Podcasts by Belgrade URC

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Attending God’s Assembly (LD 38; 1 Timothy 4:11-16) from 2023-05-25T10:29

Paul exhorts Timothy to practice and use his gifts for ministry. We might wonder what is so special about this gift of ministry. It appears to us that an...

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Repent and Receive the Spirit! (Acts 2:36-39) from 2023-05-23T14:00:09

Peter uses strong language after his Pentecost sermon. Peter says, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness...

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Do Not Take an Oath at All? (Matthew 23:16-22; LD 37) from 2023-05-18T10:18

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Loved through Discipline (Hebrews 12:1-13) from 2023-05-16T15:02:43

When we face difficult times in life we are tempted to think that God is not present in the midst it. We think that when things do not go our w...

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Bearing God's Name (Colossians 3:12-17; LD 36) from 2023-05-11T10:11

The Apostle Paul exhorts us to put on Christ. We are exhorted to be consciously set apart in Christ Jesus. The hidden mystery, that is God's plan of redemp...

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What About the Others? (Hebrews 11:32-40) from 2023-05-09T14:40:30

We conclude the catalogue of saints who have gone before us. Hebrews concludes the catalogue of saints with some who had to wait upon the Lord in extreme c...

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God’s Exclusive Worship (LD 35; 2 Kings 18:4, 5) from 2023-05-04T10:10

The Lord calls us to worship him exclusively. We can be creative in our worship. We struggle to follow the Lord and to follow him exclusively. We see this ...

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Moses’ Precedent (Hebrews 11:23-31 from 2023-05-02T15:10:17

The author of Hebrews continues to lay out the significance of the Old Testament saints looking to the one Christ. We are tempted to elevate these heroes r...

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God’s Exclusive Relationship (LD 34; Eph. 5:5) from 2023-04-27T10:52

We might think that idolatry is something that only other people do. If we are honest, we will see that we are blinded to our own affections and self righteousness. We do not see that t...

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The Faithful Precedent (Hebrews 11:8 22) from 2023-04-25T13:52:48

It is common for Christians to see Hebrews 11 as a catalogue of the Heroes of the Faith. This is not necessarily wrong, as there is a precedent of people who walked by faith, but it is ...

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Abraham Saw My Day (Genesis 22) from 2023-04-20T09:57

Abraham presents the picture of the Gospel when he sacrifices Isaac. This is Abraham demonstrating Good Friday and the Lord’s intention.

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Such Knowledge Is Too Wonderful for Me (Jonah 1) from 2023-04-18T14:14:10

The Lord is sovereign and rules over all things. This might sound oppressive until we realize the freedom and joy of living under God's sovereignty.

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Free in Christ (LD 33; Ephesians 5:10) from 2023-04-13T10:01

Billy Joel says, "I would rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints." This is a line in "Only the Good Die Young" that has always intrigued me...

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The Disciples' Christ (Luke 24:18-27) from 2023-04-11T14:37:04

The unnamed centurion carries out murder. This is not to say that everyone who has died by his hand has been murdered, but his carrying out an order to ki...

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Reading Our Easter Story (Luke 24) from 2023-04-09T12:49

Christ’s resurrection is one of the most important days in world history. If Christ is not raised from the dead then all of God’s promises fall flat. In fact, if Christ is not raised ...

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Good Friday: The Centurion's Christ (Luke 23:47) from 2023-04-08T19:27:24

The centurion is charged to execute Christ.  Christ is charged with insurrection.  So, this centurion would most likely expect another insurrecti...

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Reading Our Good Friday Story (Service @ 6:30 Tonight) from 2023-04-07T21:00

This is not so much a mediation, but rather just a reading of our text for our Good Friday service this evening at 6:30. We read the word of God thinking abou...

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Why Obey if Saved By Grace? (LD 32; Matt. 7:17-18) from 2023-04-06T10:59

We are those who are created to do good works. We also know that faith is a gift that is given to us by God. Christ in the Sermon of the Mount gives us ver...

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What is Faith? (Hebrews 11:1-7) from 2023-04-04T13:59:10

"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." This is true, but what is faith? What does faith really do? Hebrews te...

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Preached out of Heaven (Isaiah 6:4-13; LD 31) from 2023-03-30T10:28

Isaiah receives his commission from the Lord to go and bring the word to God's people. This is not a commission that is really positive as the people will ...

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Why Suffer? (Hebrews 10:26-39) from 2023-03-28T16:29:20

The letter to the Hebrews gives us a very strong exhortation not to turn away from the Gospel. The truth is that we do not want to fall into the hands of o...

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Dust in the Wind? (Psalm 90) from 2023-03-23T11:44

Rev. Karel preaches from Moses' Psalm 90. God will overcome the common curse of creation.

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The Song of Moses and the Lamb (Exodus 15) from 2023-03-21T14:18:48

Rev. Karel opens the word of God for us this morning to Exodus 15. He lays out the significance of baptism picturing the Gospel.

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Discerning Our Redemption (1 Cor. 10:14-22; 11:23-24; LD 30) from 2023-03-18T10:51

We are called to examine ourselves when we come to the Lord's Table. There is a frightening reminder that there are some who have died in the midst of the ...

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Living in Light of the Day (Heb. 10:19-25) from 2023-03-16T19:50:23

Hebrews is exhorting us to live in light of Christ's second coming. We are to conduct ourselves in the confidence that Christ is at work in us. We also hav...

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Consuming Christ? (LD 29; John 6:52-59) from 2023-03-09T11:14

The assurance we have is this, "49 Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50 This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that o...

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God’s Promise Secured (Hebrews 10:1-18) from 2023-03-07T16:06:27

The assurance that we have is that Christ has truly overcome. The letter to Hebrews makes a very strong statement that even the law of God is the shadow of...

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Redeemed to Eat True Nourishment (Luke 22:14-23; LD 28) from 2023-03-02T11:54

Our Lord hosts the passover with his disciples on the night that he is betrayed. He applies the signs of the bread and wine to himself. He says that this i...

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Worshipping in the True Tabernacle (Heb. 9:23-28) from 2023-02-28T14:32:05

We conclude the climatic chapter of Christ's priesthood in Hebrews. Christ does his work in the heavenly tabernacle. He makes intercession for us in heaven...

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Baptism: A Communal Sign (Isaiah 44:1-3; LD 27) from 2023-02-23T11:46

Isaiah, the prophet, speaks of the washing that will go forth. This washing is not just for the adults in the community, but their offspring. The wildernes...

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The Blood of the New Covenant (Hebrews 9:11-22) from 2023-02-21T16:48:42

Christ enters through the tabernacle. He makes the definitive sacrifices and then he sits down at the right hand of God. He is the great priest king who ha...

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A Sign of the Time (LD 26; Zechariah 13:1-6) from 2023-02-16T11:24

Zechariah promises that there will be a fountain that is opened. This fountain will open on the day of the Lord where the Lord will establish the true cleansing. The Lord will care for ...

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Worshipping in the Greater Tabernacle (Hebrews 9:1-10) from 2023-02-14T16:58:07

Zechariah promises that there will be a fountain that is opened. This fountain will open on the day of the Lord where the Lord will establish the true clea...

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Redeemed for Discipleship (LD 25; Matt. 28:16-20) from 2023-02-09T11:02

Christ is raised from the dead, he interacts with his disciples on the last mountain, and he goes to heaven. This would appear to be Christ leaving us and ...

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Established on Greater Promises (Heb. 8:1-13) from 2023-02-07T14:46:35

We can think that Christians do not have a priest. We can think that we do not have a tabernacle. However, Hebrews assures us that we do have a priest and ...

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Redeemed to Conscious Living (Isaiah 63:7-64:12; LD 24) from 2023-02-02T11:43

The prophet Isaiah recounts the Lord's gracious work, and intercedes on behalf of God's people. We ultimate rest in God’s steadfast mercy. We are unfait...

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Served by the Definitive Priest (Hebrews 7:11-28) from 2023-01-31T17:33:25

Christ is superior, and we need to see that our joy, comfort, and consolation is found in him exclusively.

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Raised for our Justification (Romans 4; LD 23) from 2023-01-26T11:33

We know that the resurrection of Christ is essential for our resurrection. Our temptation as humans is to think that this is a future blessing. However, th...

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Serving the Greater Priest (Hebrews 7:1-10) from 2023-01-24T16:10:57

We might think that our Christian life has less meaning and less significance when we consider the visible religion. However, we forget the time of the pat...

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Redeemed to Life Everlasting (LD 22; Revelation 6:9-11) from 2023-01-19T11:18

We know that before we can enter into the full bliss of heaven we need to be raised from the dead or enter heaven with a glorified body. We might wonder ab...

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God’s Glorious Oath (Hebrews 6:13-20) from 2023-01-17T14:38:26

When we take an oath we take the oath in the Lord's name. The reason for this is because we need a judge who can peer into the heart. The judge knows what ...

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Redeemed as a Community (LD 21; Revelation 5:1-10) from 2023-01-12T11:50

The Lord's gospel call is incredibly gracious. It is amazing that the Lord calls us to bow our knees before him, and to receive true everlasting life for t...

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Warning Against Apostasy (Hebrews 5:11-6:12) from 2023-01-10T15:29:04

Hebrews is a letter that encourages us to see the sufficiency of Christ. This is a letter that also exhorts us not to fall away from Christ. If we are not ...

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Do We Believe in the Holy Spirit? (LD 20; Galatians 3:14) from 2023-01-05T12:17

Christians can struggle with assurance. We can struggle with whether or not we really have the Holy Spirit. Some people say that we need to have an experie...

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Is Christ Able to Relate? (Hebrews 5:1-10) from 2023-01-03T14:49:57

Christ is God and man. Christ took on human flesh, lived a perfect life, and now is in glory. We are earthlings from the dirt, we are fallen, and we are by...

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Jesus, the Christmas Confirmation (Luke 2:1-38) from 2022-12-29T11:53

Jesus lives up this his name. His name means Yahweh Saves. Jesus enters history to save his people from their sins. This is why Christ has to be born an in...

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John’s Christmas Expectation (Luke 3:1-20) from 2022-12-27T15:17

John is the prophet who announces Christ's arrival. His privilege is that he sees the fulfillment of his word. He is a prophet of reformation to call Israe...

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"Hello, Darkness, My Old Friend" (LD 16; Psalm 88) from 2022-12-22T17:04:02

We thank Rev. Jeffrey Karel for filling our pulpit on short notice. https://www.missoulaurc.com #reformedfaith #fivepoints #wordandsacrament #meansofgrace

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Christ’s Glorious Throne Room (Psalm 110; LD 19) from 2022-12-08T12:08

The apostles' creed teaches that Christ is sitting on the right hand of God. We might think that this makes Christ distant from the Lord. We might think th...

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Our Compassionate Priest (Hebrews 4:14-17) from 2022-12-06T14:45:31

It is easy for us as Christians to see Christ as distant, detached for us, and seated in an unattainable place. This is probably part of the struggle for t...

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God Remembers His Promises! (Psalm 51; COD 5 Arts 7,8) from 2022-04-21T10:43

We are warned by those who have gone before us that if we push the boundaries of grace that God might give us the sin that we desire. The Lord might allows...

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Skeptics Find Truth (John 20:1-31) from 2022-04-19T15:36:43

Mary goes out to the tomb to pay her respects to her dead teacher. She finds that the tomb is disturbed, the stone is rolled away, and someone has taken he...

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Grace and Truth In the Flesh (John 18:28-19:16) from 2022-04-16T22:28

We look at Christ and Pilate going back and forth. The issue that we consider is how can Christ say that he is the essence of truth? It seems rather strang...

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God's Gracious Boundaries (Head 5; Art 4-6)(1 Peter 1:1-9) from 2022-04-14T10:13

The doctrine of the perseverance of the saints is sometimes summarized as, "Once saved always saved." There is truth to this statement, but it radically mi...

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Man's City Under Surveillance (Zechariah 1:7-17) from 2022-04-12T16:06:23

People in the city of man think that they are safe. They trust in their military might and their strategy. However, the city of man looses sight of the rea...

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God Returns to His People (Zechariah 1:1-6) from 2022-04-07T11:18

God says through his prophet, “Return to me and I will return to you.” This is a promise that sounds rather conditional. This is strange considering that...

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Just Sinners (Hd 5, Arts 1-3; Romans 6:1-23) from 2022-04-05T15:22

The Apostle Paul tells us that we are either slaves of sin or slaves of righteousness. Is our situation really this dire? Are we really just people destine...

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Whispers of a Deliverer (Judges 15) from 2022-03-31T10:06

Samson is the judge that Israel deserved as one who characterizes Israel. He is an imperfect messiah-deliverer, but he still delivers God's people.

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The Servant Love of Christ(John 13:1-17) from 2022-03-29T15:06:14

Christ is a gracious king who shows his servant quality by washing his disciples feet. This shows us the call to love and service in the kingdom.

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God's Worthy Citizens (2 Peter 1:3-11; COD Head 3, 4, RE 9, 10) from 2022-03-28T11:36

Christ has come to establish the Lord's kingdom and to bring his people to his heavenly city. We might wonder how one is worthy to enter into this city. Do...

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Paul’s Final Farewell (2 Timothy 4:19-22) from 2022-03-26T13:57:26

Paul, the Apostle, writes to a dear friend. Paul writes to a young minister who is most likely seen as Paul's child in the faith. As Paul departs and says ...

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God's Overbearing Mercy (Isa 43:22-44:5; COD Head 3, 4 RE 1-5) from 2022-03-17T10:16

God is the one who overwhelms us with his mercy and Grace. God is the one who prevails over his people. We might think that this is a terrible thing until ...

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Running on Fumes (2 Timothy 4:9-18) from 2022-03-15T14:16:48

Paul, the Apostle, knows that his apostolic ministry is coming to a close. He is not looking to a retirement in this age, but to the ultimate retirement an...

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Oaths: God's Yes and Amen People (Matthew 5:33-37) from 2022-03-12T22:19:34

Christ tells us not to take oaths, but we read the apostle Paul taking oaths and putting other people under oaths. Is Paul contradicting Christ? What does ...

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Man’s Hopeless Situation (COD Head 3, 4 RE 1-4; Ephesians 2:1-6 ) from 2022-03-10T11:21

As human beings who sojourn through this world we can think that we are doing well. The problem is that we might not have the clearest picture on life. The tragedy of our existence is t...

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I’ve Run the Race (2 Timothy 4:6-8) from 2022-03-08T17:13

The Apostle Paul is writing to assure his friend that ministry includes suffering, but also glory. This is very much an extension of Christ's life, death, ...

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Why Give Exhortations and Pursue God if We are Elect? (1 Peter 1:22-2:3; COD 3, 4, Art. 17) from 2022-03-01T16:00:56

We can think that if God has chosen us before the foundation of the world, if God has elected us to be his people, and we are those who worship him then we...

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Why is Christ Distressed about Baptism? (Luke 12:49, 50) from 2022-03-01T15:51:27

We normally think that baptism is a wonderful sign and seal of the Lord's promise. It presents for us the certainty that Christ has endured an eternal puni...

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Work Out Your Salvation (Philippians 1:6; 2:12,13; COD 3,4; 14-16) from 2022-02-24T11:22

We know that we are saved by grace that is applied by the will of God. God is the one who chooses his people, empowers his people, and will preserve his pe...

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The Last Days of Preaching (2 Timothy 4:1-5) from 2022-02-22T16:58:12

The primary way that the church grows in faith and in number is through the preaching of the gospel. You would think that the church would love the preachi...

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God’s Free Spirit (COD 3, 4; Art. 10-13)(John 3:1-8) from 2022-02-18T11:03

The Lord is free to do what the Lord desires to do, but the Lord still uses his means to call his people. We know that his gospel will be sent, and his people will respond in faith. We ...

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How Do We Persevere in Truth? (2 Timothy 3:10-17) from 2022-02-15T18:28:58

Paul has warned us about false teachers and our need to be discerning. The struggle we can have is when do we know the truth and when do we not know the truth. This is where Paul assure...

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Trials in the Last Days (2 Timothy 3:1-9) from 2022-02-08T16:40:10

Paul gives an exhortion to Timothy that not everything is going to go that well in the last days. There will be struggles and hardships for the church. Whe...

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More Than a Certificate (Matthew 5:31-32) from 2022-02-06T00:27:06

Christ commands us not to divorce. This seems to contradict Moses and not seem to account for abuse. What does Christ mean in the sermon on the mount? H...

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Insufficiency of Our Dim Light (COD Head 3, 4 Art. 4-6; Gal 3:23-4:11) from 2022-02-03T12:27

We want to think that we are pretty good and our struggle is rather minimal. So, we want to think that we are good enough and wise enough to see the light. So, we come to Christ because...

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Continually Confessing (2 Corinthians 13:5) from 2022-02-01T18:07:48

We can fall into a trap and think that once we believe the gospel we know the gospel. However, this is not what we find in the Corinthian church. When Paul writes his second letter to t...

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Our Problem of Condemnation (Romans 5:12-21; COD Head 3, 4 Arts 1-3) from 2022-01-27T11:11

Reformed confessions might not lay out the most encouraging words regarding the status of humanity. We say things like man naturally hates God and his neig...

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Discerning What is Pleasing to the Lord (2 Timothy 2:14-26) from 2022-01-25T15:59:05

When Paul exhorts the church he exhorts us to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit. This means that in our day to day lives there might be things that we d...

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Did Christ Need to Die? (Galatians 2:20; COD Head 2, RE 7) from 2022-01-20T12:04

We know that our God is a gracious God and a merciful Lord. He is a God who forgives, and so we wonder why does Christ have to die? It would seem logical t...

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Discerning our Strength in Christ (2 Timothy 2:1-13) from 2022-01-18T16:26

Paul gives us the assurance that where we are faithless God remains faithful. Does this mean that we do not seek and desire to live a Christian life? Are w...

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You Shall Not Commit Adultery (Matt. 5:27-30) from 2022-01-15T21:56

Our Lord commands us not to commit adultery. We might think that in the most literal sense we have done very well. However, how does this command challenge...

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The Same Old Covenant (Romans 3:25; RE 4, 5) from 2022-01-13T13:19

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Christ’s Prisoner or Imprisoned for Christ? (2 Timothy 1:8-18) from 2022-01-11T18:04:34

Paul is detained by Rome because of Christ's gospel. The good news of Christ seems to be halted because Paul is in prison. In fact, there are some who have...

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Christ Sustains His Bride (John 11:45-53) from 2022-01-06T12:04

Christ' work will be applied to his people. We certainly have seen this in John 17. We know that individuals will come to faith, but what about the church?...

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Steadfast Love Endures Beyond Prison (2 Timothy 1:1-7) from 2022-01-04T18:00:42

Paul confers a greeting to Timothy that sounds consistent. However, Paul adds “mercy” to his greeting to Timothy. This is language the echos the Old Testam...

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You Shall Not Murder (Matthew 5:21-26) from 2022-01-01T21:55

It is very easy not to murder someone. We can tell that we are doing well because we have not literally killed a human being out of vengeance. However, C...

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All Saved, Some, or None? Who Decides? (John 17; COD 2, Art 7, 8, RE 1) from 2021-12-30T11:10

John captures Christ's prayer before Christ goes to the cross. This prayer reveals to us that Christ is very aware of his mission and his purpose of enteri...

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King Redeemer of the Kinsmen Redeemer (Matthew 1:18-2:12) from 2021-12-28T15:06:51

Joseph considers his legal recourse regarding his pregnant fiancé. He thinks that she loves another man because Joseph knows that she is not carrying his c...

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A General Call? (Matthew 11:25-30; 5, 6 RE 6) from 2021-12-23T11:11

Christ invites his audience who hears his word to come to him.  We are promised blessing if we are not offended by Christ.  This sounds strange b...

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A Tragedy or Triumph? (Luke 2:1-21) from 2021-12-21T19:40:01

When the Lord declares that he will be victorious over the serpent there is no doubt that the Lord will be victorious over the serpent. God does not overpr...

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I have Come to Fulfill (Matthew 5:17-20) from 2021-12-18T21:44

Christ tells us that he has come to fulfill. This means that Christ has come to put the law and the prophets in their place. In our culture putting someon...

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Christ’s Universal Payment? (1 John 2:2) from 2021-12-16T11:50

John writes to the church with the assurance that Christ's payment satisfies the sins of the world. This sounds like the whole world is saved. This cannot ...

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Saved through Baptism? (1 Peter 3:21,22) from 2021-12-14T18:46:04

Peter tells us, "Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you." This is a pretty strong statement as it sounds like this baptism actually gives us the...

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Why the Heinous Cross (Gal 3:12,14 COD Head 2 Arts. 1, 2 RE 2) from 2021-12-09T11:49

The Lord told Adam that the day he eats of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil he will surely die. The Lord cannot just overlook his justice in orde...

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God Wins (Daniel 12:1-13) from 2021-12-07T16:40:13

The book of Daniel is a book that has many ups and downs in terms of the prophet's mission. He advances almost to the top while exiled in Babylon. However,...

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Does God Love the Unlovable? (Deuteronomy 10:15) from 2021-12-02T11:54

Human beings can go in two different directions. On the one hand we can think that there is something about us that is appealing to God. So, we think that ...

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Can Man Change God’s Book of Truth? (Daniel 11:2-45) from 2021-11-30T16:08:50

Sometimes we can read the news or we can survey our current life and wonder if there is a point to this age. We might wonder if God is still in control or ...

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You Are the Light (Matthew 5:14-16) from 2021-11-28T00:37:25

Our Lord says that you are the light of the world. This almost implies that we are call attention to our good works and the good things that we do.  T...

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God’s Election Has No Recount (Rom. 8:30) from 2021-11-25T12:19

In our political systems we can have recounts because we want to make sure that the right person is elected into office. It is tempting to think that God's election might also be flippa...

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Joining the Angelic Army (Daniel 10:1-11:2) from 2021-11-23T16:06:59

We can have sympathy for Daniel's desire to return to the promised land. Daniel wants to worship his God without persecution. He believes the words of Jere...

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You Are the Salt of the Earth (Matthew 5:13, 14) from 2021-11-20T21:06

Today when we mention that someone is salty we mean it as a bit of a warning. Saying that someone is salty means that the person probably uses less than r...

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Is There More than Just Trust and Obey? (COD 1; RE1; Acts 13:48) from 2021-11-18T12:18

When Christians talk about man's free will and our coming to faith we end up with the old "Tastes Great.... Less Filling debate." We are not getting to the...

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Beyond the Land Promise: 70th Week (Daniel 9:20-27) from 2021-11-16T17:18:39

We can relate with a desire to return to normalcy, the things that bring us close to God, and our religious traditions that we cherish. The Lord has ripped...

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Blessed are the Persecuted (Matthew 5:11,12) from 2021-11-13T21:14

We are told that persecution is a blessing.  Persecution is suffering.  Normally we do not associate suffering with blessing.  However, Chri...

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Ruminating about God's Grace (Romans 11:28-36; COD Head 1 Art. 18) from 2021-11-11T11:13

If we really understand our relationship to our God we should be humble. There is nothing about the story of redemption that leads man to be arrogant. Howe...

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Praying for Mercy (Daniel 9:1-19) from 2021-11-09T17:33

Daniel has reported to us his visions that he received by the grace of God. It would seem that the vision would be the source of Daniel's comfort and conte...

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Blessed are the Peacemakers from 2021-11-06T21:51:01

Jeremiah gives a very severe warning that we are not to say , “peace, peace when there is no peace. “ Christ states in Matthew 10, ““Do not think that I ha...

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How Find Comfort after Infant's Death? (1 Cor. 7:14; 2 Sam 12:23; COD 1:17) from 2021-11-04T10:24

As human beings we have a tendency to be sentimental and make our judgements based upon our own bias. We can think that cute infants are unstained from sin...

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Seeing Under History’s Hood (Daniel 8:1-27) from 2021-11-02T15:26

Our perspective on the world is very limited and one sided. We cannot see the bigger picture of history and the ultimate guidance of the Lord. I am sure th...

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"Blessed are the Pure in Heart" (Matthew 5:8) from 2021-10-30T20:41

Christ assures us that those who are pure in heart will see God. Does this mean that if we are pure enough then we will have a vision or be taken up into heaven immediately? How do we ...

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“What Does the Go-Fer Have to Say?” (Hebrews 3:1-6) from 2021-10-27T01:05:49

Enjoy this exhortation from Mr. Jeffrey Karel who fills our pulpit while our pastor is on vacation.

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Are all saved? (Rom. 9:19-25; COD Head 1 Art. 15-16) from 2021-10-21T10:36

As human beings we can potentially see ourselves as adorable, maybe a little mischievous, and maybe even a little flawed. The reality is that we are not al...

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Four Beasts One Lord (Daniel 7:1-28) from 2021-10-19T16:25:54

Daniel is terrorized by his vision of four ugly beasts. These are strange looking creatures, hybrids of mighty animals, and what man can defeat them? This ...

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Blessed are the Merciful (Matthew 5:7) from 2021-10-16T21:28

Our Lord gives the assurance that as we show mercy we will receive mercy. It this a relationship that is reciprical? It means that the more we show the m...

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Does God's Election Lead to Spiritual Laziness? (COD 1, Arts. 12-14; Romans 12:1-3) from 2021-10-14T10:51

One would think that if we are assured that Christ's work is enough then it would cheapen grace. It seems that we would think there is no need to desire go...

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Different King, Revised Story, Same Result: Lion's Den (Daniel 6) from 2021-10-12T15:51:18

This is a new king, but certainly an inferior man of action compared to Nebuchadnezzar. Nebuchadnezzar wanted to witness the men going against his decree, ...

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Faith Alone from Start to Finish (Galatians 3:1-14) from 2021-10-07T10:29

Mr. Brad Dickey fills our pulpit and gives us the assurance that Christ's work is enough and all that is needed for us to attain eternal life.

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Do Not Love the World (1 John 2:12-17) from 2021-10-05T14:47:02

Mr. Brad Dickey fills our pulpit this morning exhorting us not to love this world as our primary source of hope.

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Blessed are the Hungry (Matthew 5:6) from 2021-10-02T20:24

We normally do not consider hungry people to be blessed people. However, Christ assures us that the hungry and thirsty are blessed. How can this be?

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Why Jacob Over Esau? (Gen. 25:23; Rom. 9:13-18; COD 1:6-11) from 2021-09-30T11:10

The Lord says, "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.." The Lord uses strong language against Esau. What did Esau do that is so bad? Why does the Lord love the ...

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The Writing on the Wall (Daniel 5:1-31) from 2021-09-28T16:15:01

Nebuchadnezzar is dead and now there is a new king. This king Belshazzar rides the coat tails of Nebuchadnezzar. Will this man take to heart the reality th...

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Blessed are the Meek (Matthew 5:5) from 2021-09-25T20:35

Today we encourage people to be active and deliberate in life because the successful are those who seize the day. We think of the meek people as the weak ...

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We’re Not Worthy (COD Head 1 Arts. 1-5; Eph. 2:1-10) from 2021-09-23T10:09

The Apostle Paul tells us that faith is a gift. Is this a gift that we reach up and grab or is this a gift that is imposed on us? Why would this gift need ...

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Humbling Babel (Daniel 4:1-37) from 2021-09-21T15:39:39

King Nebuchadnezzar was not humbled by his first dream. Instead, he builds a great statue decreeing that the empire bows down to the statue. It is a commem...

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No Millennium? (Revelation 20:1-7; BC 37) from 2021-09-16T11:20

John says that Satan is bound for 1000 years or a millennium. How do we know if we are in the millennium? We work through this issue showing that we do not...

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The True God Saves (Daniel 3:1-30) from 2021-09-14T13:19:11

The Lord revealed to Nebuchadnezzar in a dream and through the Lord's prophet Daniel that Nebuchadnezzar's kingdom will not endure forever. Nebuchadnezzar ...

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Blessed are those who Mourn from 2021-09-11T23:02:26

When someone is in a state of mourning we do not associate that with blessing. However, Christ says that those who mourn are blseed. How can they be bles...

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The Feast of Life (Rev. 2:1-7; 22:1-21; Art. 37) from 2021-09-09T10:05

John describes for us his vision of our heavenly graduation. The exhortation at the beginning of the book of Revelation is our invitation to enter into the...

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The King’s Nightmare Revealed (Daniel 2:24-49) from 2021-09-07T13:55:21

Nebuchadnezzar has a nightmare that plagues him and keeps him up at night. He needs to know his fate, but no one can tell him. His theologians have told hi...

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Blessed are the Poor in Spirit from 2021-09-04T19:59

Christ is the lord of lords and the king of kings.  He is God who has taken on the flesh to save his people from their sins.  If Christ is a king you would think that his prio...

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Why Obey the Government? (1 Timothy 2:1-7; BC Art. 36) from 2021-09-02T10:03

The Apostle Paul exhorts us to live a peaceful and quiet life. This sounds like a life that is full of compromise. What can we do as Christians to be disti...

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The King Nightmare (Daniel 2:1-23) from 2021-08-31T15:09

Nebuchadnezzar is used to getting his way and setting the terms of his reign. He has conquered nations, gods, and has plundered their temples. However, the...

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From Sinai to Zion from 2021-08-28T20:24

Christ takes his seat on the mountain and begins to speak. We might think that this is a place that would give him a great vantage point for the crowd to see him. Is this the only reason Christ i...

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Which Lord Prevails? (Daniel 1:1-21) from 2021-08-26T10:44

Jerusalem's fall is a tragic event. It is an event where a tyrannical king, the king who sees himself as a lord who rivals the true Lord, and it seems that...

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Living in Darkness (Matthew 4:12-17; Isa 9:1-7) from 2021-08-24T15:44:30

Rev. Casey Freswick fills our pulpit and lays out the significance of Christ going to the land of Zebulun and Naphtali.

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Eating Christ's Body and Blood (John 6:52-59; BC 35) from 2021-08-19T17:52:08

Christ uses strong language to encourage the church to have life. HIs language communicates that we have the literally consume Christ in the sense that he ...

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The Lord Sanctify You Completely (I Thessalonians 5:23-28) from 2021-08-17T15:54:43

We wrap up our series on Thessalonians. It is important to remember that the rabble of the city were agitators who did not like the gospel. They claimed to...

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The Secret to a Happy Life (1 Thessalonians 5:12-22) from 2021-07-29T10:29

The apostle Paul exhorts the church to rejoice always and in all circumstances. This is not very easy to do and we might want to just fake it until we make...

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The Covenant in My Blood (Luke 22:19-21 ; BC 35) from 2021-07-27T14:30:07

Our Lord celebrates the passover with his disciples. It is tempting to think that as the Lord celebrates the passover with his disciples that passover and ...

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Passing our Pilgrimage from 2021-07-25T01:24:04

This is the last meditation in our series of God’s Pilgrim Citizens. We can be assured that our citizenship is in heaven because Christ has overcome in our place. We recall the tree of life and h...

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The Coming Day (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11) from 2021-07-22T10:50

We are called to live each day in light of our Lord's return. Our Lord will return, but we do not know the day or the time. This explicit truth does not st...

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John’s Baptism or Christ’s Baptism? (Luke 3:1-22; BC 34) from 2021-07-20T14:58:29

John's baptism is a baptism of repentance closing the old testament canon. Christ's baptism is a baptism that goes to the nations with the gospel. We consi...

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Sanctifying Sojourn from 2021-07-18T01:03:57

Paul tells Timothy that Godliness is a mystery. This sounds like we just encounter God somehow and someway, but it is not something that is very concrete....

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Christ: Baptized and Circumcised (Colossians 2:11,12; BC 34) from 2021-07-15T10:36

In order for us to baptize infants it is important to see that Circumcision and Baptism point to the same promise. If the signs do not signify the same thi...

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Hopeful Grieving (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) from 2021-07-13T15:03:53

We associate the resurrection with the end times or easter. We do not always first and foremost think about the resurrection being grounded in Christ guara...

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The Gospel in Exile from 2021-07-10T20:55:37

The Lord commanded Israel to go into the land to engage in holy war.  They are to devote all that is unholy to destruction.  We skip ahead in Scr...

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Why the Sacraments? (Genesis 17; Romans 4:11) from 2021-07-08T10:47

Abraham receives the official Covenant of Grace in Genesis 15. The Lord is going to establish his covenant promise through this barren couple. This barren ...

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Walking to Glory (1 Thessalonians 4:1-12) from 2021-07-06T14:25:33

If Christ is the one who secures us, makes us alive, and guarantees our passage into heaven then are there norms for us to live out? Do we just say that we...

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Agents of Judgment from 2021-07-03T20:00

The Lord promises to bring his people into His rest.  So, now we consider the Lord’s people going into Canaan.  They have a command to devote to ...

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Establishing Blameless Hearts (1 Thessalonians 3:11-13) from 2021-07-01T10:43

The Apostle Paul desires to meet with the Thessalonian church, but there is no clear path to make this happen. Paul is frustrated because the Thessalonian ...

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God's Orderly Church (1 Corinthians 14:33, 40; BC 32) from 2021-06-29T14:17

Reformed people are often accused of being drab, stoic, or rote. This week we look at 1 Corinthians 14 and consider why our worship is very structured. We ...

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God's Exodus People from 2021-06-26T20:21

The Lord sword to Abraham that he would deliver Abraham’s descendants out of the land of slavery.  We look at the exodus and the assurance that the Lord’s mighty hand is shown in t...

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Members of a Long-Suffering Kingdom (1 Thessalonians 3:1-10) from 2021-06-24T11:01

The book of Hebrews teaches us that Christ truly is central and essential. The Old Testament models point to Christ and show the necessity of his work. Heb...

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Heeding the Gospel Ministry (Hebrews 13:17) from 2021-06-22T15:05:21

The book of Hebrews teaches us that Christ truly is central and essential. The Old Testament models point to Christ and show the necessity of his work. Heb...

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The Gift of the Gospel (Ephesians 4:11,12; BC Art. 30) from 2021-06-17T11:04

The Apostle Paul says, "11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints, for the work of min...

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Worthy of God's Kingdom (2) (1 Thessalonians 2:13-20) from 2021-06-15T15:44:39

The Apostles desire to go to a church, but they are not able to meet with that church. Our struggle as Christians is to think that the Lord is not really doing anything to save us. However, we le...

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The Citizen's Amen from 2021-06-12T20:43

The Lord secures his citizens and shepherds them to rest in the heavenly city. We consider Genesis 15 and how this ancient history teaches the unity of God...

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Mark of a False Church (Acts 4:1-22) from 2021-06-10T11:37

The true church desires to bend its neck under Christ's yoke. The true church desires to conform to Christ and build Christ's kingdom rather than its own k...

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Baptized in the Sea (1 Corinthians 10:1-5) from 2021-06-08T14:53

The Corinthian church has many problems and the Apostle Paul uses the precedent of the Exodus to exhort the Corinthian church. Paul does not just recall the Red Sea crossing as part of the Exodus,...

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Am I A Citizen? from 2021-06-05T20:16

We consider what it means that the Lord will put enmity between the Seed of the Woman and the Seed of the Serpent.  The Lord is making explicit that a...

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Worthy of God’s Kingdom (1 Thessalonians 2:1-12) from 2021-06-03T10:25

We struggle to see with the eyes of faith. We can be tempted to please man rather than God. How does the resurrection of Christ, the work of Christ, and ...

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One or Two Baptisms? (Acts 19:1-7; BC 29) from 2021-06-01T16:19:53

We believe that Baptism is a sign of the covenant and not a sign or our faith. In Acts 19 it appears that the Apostle Paul sees baptism as a sign of faith ...

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Gracious Gospel Message (1 Thessalonians 1:1-10) from 2021-05-27T10:25

Paul praises the Thessalonians church for following their example. Why would Paul give the church such praise? How does this praise encourage us today? What does this say about our current circu...

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No Salvation Outside the Church? (Ephesians 1; 5:10, BC 28) from 2021-05-25T14:07:38

Article 28 in the Belgic Confessions says two things that some people find troubling. First, it states that there is no salvation outside the church. What about the thief on the cross? What abou...

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How Does One Become A Citizen? from 2021-05-22T20:02

The Lord is going to raise up citizens to dwell in his kingdom. They will be pilgrims in this world. This week we spend a few minutes seeking to lay out how one enters into the Lord’s kingdom. D...

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Peaceful Consolation (Habakkuk 3:1-19) from 2021-05-20T10:22

Habakkuk began wondering if the Lord hears him, and now he hears the Lord. Is Habakkuk at peace with the Lord's answer? What does Habakkuk have to learn regarding the Lord's sovereign plan? How is ...

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Christ's Easy Yoke (Matthew 11:28; BC 28) from 2021-05-18T16:01:10

Christ is our gracious Lord who takes away the heavy burden. Christ's righteousness goes beyond that of the scribes and the pharisees. Does this mean that we just have to work harder to attain th...

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One Law Two Covenants? from 2021-05-15T20:36:32

We see the tree of life in the Garden of Eden and in the heavenly temple. It would appear that as Adam has to obey the law and we are called to obey the law that our covenantal arrangement is the ...

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God's Triumphing Temple (Habakkuk 2:5-20) from 2021-05-13T10:35

The world seems to have gone awry at different times in history. We might wonder if the Lord really takes note of this age or if the Lord is just sleeping. Habakkuk wants to know what the Lord is...

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One Holy Catholic Church (1 Kings 19; BC 28) from 2021-05-11T14:33:06

The prophet Elijah is very discouraged. It is strange that he would be discouraged. He has won the battle of the gods and rain has been sent in the land. It would seem that these are good things, ...

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Tree of Life from 2021-05-08T20:53

The Tree of Life holds out the promise of glory. This tree is consumed only by those who overcome. This implies that Adam would not have eaten from this tree until his probation in Eden is over. ...

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One Catholic Church (Psalm 89:36; BC 27) from 2021-05-06T11:07

It is strange for protestants to profess that we are "One Catholic Church" or that there is "One Holy Catholic Church." How can protestants deny being Roma...

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Faith of the Faithful (Habakkuk 1:12-2:4) from 2021-05-04T10:56

Habakkuk is coming to grips with the reality that the Lord is bringing a nation worse than Israel to judge Israel. This does not seem possible, but this is...

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Gateway to Sabbath Glory from 2021-05-01T17:55:46

When we do our Bible Studies we can dig down so deep in the significant particulars of Scripture that we miss the overall trajectory of God’s word. It is important to learn what God desires us to ...

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Just Do My Will (Habakkuk 1:1-11) from 2021-04-29T11:21

We are wise human beings and we know what is best for the world around us. In our wisdom we think that God just needs to listen to us because he does not see things clearly. We begin our study in...

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Our Sympathetic Priest (Heb. 4:14-16; 10:19, 23) from 2021-04-27T15:29:38

Human beings can cast God in our image rather than seeing humans are created in God's image. We fail to comprehend that God desires us to pursue him, and God himself is the priest enabling our pur...

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Great Comission (Matthew 28:16-20) from 2021-04-22T10:29

The disciples run out to meet Christ on a mountain Galilee. We would like to find the mountain, but Christ never identifies the proper mountain. Why is it a mountain Galilee? What does Christ me...

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Our One Advocate (I John 2:1; BC 26) from 2021-04-20T15:26:50

Christ has ascended into heaven. Scripture implies that heaven is above the sky. Heaven is far away, and so is our Lord. This is what we are tempted to think and we can be tempted to think that ...

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God Calls His Community from 2021-04-17T19:50:11

We do a series that piggy backs on God’s Pilgrim People. Now we are going to look at the overall structure of Scripture where we see the whole of the scripture rather than the historic progression...

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Are you an Insider or Outsider? from 2021-04-15T11:26

When Christ teaches the crowds he does not care about one's genealogy. This means that one is not necessarily disqualified or qualified to follow Christ because they are child of Abraham. However...

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Why Study the Old Testament? (2 Peter 3; BC 25) from 2021-04-13T13:52:58

Peter is the spokesmen for the apostles. In fact, we would expect Peter to silence critics by making an apostolic decree to silence any skepticism of the gospel. Peter does not do this at the Jer...

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Glorious Slaves (Romans 6) from 2021-04-08T10:04

The concept of slavery is appalling because it means that one human being is owned by another human being. So why would the Apostle Paul declare us to be slaves? We are either slaves of sin or sl...

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He Has Saved Us! (Matthew 28) from 2021-04-06T16:42

The resurrection affords us great comfort because we know for certain that those in Christ will be raised to life. The resurrection consoles us as we think about parting at the end of this life. ...

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Can He Save Us? (Matthew 27:55-66) from 2021-04-05T11:21

We mighty wonder how Christ's burial contributes to the success of his mission. One thing we note is that Christ cannot remain on the cross as a covenant breaker, but he must be taken down to fulf...

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Comissioned Pilgrims from 2021-04-03T20:01:40

It is tempting to think that Christ’s resurrection only guarantees our resurrection. However, the Gospel accounts communicate that Christ’s resurrection does far more than merely guarantee a resur...

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Living as a New Creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) from 2021-04-01T09:38

The Corinthian church appears to doubt Paul's apostolic credentials because he does not seem spiritual enough or like the guru they have come to expect. Paul encourages the church to shift and reo...

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Mount Zion Prevails (Obadiah 1:15-21) from 2021-03-30T14:57:53

Human beings want to build their own heaven on earth. This is not something new nor is it necessarily sinful because the Garden of Eden was a taste of heaven on earth. When does this desire becom...

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Righteousness of Faith (2) (Philippians 3:1-11) from 2021-03-25T10:01

The apostle Paul is one who could be very confident in his fleshly works. Paul himself says that he was blameless by the standard of the law. Why would the Apostle Paul need Christ if he is blamel...

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Day of Calamity (Obadiah 10-14) from 2021-03-23T13:54:50

Edom is confident that as long as they dwell on top of the mountain they are on top of the world. No one can bring them down, and they can seize the day by continually raiding Judah. Does the Lor...

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Sojourning in Truth from 2021-03-20T21:21:31

We approach Good Friday and we consider Christ’s court room scene in front of Pilate. Why is Christ so dogmatic about Christ being truth? What is truth? Christ affirms that there is truth, but ho...

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Serpent Subjection (Obadiah 1-9) from 2021-03-18T10:25

It can feel as if we are alone and the Lord does not care about our circumstances here on earth. It is very likely that Judah felt this way as the Babylonians marched them out of the land in front ...

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Righteous by Faith? (Romans 4:6) from 2021-03-16T14:47

We might want to think that God had two plans for his people. There was a way to heaven for the Israelites and then there is a way to heaven for the Gentiles. However, this is not what the apostl...

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Hope in Exile from 2021-03-13T22:36

Israel forgot her God and is in Babylon in the midst of exile. Israel is away from the promised land as a consequence for their sin. Has the Lord forgotten his people? Is this a time to take up a...

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Maintaining our Profession (Hebrews 10:25) from 2021-03-11T11:11

Hebrews warns us, "that if we go on sinning deliberately…. there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins" (Heb. 10:26). This is a pretty severe warning because it sounds as if we consciously sin th...

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The Power of Faith (Ephesians 1:15-23) from 2021-03-09T17:33:16

“First, we must understand that as long as Christ remains outside of us, and we are separated from him, all that he has suffered and done for the salvation of the human race remains useless and of ...

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Faithful Despite Faithlessness from 2021-03-06T21:34:53

Israel is in the land, and Joshua gives his farewell address. He exhorts the people to consciously choose if they will follow the Lord or the false gods of the land. We can think that we are goin...

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Waiting for Yahweh (Psalm 130) from 2021-03-04T11:41

We welcome Rev. Angelo Contrares to our pulpit this Evening. Pastor Angelo is an associate minister in our sister church in Ripon, CA.

Pastor Lindemulder went to attend an informational...

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A Vision of the Lord (Isaiah 6:1-8) from 2021-03-03T16:39:12

We welcome Rev. Angelo Contrares to our pulpit this morning. Pastor Lindemulder went to attend an informational meeting for a Reformed Church Plant in Sheridan, WY.

https://sheridanrefo...

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God's Conquest from 2021-02-27T22:59:25

We skip over the wilderness wandering to the next chapter in Israel’s pilgrimage through this earth.  We move to Joshua surveying the land of Canaan as he gears up to carry out his war mission.  Wh...

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Our Complete Priest (Hebrews 9:24-28) from 2021-02-25T10:27

One of the frustrating things about Christianity is that we do not have a tangible king. This means that we cannot simply knock on a door and see a king at work. We are a people who are to walk b...

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Victory Through Defeat (Matthew 27:27-56) from 2021-02-23T16:23:25

If Christ is going to have a successful mission he better accomplish something that is tangible. Rome and Israel both have an issue with the way Christ conducts His holy war. In their mind Christ...

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Rebellious Renegades from 2021-02-20T23:20:33

Our story of God’s pilgrim people skips ahead to the tragedy of Israel’s rebellion. We would hope that with the huge build up and the drama of being called out of Egypt that the Lord’s people woul...

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Christ Handed Over (Matthew 27:1-26) from 2021-02-18T11:15

It is shocking to think that the God who rules over heaven and earth would allow himself to be lead around by mere mortals. You would think that the God of heaven would want to put the arrogant be...

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Our Merciful Priest (Hebrews 2:14-16) from 2021-02-16T19:54:52

If Christ merely pays our debt for today then we are still in trouble. This would mean that our sins are only covered until today. It is true that God is merciful if he does this, but God does mo...

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Our Stable Priest (Hebrews 7; BC 19) from 2021-02-11T15:45

Christ is both God and man. This is not an easy doctrine for us to understand. As human beings we want to bring God down so that Christ is maybe a little less God, but still greater than man. Or...

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Christ’s Tragic Fulfillment (Matthew 26:47-75) from 2021-02-09T15:44:51

Christ has to live up to his name. He is the anointed (christ) who has to save his people from their sins (Jesus). The moment of testing has arrived, but will Christ go to the cross? He has alre...

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Definitive Defender from 2021-02-06T19:46:15

Our story of God’s pilgrim people skips ahead to the exodus story.  This is a wonderful story that demonstrates the Lord’s sovereign power over the serpent seed.  God will pre...

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Christ's Shocking Prayer (Matthew 26:31-46) from 2021-02-04T11:19

Christ is facing his moment of trial. This is the moment where the Gospel promises will stand or fall. Christ asks the Father to take the cup from him. Why would Christ make such a request? Is ...

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The Incarnate Shoot (Isaiah 11:1-5) from 2021-02-02T15:55:39

Normally our fist text that we go to defend the doctrine of the incarnation is John 1. This is not a bad text, but it implies that there are no references to Christ's incarnation in the Old Testam...

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Senile or Serene? from 2021-01-30T20:22

We move forward and recount tthe Lord’s gracious preservation as he works in the midst of his pilgrim people. We are invited to witness Jacob saying good bye to Joseph his favorite son. What does...

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Our Father's Feast (Matthew 26:17-30) from 2021-01-28T11:22

Christ's day and his hour is at hand. Christ celebrates a passover as he has most likely done before with his disciples. However this time he applies the blessings of the passover to himself iden...

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One or Two Redeemed People? (Acts 13:16-43) from 2021-01-26T16:34

Belgic Confession Article 17 teaches us that it is God who reaches down to pull man up. It is by God's gracious mercy that he seeks us out, gathers us together, and brings us to glory. So, is our...

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God Wrestles and Prevails from 2021-01-23T23:13:47

The progress continues in the pilgrim story. Jacob goes away to his uncle’s house only to meet his match. HIs uncle is a more skilled trickster and schemer than Jacob. However, the Lord sus...

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Your Kingdom not Our Kingdom (Matthew 26:1-16) from 2021-01-21T11:35

Our Lord teaches us to pray, "Your Kingdom Come." This might sound easy for us and we should desire the Lord's kingdom. However, this request is easy to say, but tough to live out. Why is the Lo...

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Does God Hate? (Romans 9:13) from 2021-01-19T16:22

It is common for us to think that God is love. Love is certainly one of God's many attributes. However, our Lord says, "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated." How can the Lord say such a thi...

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God's Tower from 2021-01-16T12:05

The progress continues in the pilgrim story. Isaac has two sons, and one son is sent away. This is not the apostate son, but the son of the promise. Has the Lord failed to uphold his promise? I...

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The Promise is for You and Your Children from 2021-01-14T11:38

Peter states that promise is for you and your children. Does this mean that the promise is merely the promise of the Holy Spirit that is shown at pentecost? Is this a promise that goes before bef...

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No One is Righteous? from 2021-01-12T15:48:53

The apostle Paul states that no one is righteous. How can Paul say such a dreary statement? How can man be in such a negative predicament? We can work our way out of this right? If we cannot wo...

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Covenant Confirmation from 2021-01-09T12:13

The Lord finally provides the promised heir to enter history. You would think that the story of redemption would be closed because the Lord has fulfilled his promise. However, the Lord endangers ...

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The Humble and Powerful Gospel (Acts 28:23-30) from 2021-01-07T11:24

Luke teaches that Christ is the messiah, he is the one to establish the promises of God, and ultimately to be the administrator of peace.  So we conclude our series by turning to the last chapter i...

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God's Overbearing Grace (John 6:44) from 2021-01-05T15:26

There is no doubt that we are saved by the Lord's grace. However, how much grace does God give us to come to Christ? Does he give us enough to counteract the fall? Do we really need grace after ...

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Covenant Pilgrims from 2021-01-02T10:47

The Lord goes beyond merely asserting a promise, and the Lord initiates a covenant where the Lord binds himself to secure his pilgrim people. So, why does Abram cut animals in half? Why does the ...

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Seeing the Lord’s Salvation from 2020-12-31T12:24

Christ is the God Man who enters history to do his father's will. John tells us that Christ tabernacled among us. This means that Christ is God dwelling in the midst of his people in the flesh. ...

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God Meant for Good (Genesis 50:20) from 2020-12-29T14:21:13

Joseph confronts his brothers after their scheme to manipulate Joseph to forgive them. The thought of God's providential care has not resonated within them. Joseph, has been betrayed in several w...

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Christmas Thank You! from 2020-12-25T07:01

Enjoy this reading from Matthew's Gospel.

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The Humble and Exalted Christmas Story (Luke 2:1-21) from 2020-12-24T11:27

The story of Christ seems to show that God is doing too little too late. It seems as if the Lord has not fulfilled his promises. However, as we look deeper in the story we find that Christ is th...

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Are Angels Real? (2) from 2020-12-22T14:39:19

Last week we considered the fallen angels. This week we consider the angels who remain in glory. They have a purpose to serve the Lord, and the Lord's people. What does the story of Sodom and Gomo...

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International Pilgrims from 2020-12-19T21:38:07

The Lord does not forsake his promise. The Lord continues to work in the midst of his pilgrim people. There is a man called to the Lord, but this man is not able to have children. How is this ma...

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Are Angels Real? (Jude 6) from 2020-12-17T11:27

Jude warns the church that judgment is coming. He appeals to Israel being brought out of Egypt, he appeals to Sodom and Gomorrah, and sandwiched between these events he reminds us that the Lord is...

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Christmas' Unsung Hero (Luke 1:67-80) from 2020-12-15T17:22

When we talk Christmas we think of Christ's entrance into history. This would be one of one of the obvious reasons for Christmas. However, there is another child who is born in time. This is the...

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Devil's Tower from 2020-12-12T12:17

The tower of Babel is a sinful act devised by a rebellious mankind. Does this mean that it is wrong for us to build? Are towers and sky scrapers necessarily evil? What makes the tower of Babel s...

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Song of Mary (Luke 1:39-56) from 2020-12-10T11:23

Mary does not give praise to herself even though Elizabeth is honored to have such a person in her presence. Mary turns her attention away from herself and to the Lord. What is the Lord...

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Christ’s Helper (John 14:25-28) from 2020-12-08T15:27

Christ promises that he will send our helper. This is very encouraging to know that the Lord will care for us, watch over us, and we will prevail in him. How can we be sure that the teachings of ...

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Triumphant Pilgrim from 2020-12-05T19:39:10

The Lord told Noah to go into the ark and now Noah walks out of the ark. The Lord washed this creation while delivering his pilgrim through the ark. This testifies to the ultimate triumph of God’...

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God’s Radical Standard (Matthew 25:31-46) from 2020-12-03T12:39

Christ is facing the cross, and setting into motion the events promised in Matthew 24:1-13. We may still wonder: am I in Christ's kingdom? Does kingdom entrances mean that we have to take 2 milli...

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Celebrating God’s Steadfast Love (Psalm 136) from 2020-12-01T15:48

The Lord tells us to be thankful. There is no doubt that we should be thankful. God is God, he is the king who rules over all. We should desire to be thankful to God just because He is God, but ...

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God's Soothing Pilgrim from 2020-11-28T10:26

The Lord is grieved that he has made man upon this earth. The Lord sends a flood to wash away sin. What is the comfort in knowing that God will judge and redeem? How can we be a soothing people ...

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Christ’s Kingdom Commission (Matthew 25:14-30) from 2020-11-26T11:34

The master gives talents to the servants who manage his house. It would seem that the one who is very cautious would be the most praised, but that is not the case. Why is the cautious servant reb...

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Born in the Fullness of Time (Galatians 4:4) from 2020-11-24T16:08:36

The promise that Jesus will enter history is not just a New Testament promise. The Lord promises at the exit of Eden that Christ will enter into history taking on the flesh. God binds himself in ...

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Serpent Seed Rising from 2020-11-21T11:54

The Lord promises to prevail, but it seems that history contradicts this promise.  The family that exits eden is hopefully going to have harmony, unity, and a homogenous existence.  However, this i...

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Christ’s Cautious Call (Matthew 24:45-25:13) from 2020-11-19T12:24

Christ’s judgment seems strange because the examples Christ gives are people doing the same exact thing. However, one person is saved while the other person is judged. What is the standard? How...

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The Trinity’s Testimony ( 1 John 5:6-12) from 2020-11-17T17:25:50

The doctrine of the trinity is a fascinating doctrine. We teach that God is one God and three persons. How can God be one and three at the same time? Why would we want to teach this doctrine if ...

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Triumphant Trampling from 2020-11-14T09:03

The reptile rebel tempts the creatures to destruction. They think that they will become triumphant kings over the one true king only to find that they are confined to destructive despair. Will th...

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A Certain, but Concealed Coming (Matthew 24:36-44) from 2020-11-12T11:15

Christ warns that one will be taken while another is left behind. Christ mentions Noah’s flood with people going about their day to day lives. Christ mentions something about a thief who steals at...

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The Eternal Word (John 1:14; 15:26) from 2020-11-10T15:02:14

Christ makes the promise that he will be with us until the end of the age. How can Christ deliver on this promise when Christ is up in heaven and we are down here on earth? How can the incarnatio...

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Angelic Warrior from 2020-11-07T11:50

The Lord places a guarding angel with a flaming sword guarding the tree of life.  Why does the Lord guard this tree?  What does this sword mean?  How does this scene call...

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"Walking in the Light" (1 John 1:5-2:6; LD 1) from 2020-11-05T12:47

Christians are called to be informed by the light of God. How does the light of God give us comfort? How does it empower us in our struggle through this world and against our own sin?

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“The Necessity of Suffering” (Psalm 13) from 2020-11-03T15:44:56

Mr. Paran reminds us that suffering is part of the Christian life. What is the hope in the midst of this suffering?

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Image Warrior from 2020-10-31T12:40

Man is created in the image of God and placed in the garden of eden. This might not seem all that significant in terms of man’s pilgrimage on this earth, but it is significant. So, what does man ...

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True Truth (Acts 26:22,23) from 2020-10-30T10:42

The Apostle Paul is in a position to defend his faith once again. He has an opportunity to defend his faith, and so what does Paul say? Where does Paul put his assurance and confidence that the w...

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A Secret or Public coming? (Matthew 24:29-35) from 2020-10-29T16:35:53

Christ is clear that life in the Kingdom is not always going to be easy.  In fact, we will face trials, struggles, and hardships.  The promise is that there is going to be a d...

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Created to Fellowship from 2020-10-24T10:50

We can think that the concept of of a Christian sojourn starts in the New Testament, but we find this is not the case. In fact, we can see that this pilgrimage will not make sense unless we place m...

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Abominations and Desolations (Matthew 24:15-28) from 2020-10-22T10:03

Christ continues to teach about Jerusalem's coming demise. He uses the language of Daniel to describe the downfall of this city. Why does Christ refer back to Daniel? What do we learn about the "...

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Discerning our Tradition (2) (Art. 5, 6 2 Timothy 3:15,16) from 2020-10-20T14:17

The word of God is the power and means God uses to call his people.  If this scripture is written by men and inspired by the Spirit how do we know that the books of the Bible we have are true? Our ...

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Conceding Good (Romans 12:21) from 2020-10-17T10:51

We summarize what we learned from Romans 12. We reconsider Bavinck's quote regarding introspection and Christian growth. We consider this quote in light of Paul's exhortation not to be overcome wi...

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Discerning the Tradition (Art. 4, 5; Acts 17:10-15) from 2020-10-15T10:09

The apostle Paul is one who goes from place to place preaching the word of God or to be precise the canon of Scripture. As he preaches from place to place he encounters various agitators. Agitato...

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The Temple’s Demise (Matthew 24:1-14) from 2020-10-13T14:09:29

Christ is done interacting with the leaders of Israel. Christ returns at the end of the day to Bethany and stops at the Mount of Olives. Christ takes the time to instruct his disciples regarding ...

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Patiently Vindicated (Romans 12:19-20) from 2020-10-10T11:44

It may seem like that Romans 12 is teaching us that Christian life is taking hit after smack in the face without any reprieve. The thing to remember is that the Apostle Paul wants us to look at th...

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Concluding the Woes (Matthew 23:34-39) from 2020-10-08T12:32

We need to remember that Christ's rebuke is not just an Israelite problem, but a human problem. Humans are broken, humans need grace, humans need the regenerative power of the Spirit. Christ is a...

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Optional or Authoritative Word? (Exodus 31:18; Revelation 1:11, 19) from 2020-10-06T17:25

The Lord is invisible, but he has not hidden himself. The Lord shows himself by His self revelation. The Lord leaves his signature in this creation, and the Lord gives us his word. While we as h...

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Long-Suffering Peacemakers (Romans 12:17-18) from 2020-10-03T14:33

It is challenging to live out the gospel in a world that is not sympathetic to the gospel message. It is easy to cry out for justice now, but honestly where would we be without grace? If we are ...

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Serious Woes (Matthew 23:13-33) from 2020-10-01T12:58

Matthew presents Jesus' mission with a goal to fulfill Israel’s history or to fulfill the role of humanity. The ultimate goal is to honor the Lord. Christ honors his father perfectly, but in orde...

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A Secret or Revealed God? (Romans 1:16-23) from 2020-09-29T17:33

I marvel at how the Lord works through various men in history. Consider the sermon preached by Jonathon Edwards titled “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” Jonathon Edwards supposedly preached...

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Tough Empathy (Romans 12:15, 16) from 2020-09-26T15:19

We have a human tendency where we would rather rejoice when we see people suffer and weep when we see people get ahead of us. We might say that this is not our struggle, but then why does Paul exh...

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Our One God (I Corinthians 8:6) from 2020-09-24T12:05

The Belgic confession starts with God being one God. Guido wants the Roman Catholics to see that the Reformed movement is fundamentally orthodox. Is this something that is just important for Guid...

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Confronting Scoffers (Matthew 23:1-12) from 2020-09-22T17:24

Christ is no longer answering questions from the current leadership, and no he prosecutes his concerns regarding the current leadership. Is Christ teaching against religion claiming that we embrac...

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Ironic Blessing (Romans 12:14) from 2020-09-19T15:15

It is easy to be nice to those who are nice to us. It is easy to be encouraging to those who encourage us. However, how do we interact with those that we deem unworthy of any compassion?

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Scoffers Silenced (Matthew 22:34-46) from 2020-09-17T13:04

Matthew records Isreal's leaders continuing on their attack of Christ rather than learning from Christ. The Saduccess and the Pharisees compete in a godless campaign to undermine Christ. How does...

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Our New Dwelling (Rev. 20:7-21:4) from 2020-09-15T16:13:17

John has a majestic vision of us entering into the Lord’s rest. We might wonder how many casualties of war will there be? Are we going to be triumphant when we consider our current circumstances? ...

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True Love (Romans 12:9-13) from 2020-09-12T13:13

One of my favorite moves is the princess bride that communicates a theme of true love. We can define true love as a commitment, or maybe even a human feeling, but the Apostle Paul grounds this tru...

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A Fool’s Errand (Matthew 22:15-33) from 2020-09-10T12:38

The leaders of Israel are trying as hard as they can to silence Christ. They perceive Christ to be a trouble maker rather than the Lord of life. They do not see the kingdom and all they want to d...

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