our lives to conform us to the image of His Son.
Devotions: Intentional Atonement
Day 1:
Bible Reading: Isaiah 53:1-6
Devotional: Reflect on the suffering of Jesus, the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy. Consider how Jesus took on our grief, carried our sorrows, and was pierced for our transgressions. Take some time today to thank Jesus for His sacrifice and ask for His grace to follow Him faithfully.
Reflection Questions:
1. What does Jesus' suffering mean to you personally?
2. How does knowing that Jesus bore your sins affect your understanding of God's love for you?
3. How can you show gratitude for Jesus' sacrifice in your daily life?