Eschatology: Life Giving Fruit (Misc. Texts)

This is our first sermon in our 8 week series of eschatology.   As we study the last things or the last times we begin in the garden of Eden.  So often we think that eschatology is only found in certain chapters or books of the Bible, but we do not think of Eschatology as the driving force of scripture.  The opening pages of scripture just tell us about the creation, the fall, and our need for redemption.  We think these are important chapters to communicate our need for a savior, but what do they teach us about eschatology?  How can two trees in the garden of eden be so significant that they can anchor our Christian experience?

(Our camera gave out so we do not have video of this service)

Baptized into Christ (Romans 6:1-14)

Our Lord commands that the church would go forth baptizing in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  The church is called to make disciples and baptize in the name of the trinitarian God.  What is the significance of this sign of baptism?  What does this sacrament communicate?  Why does the apostle Paul say that were were baptized into Christ’s death and also his life?  Does this baptism automatically work, does it merely symbolize something, and so what is the purpose of baptism?  How does baptism encourage us in our Christian walk?

Baptizing the Household

This is the second part of our seven part series on baptism.  We continue to give an introduction to a biblical case for infant baptism.  In this teaching we consider the household of God and what it means for God to work in the context of a household. So, why does God work in the context of a household? 

Here is a link to the “Introduction to Baptism” playlist.

The Humble and Majestic King (Matthew 21:1-11)

So often we view the cross of Christ in a sentimental way.  We do not see the radical absurdity of Christ’s mission in the way that he establishes the kingdom.  We see Christ humbling himself while seated on a donkey, but have we taken the time to think about the backdrop of Christ entering into Jerusalem on a donkey? How does Christ riding on a donkey demonstrate his humility and exaltation?

Our Certain Amen (2 Timothy 2:8-13)

When we close our prayers by saying, “Amen” we might just think that it is a simple word.  We might not think about all the implications of the word "amen", but saying "amen" is a rather profound way to close our prayers.  Why is “Amen” such a strong word?  What grounds the word  “Amen?”

What is the Sign and Seal?

This is the first part of our seven part series on baptism.  The purpose of the series is to give an overview of baptism so people who are curious about infant baptism will be exposed to arguments in favor of infant baptism.  This first video is a summary of a sign and seal.  Is baptism a sign and seal of our faith or the promises of God? 

(I apologize for the music. The music is turned way lower or completely off. I upgraded the mic for the camera so no need for background distraction.)

Here is a link to the “Introduction to Baptism” playlist.

The Unconventional Kingdom (Matthew 20:1-16)

Christ is making his way to Jerusalem.  It would seem that as Christ travels to Jerusalem that all is on schedule, the kingdom will be the kingdom of glory where Christ secures his place in history.  Our expectation would be Christ sitting on David’s throne establishing the kingdom that David failed to establish. If this is the case then why does Christ talk about suffering?  What does Christ’s suffering have to do with the kingdom?

Lead Us Not into Temptation (Galatians 5:17)

Our Lord commands us to pray that God would not lead us into temptation. This is strange considering that James tells us that when we face temptation that God does not tempt anyone. What does our Lord mean? How can our Lord lead us into temptation?

Forgive Us Our Debts (Psalm 51)

Our Lord commands us to ask the Lord to forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.  This is a strange command for our Lord to give us that every day we are asking for forgiveness and the grace to forgive. Why does the Lord want us to first and foremost ask him for forgiveness?  Hasn’t Christ already forgiven us?  Why would we then continually need to ask for this forgiveness?  What assurance do we have that the Lord really does forgive us our debts?

An Unconventional Kingdom (Matthew 20:1-16)

Our Lord teaches,  “the first will be last and the last will be first.”  If this is the case then why would we want to live or work for the Lord if we are just going to be last?  Why would we pursue the Lord if we are not going to receive immediate praise?  Why would our Lord say such a thing in terms of working in his vineyard?  What is our Lord teaching us about the ultimate joy of the Christian life? 

The Poverty of Riches (Matthew 19:16-30)

Christ interacts with a man who is neither warm nor cold in terms of his relationship toward Christ.  The man affirms Christ’s authority, but he makes this affirmation as someone who wants to attain God’s affection.  This is a man who is above the rest because he is blinded by his blessing as Matthew informs us that this is a wealthy man with great possessions.  So does blessing necessarily mean one is a follower of Christ?  Does blessing necessarily mean that one is in rebellion against God?  How does one find their place in the the Lord’s kingdom?

Our Daily Bread (Deuteronomy 8:3)

It is easy to think that the Lord may in the best case scenario provide our food, but we need to be assertive to secure additional physical blessings.  It is tempting to think that the Lord takes care of the spiritual blessings, but we better get busy to secure the physical blessings.  However, our Lord commands us to pray that our Lord would provide our daily bread.  Why our daily bread?  What does daily bread have to do with physical blessings?  How does our request for our daily bread challenge us to see the bigger picture of God's provision?

Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage (2) (Matthew 19:10-15)

The disciples hear Christ teach about marriage and they figure out that Christ is pretty serious about the marriage commitment.  They ask the logical question: if marriage is so serious then why get marred?  It would seem to make more sense not to marry at all, but to remain single.  So, is it really better not to marry?  Is marriage only for the weak?  Is it sinful to be single?

Your Will Be Done (Psalm 103:20-21)

We are called to do the will of God.  We can see in Scripture the commandments that God gives to us challenging us to follow him.  However, what does David tell us in Psalm 103?  What does it mean that even the angels of heaven are to do the will of the Lord?  What is the significance of us praying to do the Lord’s will? 

“Thy Kingdom Come” (Psalm 143:10)

There are many things that we can say about the Kingdom of God, but one thing we must remember is that the kingdom takes residence within us.  How do we realize the Lord's kingdom in the midst of turmoil and struggle?  How does one gain the wisdom while walking in the Kingdom of God?  Does one just study the Scriptures more?  Does one just try to mysteriously encounter God more?  How does one live out this request that the Lord instructs us to ask our Father in heaven?

Cross Ethics (4) (Matthew 18:21-35)

Our Lord concludes the second sermon on the mount with a parable that answer’s Peter’s question: how many times do we forgive?  Christ speaks of us bearing our cross before the Lord by showing this forgiveness.  What is the standard of forgiveness and how does this depth of forgiveness assure us of Christ’s mercy? 

Our Holy and Approachable God (Ex 34:4-9)

Our God is a God who created this world, is above this world, and the one who sustains this world.  If all this is true then how can we approach such a Holy God?  Can we really draw near to a God who is so exalted and dwelling in heavenly glory?  Moses gives us the assurance that when we call upon the Lord’s name we find that the Lord is not distant at all.  So, what does the holiness of God’s name tell us about our God?

(The video is not available for this sermon)

Cross Ethics (3) (Matthew 18:15-20)

Christ commands us to confront Christians who offend us or we see in sin.  This is an obligation for us under Christ’s cross or christian ethics.  However, Christ also commands us to have our concern fixated on the log that is in our own eyes before considering the spec in another’s eye.  So, how do we maintain a consistent application of these two commands?  How do we live out the cross ethic for the honor and glory of our God without being a busy bodied people?

Cross Ethics (3) (Matthew 18:15-20)

Christ commands us to confront Christians who offend us or we see in sin.  This is an obligation for us under Christ’s cross or christian ethics.  However, Christ also commands us to have our concern fixated on the log that is in our own eyes before considering the spec in another’s eye.  So, how do we maintain a consistent application of these two commands?  How do we live out the cross ethic for the honor and glory of our God without being a busy bodied people?

Approaching God’s Throne Room (2) (Acts 17:22-27)

When we lay out what Scripture teaches about our God we show from Scripture that God is the one who created this world.  As God is the one who created this world does that mean that he simply made. It, walked away, and allows the world to sustain itself?  If this is the case then it means that our God is rather impersonal.  However, if we make God merely a being who just communes with us then how is he distinct from this creation?