Sermons on The Church
1 Samuel 18:1-16
In 1 Samuel 18:1-16, there are two very different responses to David. On the one hand Jonathan’s soul is knit to David’s in love. On the other, Saul greatly opposes him. Though Jonathan and Saul are from the same family and have so much in common, there is a more fundamental reality that divides them. Jonathan is part of the seed of the woman and naturally loves those who fear God. Saul, on the other hand, is part of the…
Matthew 16:17-20
In Matthew 16:17-20 Christ says He will build the Church on the rock. What or who is the rock? The rock is Peter, though this does not imply the Roman Catholic doctrine of the papacy. Further, Christ tells Peter that He will give him the keys of the kingdom so that whatever he binds on earth will be bound in heaven and whatever he looses on earth will be loosed in heaven. The keys of the Kingdom is the symbol…
1 Samuel 10:1-16
In 1 Samuel 10:1-16 Saul is privately anointed king of Israel and is given signs of confirmation which culminate in the Spirit coming upon him and turning him into “another man”. Saul receives the benefits of the work of the Spirit, and yet his reign is disastrous and he likely was not a believer. How then are we to understand the work of the Spirit in this context? We are to understand that the Spirit can give gifts to equip…
1 Samuel 9:1-27
In 1 Samuel 9:1-27 Saul, the king like the nations, is introduced. He is described as a great man, from a noble family, who is humble, and receives the Word of God. Surely, if having a king like the other nations is going to work it will with Saul. His reign, however, will be disastrous. The example of Saul teaches us not to look on outward appearance but to trust in God who sees the heart. Such is the contrast…
1 Samuel 3:1-21 (Part 2)
Many pastors refuse to preach about judgment though the Bible is filled with passages on the subject. This, however, is contrary to the pattern of Scripture. Samuel’s call to prophesy included a call to preach on judgment, and he is not unique in the Scriptures. All of God’s prophets prophesied about the coming judgment. Such has been one of the marks of faithful preaching throughout the history of the church.
1 Samuel 3:1-21 (Part 1)
In 1 Samuel 3:1-21 Samuel’s call to the office of prophet is recounted. The most significant thing about this call is that it comes from God. Ultimately this is what is needed in the church: for God to call men to preach the gospel and to bless that preaching. There is a connection between prophecy and preaching. God has always used his Word to grow the church.
Hebrews 13:7-16
In Hebrews 13:7-16 the author explains that christians ought to obey their leaders rather than be led away after the false teachings of others who emphasize an earthly altar. The passage is a reminder that our faith focuses on the world to come rather than this one.
Hebrews 13:7-9, 17-19
In Hebrews 13:7-19 the author focuses on the need of the church to submit to leaders. They are to consider the outcome of their lives and imitate their faith. This passage shows the high calling leaders in the church have as well as the obligation of church members to submit.
Hebrews 10:19-25
In Hebrews 10:19-25 the author begins his final exhortation. In light of everything he has said about Christ and the entrance we through him to God and His exalted priesthood, how are you to live? What are the implications for the Christian life? They are this: You must draw near to God in Christ, hold fast to your confession, and seek to stir up other Christians to love and good works.
Matthew 13:51-52
In Matthew 13:51-52 Christ gives a mini-parable about scribes in the kingdom. They are those who understand Christ’s words and are able to bring out treasures new and old. The new treasures refer to what Christ has taught. The old treasures refer to what had already been taught, namely, the teachings found in the Old Testament. Many Christians do not see the value of the Old Testament today, but Christ sees the Old Testament as necessary for anyone discipled in…
Matthew 13:47-50
In Matthew 13:47-50 Christ gives the last parable of the kingdom in the chapter. This parable is about the final judgment and leaves the disciples with a message of warning. God will judge the world in righteousness. Heed the warning and turn to Christ.
Matthew 13:44-46
In Matthew 13:44-46, Christ gives the parables of the treasure hidden in the field and the pearl of great price. Though many do not see the treasure and do not find the pearl, those who find them count them as the most valuable things in this world such that losing everything they have for the sake of it cannot take away their joy. Such it is with all who have found the kingdom of God.