January 11, 2026 – 1 Peter 1:1-12 (mp3)

Introduction  
We have much good about us. The blessing of God is real and true in Jesus, here and now. It is not simply a blessing that we await, looking forward to some blessed day in the future while God leaves us languishing here and now. We can understand that, and likewise know that there are plenty of difficulties here. It has always been that way. 1 Peter is a letter written to help Christians persist amidst the trials and problems of their exile here on earth. We can have assurance of God’s salvation in this world, for our security lies in God. 

1.  Our security is found in the will of God 

2. Our security is found in the work of God 

3. Our security is found in the watch of God 

4. Our security is found in the word of God 

February 22, 2026 – 1 Peter 4:1-11 (mp3)

Introduction  
The Crusades are often disparaged as one of the pinnacles of human error and religious indecency. I think that such opinions are right, but not for the reasons that most give. As we see today, the church has always been called upon to fight and be a church “militant.” But we are never called upon to take up the sword for the faith, but rather to be willing to suffer under it. Today Peter calls upon us to be armed and ready for the true fight of the faith. 

1. Be armed 

• Because of time 
• Because of judgment 
• Because of resurrection 

2. Be ready 

• Be sober for prayer 
• Have love, not grudges 
• Be hospitable, not grumbling 
• Serve others in Christ 

February 15, 2026 – 1 Peter 3:8-22 (mp3)

Introduction  

The Olympics are in full swing. The beauty of them is found in that most of these athletes suffer so much for this, typically, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. They sacrifice time with family, friends; they suffer physical hardships and pressures. But they do it all the same, simply for the opportunity. Peter has called us to much the same fate: sacrifice and suffering. But we do so, not simply for the opportunity, but for the sake of a Savior who has given us a perfect guarantee of redemption. We are called to suffer for Jesus, and Peter gives us three ways to do that this morning: 

1. We suffer for Jesus by acting like Jesus 

2. We suffer for Jesus by answering for Jesus 

3. We suffer for Jesus by aligning with Jesus 

February 8, 2026 – 1 Peter 3:1-7 (mp3)

Introduction  
Last week, our text was one that the many Christians, living in a fallen world under fallen governments, struggle to understand and follow. This week is hardly easier. To the outside world, commanding the submission of wives in marriage is unpopular at best, bigoted and misogynistic at worst. Yet many fail to truly hear what Peter is calling for. Let us listen well to him this morning, as Peter talks to us about submission in marriage. 

1. A wife’s place 

2. A wife’s purpose 

3. A wife’s presentation 

4. A wife’s pattern 

5. A husband’s prayers 

February 1, 2026 – 1 Peter 2:13-25 (mp3)

Introduction  
Americans hate giving up rights, we are a nation defined by them. Patrick Henry cried “Give me liberty or give me death!” and we took it quite to heart. Yet, Peter seems to call us to a different fate. Here Peter calls us, not to stand up for our rights, even less to fight for them, but to lay them down in submission. It is a hard command, and Peter provides no softening for it. We are to submit, in good and bad. What reasons could be provided for such a difficult calling? Peter provides us with three: 

1. We submit for the Lord’s sake 

2. We submit for the Lord’s favor 

3. We submit for the Lord’s example 

January 25, 2026 – 1 Peter 2:4-12 (mp3)

Introduction  

Puzzles are not my thing. I know others love them, but I find them difficult and unrewarding. Yet, there are some puzzles that need putting together; some mysteries that need unravelling. Jesus was rejected by the leaders at the time, those who knew Scripture and prophecy the best. Why? Because God was building something wonderful through him: a living and working Temple, made without human hands, to showcase his wonder and excellencies. Peter reminds us of the abiding and true reality of the Temple. Let us then consider today: 

1. What the Temple represents 

2. What the Temple really is 

• We are the stones 
• We are the priests 
• We are the sacrifice 

January 18, 2026 – 1 Peter 1:13-2:3 (mp3)

Introduction  

Last week we spoke about the fortuitous woman who won the lotto, and took home a nifty $423 million from it. One wonders what to do with that much money! And yet, we have been given something more: salvation and faith, sure and certain. What shall we do with that? Shall we waste it on the sin that put us in danger? Shall we go on living as we have? No, Peter insists, walk as Christ walked. Be holy as he is holy. And here’s how: 

1. Focus on the final grace 

2. Fear the Father’s wrath 

3. Feast on food that’s good 

July 27, 2025 – Genesis 13:1-18 (mp3)

Introduction

In ancient Greek myths, the gods proved themselves both fickle and pliable. They demanded sacrifices to appease them, and men offered them. These bought the favor of some gods and helped the wrath and anger of others to be avoided. Scripture does not picture God that way. While sacrifice is indeed central to our faith, it is not the way that we enter into God’s blessing. How can we, then, enter into God’s blessing? What must we do?   As we turn to Genesis 13, and inspect Lot’s relationship to Abram, let us consider

1. The reason for the blessing

2. The rejection of the blessing

3. The richness of the blessing

July 20, 2025 – Genesis 12:1-20 (mp3)

Introduction

Dogs are wonderful creatures. Silly, funny, loyal, and kind, they are truly man’s best friend. Some people, however, do not see them in that light, and neglect and abuse them. When rescued, they fear humans, for all they have received from them is harm. We are similar; the lies we are fed in this world about God make us distrust his word and aims in our lives. But through patient love and care, and continual faithfulness to us, God overcomes these lies. We, like Abram, need to learn to trust God in every circumstance.  

1. Our spiritual growth is exhibited in walking

2. Our spiritual growth is enriched in worship

3. Our spiritual growth extinguishes our worries

July 6, 2025 – Genesis 12:1-3 (mp3)

Introduction  

Everyone has momentous moments in their lives. Graduation for some, marriage or children for others. Some occasions are momentous, not for the good they remind us of but for the hardship: divorce, death, loss. It is rare, though, for such an individually important moment to be shared through one person by the many. Today, we have just such an event. The Lord will demonstrate his grace and kindness, and put into place his eternal plan for our redemption here, in the calling of this one man, Abram. His calling is not dissimilar to ours, for it points towards it.  

1. The responsibility of the calling of God 

2. The results of the calling of God 

3. The rewards of the calling of God 

June 29, 2025 – Genesis 10:1-11:32 (mp3)

Introduction

The tower of Babel was truly a tremendous undertaking. It would have been an amazing structure, certainly one of the wonders of the world in its day. But, as we know, it was a colossal disaster before the Lord. Today, as we turn to that story and the genealogies that surround it, we get a good taste for the failures of humanity, and the beginning of God’s plan to save us. Hear, then:

1. The family of humanity

2. The futility of humanity

3. The future of humanity

June 22, 2025 – Genesis 8:1-9:28 (mp3)

Introduction

Often when we think of Noah, we envision decorations of animals and a giant boat in a child’s nursery. But as we heard in Genesis 7, this wasn’t a children’s story, but a wrathful judgment against sin in the world. In our passage this morning, we see what happens after the devastation and destruction of the flood. Noah and his family have been spared, and these next steps are crucial in the redemptive history of mankind. Despite our rebellion, God is merciful and faithful to his promises.

1. God Re-Creates (8v1-19)

2. God Re-Establishes (8v20-9v17)

3. Mankind Re-Rebels (9v15-29)

June 15, 2025 – Genesis 6:9-7:24 (mp3)

Introduction

The story of the flood is treated as myth by most who do not uphold the Bible as the Word of God. But the nature of the text implies that it is recounting real, true history. But it is not history for history’s sake, and we do not just study the account of the flood for its factual nature. Rather, we know that it is written so that we might not fall as others did. This morning, we are shown how to pass through the waters of God’s judgment. To do this, we must understand

1. The nature of God’s wrath

2. The nature of Noah’s righteousness

3. The nature of our rescue

June 8, 2025 – Genesis 5:1-6:8 (mp3)

Introduction

Genealogies are not often thought of as holding a great deal of intrigue for readers. Names and lists of people do not advance characters or provide any sort of action. Yet, for those who read closely, there is much to learn from them. Today, we get to hear of the genealogy from Adam to Noah, and how God is faithful to his word through them.

1. God’s judgment is faithful to his word

2. God’s blessing is faithful to his word

3. God’s passions are faithful to his word

June 1, 2025 – Genesis 4:1-26 (mp3)

Introduction

Movies often present people as the embodiment of the devil, or at least possessed by him. His presence is easily noticed: the sly look, the bodily distortion, the glowing flames and the maniacal laugh. Dead giveaways all. But real life is harder. We read last week of the promise from God that the seed of the woman would crush the head of the serpent. But what of his seed? Today, we read of it, from an unexpected place.

1. The Devil’s children focus on themselves

2. The Devil’s children give in to sin

3. The Devil’s children hate their brothers

4. The Devil’s children despise God’s justice

5. The Devil’s children are mighty in the world6. The Devil’s children abuse God’s grace

May 25, 2025 – Genesis 3:1-24 (mp3)

Introduction

Genesis 3 is another fundamental text in the Christian religion. It chronicles the sin of Adam and Eve in the perfect garden, as they turned against God and listened to the voice of the serpent. Yet, this sin is not a one-time event, something that was huge and large and unrepeated. The basic essentials of this sin are repeated by us every time we sin. And still, God’s love persists, and his mercy shines. As we consider this chapter, let us be reminded of:

1. The lie of sin

2. The justification of sin

3. The hiding of sin

4. The consequences of sin

5. The ending of sin

Genesis 2:4-25 – God’s Good Creation (mp3)

Introduction

As people made in the image of God, we understand what it is like to create something. We get to determine how our creation is structured and ordered. In our passage this morning we continue on with God’s creation story and we see how our perfect maker ordered his creation, and we get to see the results. God’s creation design is a good thing.

1. Life is a good thing (vv. 4-7)

2. Earth is a good thing (vv. 8-14)

3. Work is a good thing (v. 15)

4. Authority is a good thing (vv. 16-17)

5. Genders are a good thing (vv. 18-23)

6. Marriage is a good thing (vv. 24-25)

Genesis 1:26-31 – In the Image (mp3)

Introduction  

“He’s the spitting image of his father” is not as common of a phrase as it used to be. It is from an old expression, sometime in the 17^th century, when people would say “it is like he was spat out of his father’s mouth.” Biologically incorrect, but when it comes to man being made in God’s image, it’s not far from the truth (cf. Genesis 2:7). But what does it mean that we have been made in God’s image? Genesis affirms without hesitation that God’s likeness is the basis of all human identity as they image God to the world, but what does that really mean? 

1. God 

2. Likeness 

3. Image 

4. Humans 

5. Basis of identity 

Genesis 1:1-2:4 – In the Beginning… (mp3)

Introduction  

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” is one of the best-known phrases in all of the Bible. Today, the chapter is used mostly to battle evolution and fuel arguments over the age of the earth. But, if we focus our attention, we find that Genesis 1 has much more to offer us than that. It gives us the plan of God for all of creation. And what is more, patterns for what happens when that plan is rolled back by sin. How then are we to understand Genesis 1? 

1. Understand Genesis plainly 

2. Understand God’s particularity 

3. Understand creation’s pattern 

Matthew 28:16-20 – Absolute Authority (mp3)

Introduction  

Some things are hard to top. Achievements in sports and music are sometimes so amazing, that trying to top them seems nigh impossible. Certainly, the resurrection of Jesus is greater than anything anyone has ever done. But Matthew doesn’t leave his gospel with the simple, if amazing, pronouncement that he has risen. Rather, he desires to show us the amazing and absolute authority of this risen Christ and shows us what it means for us. 

1. Jesus is modeled by Moses 

2. Jesus welcomes our worship 

3. Jesus handles our hesitation 

4. Jesus mandates our mission 

5. Jesus promises his presence

Matthew 28:1-15 – He Is Risen! (mp3)

Introduction  

We gather, as we typically do, to praise God for the work of Jesus Christ our Lord. That work has found its pinnacle in the death and resurrection of Jesus. But today is set aside as a special remembrance of that resurrection, which is our full hope and promise of glory. Today, as we consider Matthew’s account, let us consider these 5 things about the resurrection of Jesus. 

1. The timing of the resurrection 

2. The emotion of the resurrection 

3. The proclamation of the resurrection 

4. The denial of the resurrection 

5. The redemption of the resurrection

Hebrews 9:23-10:4 – Jesus Is Better (mp3)

We seem to be contractually obligated to remind ourselves that we call this day “Good Friday.” It is, after all, a horrible and wretched day when our Lord and Savior was heinously murdered by jealous and wicked men. Yet, for all that, it IS indeed good. His death has granted us life, freedom, redemption, and all things good. There are a number of ways to show that Jesus’ work is good, and today we hope to show through Hebrews why Jesus’ blood, his life and death, is better than all of the sacrifices and high priestly work of the OT.

Matthew 27:45-65 – The Death of Jesus (mp3)

Introduction  

Sealing something as historical “fact” is fairly difficult for most things. We have to rely on what many today might think of as secondary and unreliable reports: eyewitness accounts and other events that are impacted by what happened. Details are always hard to establish. But, if there is one fact of antiquity that is assured, it is this: Jesus of Nazareth was crucified and died. But that bare telling of fact doesn’t help us understand what it all means. What does the death of Jesus mean for us? 

1. The cry of Jesus’ death 

2. The effect of Jesus’ death 

3. The problem of Jesus’ death 

Matthew 27:27-44 – The Mockery and Worship of Jesus

Introduction  

Bullies are nothing new. Many of us have experienced their insults and abuse. Such acts are nothing new, as we see today. Jesus, weakened and eventually crucified, was ripe for such abuse, and his enemies took great pleasure in handing it out. Yet, for all their bluster, and for all the pain they inflict, they speak a startling amount of truth. Today, let us look at how Jesus is mocked, that we might marvel all the more as we anticipate his victory. 

1. Jesus is mocked as King  

2. Jesus is mocked as weak 

3. Jesus is mocked as abandoned 

4. Jesus is mocked by all 

Matthew 16:24-28 – How to be a Disciple

Introduction

We are fallen, which means that, on this side of Adam and Eve’s transgression, we will sin. But it also means that we will just flat out get stuff wrong. Mistakes will be made, errors endured, failures felt. It just so happens that, whether a simple error or a sinful transgression, mistakes are wonderful opportunities to learn from. Peter has made a terrific blunder, but the Lord, in his kindness, never overlooks a good opportunity. He will use Peter’s sinful outburst as a chance to teach what true discipleship looks like, for Peter’s sake and ours.

1. A disciple must know their place  

2. A disciple must conform their passions

3. A disciple must live in public

4. A disciple must lean into the premise

5. A disciple must trust in the promise

Matthew 16:13-26 – The Great Confession (mp3)

Introduction  

There are questions and conversations that you will remember forever. Whether from someone who pushed you to be better, or saying “I do”, those moments define a good portion of our lives and who we are. Peter’s defining moment is before us today; yet it is not his alone. All of us share in this moment, for there is no other question that is more important. Who do you say Jesus is? 

1. The confession   

2. The confirmation 

3. The commission  

4. The correction 

5. The confusion 

Matthew 16:1-12 – The Danger of Signs and Leaven (mp3)

Introduction

Bre and I attempted to teach our children some sign language when they were really young. It is an excellent way to get them to communicate with you before they can talk, and it has been useful beyond those early days. We had a limited vocabulary, however, and sometimes when I sign I need to make gestures that, to be frank, are not always understood. Or never understood. Turns out signs must be understood to be helpful. Today, the Pharisees and Sadducees want a sign from Jesus, but they won’t get one. Instead, Jesus pleads with his disciples to see the warning signs of their leaven. As we approach this passage, let us:

1. Consider the text  

2. Consider the time

3. Consider the teaching

Matthew 15:29-39- Fed Again

Introduction  

It is probably fair to say that we have all experienced déjà vu at some point in our lives. That odd feeling that whatever we are experiencing we have already experienced before. Today, perhaps, we might feel that way. Just a month ago, and less than a chapter ago, Matthew recorded for us the feeding of the 5,000. Now, in a passage eerily similar, he records the same feat, this time for 4,000. Why do this? What can we learn from this passage that we haven’t learned before? 

1. See the reversal   

2. Hear for remembrance 

3. Taste the refreshment 

Matthew 15:21-28 – The Lost Sheep of Israel (mp3)

Introduction  

“Never take no for an answer!” It’s one of the most popular clichés used in our culture. Be persistent to get what you want, keep working and selling and eventually it will happen. Yet, it is also clear that sometimes such thinking is taken too far, and tragedy results. There is one person with whom persistence is of the upmost importance: Jesus. He loves persistent faith! Today, we have a story of such persistence, even amidst great suffering and much silence. 

1. Don’t deny help like the disciples  

2. Continue to cry out like the Canaanite 

3. Lean on the Love of the Lord 

Matthew 15:1-20 – Sola Scriptura (mp3)

Introduction  

Traditions are fine things. We have a few of them in our house, which we love and follow. But we know that these traditions will one day end or need to be amended. All tradition ends this way. But Scripture, as we all confess, stands above this. God’s word to us is timeless, perfect, and undimmed by time. We do well to confess that it is unerring and good for us in all it says; but we must do more than that! Today, Jesus must deal with the Pharisees and their love of tradition, but it is not just their traditions that Jesus desires to lead us away from, but their way of handling Scripture as well. 

1. Calibrate the preeminence of Scripture  

2. Avoid the perversion of Scripture 

3. Understand the purpose of Scripture 

4. Love the people of Scripture 

Matthew 14:22-36 – Jesus Walks on Water (mp3)

Introduction  

Frank Abagnale was a con artist. He was known to forge checks to gain money, pretend to be a doctor, airline pilot, and social worker. When caught by the FBI, they began to uncover how most of the frauds went down, save one: how did he pass the Louisianna bar exam? Easy, he said: I studied! Frank had always shown himself bright and capable. It is one thing to believe what someone tells you – but you ought always believe what they show you. Jesus’ past two miracles show us precisely who he is, the very Son of God. 

1. See his identity revealed 

2. Trust his faithful response 

3. Bring the hurting relief 

Matthew 14:13-21 – Jesus Provides (mp3)

Introduction  

There are a number of ways that an event can be seen as major in the Bible. Sometimes much that comes after depends on them; sometimes it is the amount of text given over to the event. But there are some events that are shown to be important because they are repeated multiple times. The feeding of the 5,000 is a wondrous miracle, but doesn’t take a lot of text, and nothing explicitly flows from it. But all the Gospels tell us of it, and do so differently, helping us to see that much good can come from studying the nature of Jesus’ provision for his people here. 

1. Jesus’ provision is generous 

2. Jesus’ provision is greater 

3. Jesus’ provision is physical 

4. Jesus’ provision is spiritual 

5. Jesus’ provision is mediated 

6. Jesus’ provision is good 

7. Jesus’ provision is plentiful 

Matthew 14:1-12 – A Faithless King (mp3)

Introduction  

Nuance can create confusion for people. A distinction is typically, and rightly, drawn between faith and faithfulness; the first being a constant trust and reliance on Jesus, the second walking rightly before him. Matthew, however, wants to make sure that we don’t drive too large a gap between them. To have true faith is to be faithful to the call that Jesus makes on your life. This is why he writes to us about the life of Jesus, that we might walk as he walked. Today, however, he gives us the anti-picture of Jesus: Herod, the unfaithful king. If we desire to walk faithfully with Jesus, let us: 

1. Avoid the conscience of Herod 

2. Avoid the cravings of Herod 

3. Avoid the concerns of Herod 

Matthew 13:53-58 – Familiarity and Contempt (mp3)

Introduction  

We have all heard the saying that “familiarity breeds contempt.” The more we get to know people, the more of their issues and problems you are privy to. The people of Nazareth have the same issue with Jesus. His teaching is immaculate, but they are too knowledgeable of his people, indeed they think, of him to trust him. Let us learn from their mistake today! 

1. Perceiving greatness isn’t enough to keep you from falling 

2. Practical knowledge isn’t enough to keep you from falling 

3. Personal closeness isn’t enough to keep you from falling 

Matthew 13:44-52 – The Kingdom and Works (mp3)

Introduction  

Treasures are lost and found every day. Many of us have stories of such losses; fewer have stories of such finds. And while we might not find great artwork under our mattresses, or buried in our backyards, we have placed before us the greatest treasure we could ever hope for in the Kingdom of Heaven. But what does it take to make it ours? 

1. Our discovery of the Kingdom 

2. Our devotion to the Kingdom 

3. Our distortion of the Kingdom 

4. Our discernment of the Kingdom 

Matthew 13:24-43 – The Kingdom and the World (mp3)

Introduction  

Parables are a rich way to teach the truths of the Kingdom to all. Memorable and illustrative, they nevertheless provide a good deal of material for us to think through. Today, Jesus gives us three parables to consider, focusing on how the Kingdom of God relates to the world. Let those who have ears to hear, hear! 

1. The mercy of the Kingdom 

2. The measure of the Kingdom 

3. The momentum of the Kingdom 

4. The mystery of the Kingdom 

5. The manifestation of the Kingdom 

Matthew 13:1-23 – The Parable of the Sower (mp3)

Introduction  

Appetizers are designed to simply whet the appetite for the real entrée. Often, though, we make full meals out of them. Last week we looked at the nature of the parables as something of an appetizer for them. While it was a full meal, it is hoped that meal simply made us hungrier for the rest! Today, we start by looking at the parable of parables, the parable of the sower. 

1. We are sowers 

2. We are soil 

• Good soil has belief 

• Good soil has depth 

• Good soil has perception 

Matthew 13:10-17 – The Purpose of Parables (mp3)

Introduction  

The Gospels, as pictures of the life of Christ, run in a general chronological pattern. From his birth to the beginning of his ministry, to the triumphal entry and the eventual and fateful crucifixion and resurrection, the main timeline is kept intact. But the individual events are often compiled for the author’s own reason, as Matthew has done in his 13^th chapter. But why teach in parables, when Jesus was so capable of teaching in other methods which were clearer and more straight-forward? The disciples ask the same question of him, and we look at his answer today. 

1. The setting of the parables 

2. The understanding of the parables 

3. The judgment of the parables 

4. The gift of the parables 

1 Corinthians 16:1-24 – Until We See Him (mp3)

Introduction  

Paul has finished the main body of the letter, the vast majority of his exhortations, and did it with quite a flourish. The resurrection is important to us, theologically as well as personally. We who await a better place than this, who know of bitterness and sadness here, are justifiably excited about a new and better home. Yet, it does us little good to just look up at the sky. Paul reminds the Corinthians that there is yet work to do here on earth, and much of it imperfect and filled with hardship.  

1. Be pained and practical with gifts 

2. Beware intentions and ideals in expectations 

3. Become strong and submissive in the faith 

Romans 8:18-30 – From Groans to Glory (mp3)

Introduction

Last week, Paul briefly mentioned suffering. Such suffering, as we strive for holiness in the world, will be inevitable. What could possibly make such suffering worth persevering through? What assurance did those who gave their lives for the faith have that such acts were truly good for them? And do we have access to such assurances as well? Paul desires that God’s people be encouraged through their suffering to hold on to Christ, and he begins that good work today by reminding us of what we are striving toward: Glory.

1. The condition of our inheritance

     a. Creation will be fixed

   b. Our bodies will be fixed

2. The certainty of our inheritance

   a. The work of the Spirit

   b. The plan of the Father

Romans 8:12-17 – The Difficulty of Holiness (mp3)

Introduction

While we have seen that Romans 7 was not meant to imply the struggle that Christians have with sin, we are right to insist that there is indeed a struggle. If anyone was to gain the implication from Paul’s work that the fight with sin is over because of what Christ has done, they are sorely mistaken. Paul knows the battle ahead for all Christians, one of toil and hardship as they battle the sin in their bodies. Today, he not only implores us to do all we can to pursue holiness, he also gives us the ammunition we need to fight that good fight.

1. Kill your sin

2. Call upon the Father

3. Consider your inheritance

Romans 8:1-11 – Our Sanctification in Christ (mp3)

Introduction

Paul continues to hit the same melody, but as a great composer, he tinkers with the arrangement. In the beginning of chapter 8 it is the glorious news that “there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.” This has been the theme of his letter, and of all Christendom since its inception. But what does this have to do with our sanctification? Is not Christ’s death and resurrection simply our pass out of hell and into heaven? Here, Paul argues that it is not; rather, the very work of Christ is the center of all of our holiness. Let us consider:

1. Our sanctification in Christ

2. Our Spirit from Christ

3. Our resurrection through Christ

Romans 7:7-25 – A Picture of Futility (mp3)

Introduction

The difficulty of Romans 7 comes through in many ways. Is Paul talking about himself? Is he speaking of his life in Christ, or of the struggle he had in the law before his conversion? How could he consider himself once “alive” apart from the law, or the law dead until the command came? Today, we hope to provide some guidance for questions such as this, knowing that full confidence is likely impossible. But we of one thing we are assured: struggling against sin in our own power is futile, but through Christ we have all the victory we will ever need!

1. The law is good

2. Sin is really evil

3. Jesus is better

Romans 7:1-6 – A Hindrance to Holiness (mp3)

Introduction

The law has a unique pull for Christians, especially those of the first Century. It was the expression of faithfulness for millennia, and held out a type of holiness that Christians wanted to gain. Yet, Paul is clear: not only do we not need the law to gain holiness, it is even a hindrance to the very holiness we seek. Today, as we return to the book of Romans, let us consider how the law is a hindrance to our holiness, as we pursue with passion the things of our God.

1. The path of the law is foreign to Christians

2. The end of the law is found in Christ

3. The externality of the law is futility for Christians

The Book of Malachi – Questions for God’s People (mp3)

Introduction

The end of the year, or the beginning of the next, is always a good time to reflect on the year, and to assess ourselves. The book of Malachi gives us a unique opportunity to do so; for as Malachi prophesies to his people, he asks them a series of questions seeking to show them their failings and to encourage them in the right pursuit of God. Let us do the same this morning! Today, we ask 5 questions of ourselves:

1. Does God love you?

2. Do you despise God?

3. Do you weary God?

4. Do you rob God?

5. Do you misrepresent God?

The Book of Zechariah – Comfort for God’s People (mp3)

Introduction

Zechariah is not best known as the prophet of Christmas. Yet, the themes that we find in his visions and prophecies help us to understand Christmas better. God has promised good for his people, and he will bring that good about. He will do this in unexpected ways, through Jesus himself. And so, we are to feast with our God, as a symbol of our faith that God’s Kingdom is soon in coming. Let us hear from Zechariah himself about God’s grace for us.

1. The message of God’s grace

2. The method of God’s grace

3. The meaning of God’s grace

The Book of Haggai – The Consequence of Sin and the Blessing of Repentance (mp3)

Introduction

Haggai is a very short book, just 37 verses total, covering a mere 4 months of Old Testament history. And not much is known about prophet himself. Despite these two realities, the book is an important one, as it covers a significant event in the history of the Old Testament people of God. By studying the 2 chapters of Haggai, we can observe:

1. The sinfulness of self-interest

2. The reconciliation of repentance

3. The promise of future peace

Various Passages – Taking the Body and the Blood of Our Lord (mp3)

Introduction

This morning we have had the great pleasure of witnessing 5 baptisms. Praise God! In light of this, I think that it would be a good time to think through in some more detail the meaning of the Lord’s Supper that these new members will be taking for the first time as members of Crossway Christian Church. What does the NT indicate that the Lord’s Supper means? Is it merely symbolic of Jesus’ death, or is it more than that? If more, what? While much more can be said, this morning let us meditate on a couple of features of our Lord’s Supper.

1. The Lord’s Supper is a sacrifice

2. The Lord’s Supper is a covenant

3. The Lord’s Supper is sustenance

4. The Lord’s Supper is unifying

The Book of Zephaniah – Destruction and Salvation for the World (mp3)

Introduction

Zephaniah is not a well-known prophet. While a good deal of his writing and style finds its way into the imagery of Revelation, not much is used from him in other places in the NT. This, however, doesn’t mean that he is not important! Rather, he has much to say to God’s people, even today. In his three short chapters, he reminds us of the way in which God deals with all people, with justice and equity, promising destruction and salvation to the world.

1. Reset creation

2. Rethought comparison

3. Remembered covenant

4. Redeemed castaways