Why the Word and Sacrament? (Eph 5:26; BC 33)

We look at Paul's encouragement to the Ephesian church to live out of gratitude. We see that the word and sacrament go together. The Lord is pleased to work through this means to grow us in Christ. We cannot separate them as they both hold out the same Christ.

Put on the Kings Yoke (Hosea 10:1-15)

There is the warning to Israel that they are going to be carried off. They will be yoked and carried off. We might think that the Lord's purpose is finished. However, Christ exhorts us to put on his yoke that is light and easy. We need to see that coming under Christ's domain is freeing rather than domineering.

Put on the King's Yoke (Hosea 10:1-15)

There is the warning to Israel that they are going to be carried off. They will be yoked and carried off. We might think that the Lord's purpose is finished. However, Christ exhorts us to put on his yoke that is light and easy. We need to see that coming under Christ's domain is freeing rather than domineering.

Why the Sacraments? (Romans 4:11; BC 33)

The Belgic confession assures us that the sacrament are given to us to strengthen our faith. However, the sacraments also communicate to us that we are weak. We are prone to wander, and testify to the reality that we need a savior. The sacraments communicate to us the truth of the gospel and cannot stand apart from it.

God Reflects on Israel's History (Hosea 9:10-17)

The Lord was refreshed by his people. He found them as a needy people needing redemption, and the Lord took pity on them, nurtured them, and loved them dearly. However, Israel crossed the line failing to see that God truly can protect his people. It sounds as if the Lord's purpose is concluded for his people, but we need to realize that redemption only comes through death. It is through death that there is true everlasting life.

Is Scripture Finished? (1 Corinthians 14:1-25)

In our previous sermons we have seen that the word of God has power, we have seen that church receives the canon of Scripture, and now we see that all we need to know about God and his saving work is in his scriptures. Our goal is to show that there is no longer any new revelation because we do not need new revelation.

The Eagle Has Turned (Hosea 8:1-14)

The Lord protected his people as an eagle hovering over its young. The Lord saw to it that he continued to protect his people so that they survived their wilderness time. The Lord is the great protecting Eagle. However, the Lord now uses the nations to come against Israel. They are the eagle poised to attack God's people. We might think that God has given up his purpose for his people. However, Hosea gives a subtle reminder that the Lord will use Egypt again to reshape and mould his people.

Why Preaching of the Gospel? (Ezekiel 37:1-14; John 5:18-29; BC 24; Q &A 65)

The priest Ezekiel is called to be a prophet. He has this vision of dry bones, very dead bones, and we could say a mess of bones. You would think that he would have to gather the bones and bring them to the temple. However, he does not do such a thing. He is told to simply speak the word of the Lord over this valley of dead bones. Truly, the Spirit works as the Spirit wills and normally through the preaching of the Gospel.

Why is Christ’s Baptism Stressful? (Luke 12:49-59)

When Christ enters history we expect Christ to bring peace, life, and joy in this age. However, this is not what we see with Christ. Christ speaks of casting fire and creating division. This is the messiah who is supposed to bring the kingdom of peace, shalom, that is a kingdom of wholeness for his people. So, if this is true then why is Christ bringing division on this earth? Secondly, why is Christ so overwhelmed by his baptism?

Self Help or Sanctification? (Luke 14:25-33)

Christ does not follow the program for church growth, but rather does everything in his power to discourage people from following him. Christ exhorts us to bear our cross making clear that we are to be continual disciples in Christ and of Christ. We understand that Christ is more than merely a self-help guru. He is a redeemer and teacher.

Consumed by Addiction (Hosea 7:3-16)

Hosea continues to prove and prosecute the sins of Israel. There is a lot of immorality in the midst of Israel. They are a people who claim to return to God, but they are not really willing to repent of their sin. Hosea reminds us that as Christians we continually seek to pursue the Lord as we die to self.

Does God Tempt Us? (LD 52; 1 Peter 5:6-11)

James assures us that God does not tempt us. Christ commands us to pray that our Father would not lead us into temptation. Does this show that James contradicts Christ? We know that he does not because temptation also means testing. So, we are praying that the Father would not test us beyond what we can bear.

God Doesn't Want Sacrifice (Hosea 6:4-7:2)

We hear the apostle Paul exhort us to live as living sacrifices before the Lord. David confesses that the Lord does not want burnt offerings and Hosea echoes David's confession. So, how do we live as living sacrifices and honor our God? We will see that our God calls us to live before him with a sincere heart tuned into his purpose.

The Untamed Lion (Hosea 5:8-6:3)

Jacob declares that Christ is going to be the lion of Judah. This is a lion who is going to fight on behalf of his people. However, what happens when his people lose the sight of God? Is he merely vindictive seeking to destroy? We will see that God is not vindictive, but seeks to shepherd his people even in the midst of discipline.

God’s Unnoticed Signature (LD 50; Acts 14:16, 17)

We can loose sight that God provides for this while creation. The Apostle Paul reminds the mission field that God's continual care demonstrates his commitment to this creation. We think of the Lord reminding Job in Job 38:13-18 about the Lord's care for the careless ostrich. This is not an invitation for us to take God's faithfulness for granted, but to be even more confident to place all our requests before his throne of grace trusting in his provision.

God’s Discipline Published (Hosea 5:1-7)

We can attack the Lord and accuse him of many things. This is not right, and our accusations are not justified. However, human beings continue to attack God. We do not realize that God publishes many warnings, God is very long suffering, and ultimately God is merciful even though we may deny this reality. This is not a call for us to question God, but a call for us to reevaluate how we view God. Notice, this is not saying that God has changed, but a call for us to change. We can see that even in the midst of his judgment his mercy is manifested.

Discerning the Right Will (LD 49; Romans 12:1, 2)

It would be nice if the Lord would just tell us what he wants us to do. It would be nice that in every circumstance the Lord would tell us what is right and wrong. However, God did not create robots. He desires for us to consciously pursue him. So, when we pray this request we are asking the Lord to accomplish his will, and what we would do his will for his glory.