The New Testament teaches us that we are citizens of the Kingdom of God, adopted as children into the Household of Heaven, and blood-bought members of the Body of Christ. To that end, how are Christians to live in this world but not be of this world? The most straightforward yet challenging way to live as Kingdom citizens is to develop a biblical worldview. In these sermons, I directly address this pressing concern.
“The Fear of the Lord is…” (part 1)
The fear of the Lord is hating ungodliness.
The fear of the Lord is loving His Word.
The fear of the Lord is submitting to Scripture.
The fear of the Lord is eternal security.
(March 5, 2023)
The fear of the Lord is loving His Word.
The fear of the Lord is submitting to Scripture.
The fear of the Lord is eternal security.
(March 5, 2023)
“Your Edification”
One of Paul’s many concerns for the Church is her edification. Of course, he’s not talking about the physical building, but of the growth of the saints therein. In this message I survey a number of passages to gain a richer, fuller understanding of the biblical doctrine of edification.
Godly love builds up in faithful and faith-filled community through the application of peace and conscientiousness. This faithful and faith-filled community is itself edified by a biblically regulated worship life; which contains praying, giving, singing, reading, and teaching. When this worship is rightly ordered, it edifies the saints—the Body of Christ that has not forsaken its solemn assembly and call to unity, purity, and maturity. (February 5, 2023)
Godly love builds up in faithful and faith-filled community through the application of peace and conscientiousness. This faithful and faith-filled community is itself edified by a biblically regulated worship life; which contains praying, giving, singing, reading, and teaching. When this worship is rightly ordered, it edifies the saints—the Body of Christ that has not forsaken its solemn assembly and call to unity, purity, and maturity. (February 5, 2023)
“The Regulative Principle”
All good journalists should strive to answer the Who, What, Where, When, & How questions. The same integrity needed for objective journalism is necessary for living sound doctrine. In this message, I touch the tip of the iceberg of the Reformed tradition of the regulative principle of worship. Who gets to dictate the activities and even attitudes of our worship? Biblical Christianity is not surprised to find the answer is God Himself. (January 8, 2023)
“Complete in Christ”
Celebrating the birth of Jesus is more than simply rejoicing at the birth of a baby and more than simply pointing to the cross. Everything between the first Christmas and first Easter is vitally important for understanding who Christ is, what He has done, and how we are to respond. (December 25, 2022)
“The Incomparable Gift”
Every December 24th, Christians around the globe celebrate the birth of Christ. This event marked a new dispensation of God’s grace, this time culminating in the establishment of the New Covenant and Testament in Christ Jesus. While Christians and secularists alike will share gifts with family, friends, and strangers; only those in Christ can fully grasp the immense generosity of God in sending to us the greatest gift of all. (December 24, 2022)
“Maintain Good Works”
Sound doctrine obeyed and godliness lived are the ways the children of God are to act. Paul urges Titus to remind his congregations and elders of the importance of maintaining good works. Never for salvation, but of salvation. In these short verses, the Apostle briefly lists some of the good works Christians do as examples to the watching world. (December 11, 2022)
“Speak Sound Doctrine”
Godliness flourishes in men when sound doctrine is rightly preached in their pulpits and practiced in their homes. Paul tells Titus to speak sound doctrine, exhorting and reproving with all authority. Paul outlines sound doctrine for Titus and for the church today, what it is and what it does. (December 4, 2022)
“Live Godly Lives”
Paul’s Epistle to Titus is an extremely practical letter full of advice for Christians in real-world situations. The Apostle’s overall concern is with the teaching of and living in sound doctrine. When sound doctrine is taught and lived it produces godliness. Paul defines what godliness is and isn’t under the list of qualifications for eldership. (November 27, 2022)
A Biblical View of the Church
In July of 2022, I was invited to speak at the Hat Creek Baptist Church summer revival. At the time, her pastor was going through a year-long journey of unpacking the biblical doctrines on the Church. This revival series on sound doctrine answers the question What is the Church? by taking a look at five marks of a true church.
“Biblical Preaching”
“Theological Sacraments”
“Restorative Discipline”
“Qualified Eldership”
“Proactive Discipleship”
“Our Commission”
A church’s relevance or impact isn’t measured by her programs, profits, or prestige, but by her trust in and commitment to the Great Commission. This clear, concise, universal, and timeless directive is the authoritative force motivating the true Bride of Christ. Our Commission cannot fail if we follow Christ’s commands because His authoritative source also provides an authoritative guarantee. (February 27, 2022)
“To Live is Christ”
Fear is everywhere this year and has even drowned out some of our usual Christmas festivities. The fear at bottom is death; but should the Christian fear death? In this message, I survey passages often heard at funerals, but they carry more meaning for the living. (December 26, 2021)
“Civil Disobedience”
In this message, I survey four biblical examples of believers in open defiance against some earthly authority. I discuss the mandate, the disobedience, and the result thereof. Lastly, I pull on the thread that runs through them all. (December 19, 2021)