We do many things in this service through rote repetition – we follow the drill. Contrary to the views of many in the contemporary church, there is no necessary spiritual death in this. But contrary to the view of certain diehard traditionalists, there is no automatic life in it either. We serve God through faith. …
The Oxymoron of Unholy Saints
An unholy church is an oxymoron. God has called us to holiness. He has called us first to a perfect holiness, that which is imputed to us for the sake of Jesus His Son. In this sense, our baptism cannot be improved, and we stand before God as His redeemed people, and we shall sing …
A Worldview Wheel 2
Introduction: We have seen that a worldview consists of four basic elements—catechesis, lifestyle, symbol/liturgy, and narrative. We need to consider each of these in turn, and see the necessity of the right connection of each to the grace of God. The Text: “But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, …
The Baals In Your Own Village
We continue to be horrified by the recent events which have befallen our nation. But whether we have been mortified by a godly repentance will only be seen in the long run. After the initial shock has worn off, will we, along with the rest who seek superficial healings, spend all our time trying to …
You Know My Every Word and Step
Minister: Lift up your hearts! Congregation: We lift them up to the Lord! Venom from the princes comes, Without a cause they press. Before Your Word I stand in awe, I see, my heart is filled with joy, As though I found great battle spoil. I loathe all lies, and those who speak With and …
The Silent Refutation of Every Lie
Those who stir up strife in towns, churches, cities, or nations are trying to create a situation when everyone will get to a point of desperation, and then try to resolve the problem with some kind of dramatic action. That dramatic action is sudden, forceful, fascinating, and its effects are very potent . . . …
This Day of Celebration
Father and our most gracious God, we thank You now in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior, and amen. We are so thankful for all the blessings You have poured out upon us and so we rejoice before You now. We thank You for this day of celebration, and we ask You to equip …
No Other Way
The worship of God is not to be considered an ongoing response to what are called “current events.” At the same time, our worship is not detached from the earthly visitations of the sovereign God in heaven. The only way to keep this in balance is to remember that true worship drives the course of …
A Worldview Wheel I
Introduction: “Worldview” language is very common among Christians, and particularly common among Reformed Christians. But what are we talking about? Where did this way of talking come from? And where is it going? The Text: “And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, …
Preparing for Spiritual Battle
Introduction: The elders asked me to present a message to help keep the congregation “oriented.” Over the last few years, we have instituted a number of changes in our liturgy of worship. What is the trajectory of this? What is our goal for this congregation? What is our vision for what all this will look …