Approaching a Just God (BC Art. 1; Rom 3:24,25)

We believe that God is completely just. It's scary because God can see into our hearts and know our hidden wants. If we're even a tiny bit wrong, God is bound to punish us. That is why we rely on Christ and the Spirit to give us faith. If we're not connected to Christ, his work will not benefit us.

Seeing the Invisible God (BC 1; 1 Timothy 6:16)

It would be really nice for us to show people God. It would be a very easy way to silence the skeptic and the critic who doubts that God exists. In fact, if we are honest, it would be nice to knock on God's door before entering his glorious throne room. However, this is not how God works in this time, but we are reminded that God dwells in unapproachable light. Paul reminds us that no one can see God nor has anyone seen God. We consider Paul's encouragement to be confident in an invisible God.

Our Compassionate Priest (Hebrews 4:14-17)

It is easy for us as Christians to see Christ as distant, detached for us, and seated in an unattainable place. This is probably part of the struggle for the church who originally receives this exhortation. We learn from Hebrews 4 is that our redemption is opposite of this perception. We have a savior who can understand our struggle, a priest who is watching over us, a priest who invites us to draw near, and a priest who can understand our struggle. The beauty of this is that our priest is our king. He rules us, but not in tyranny. He has sacrificed himself, has been raised from the dead, and now represents us in the most holy place. Let us draw near to him in boldness and confidence. It is not because we are worthy, but because we have been made worthy in Christ.

(Preached 12.4.2022)

One God, One Will (Exodus 3:14; 1 Corinthians 8:4-6 (LD 8 COD Head 5 Article 1)

The doctrine of the Trinity is a rather confusing doctrine.  In fact, it is a doctrine that we will not fully grasp or understand as creatures possibly even during glory. So, if this doctrine is so difficult can we really know our God?  What is good about such a confusing doctrine?  What does this doctrine have to do with our redemption?  In other words, if we cannot understand this doctrine then why talk about it?  What does such a doctrine have to do with the doctrines of grace?