Catechism Sermons 2009-2010 – Covenant United Reformed Church

Peter and James greet the church as one that is in exile or in the dispersion. This is reference to the time when Israel was outside the land of Canaan. What does a wilderness or exile have to do with prayer? How can this be encouraging? How will being in the wilderness help us to […] The post May It Be (LD 52; Matthew 6:13) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

As we live our Christian life do we stop to think about what it really means when we ask the Lord not to test us? However, this is in the Lord’s prayer. Why is this request here that we do not want to be tested, and that we will stand up during this testing? What […] The post Deliver Us Through Our Testing (LD 52; Matthew 6:13) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

The kingdom comes with Christ. It is in Christ that there is forgiveness, and reconciliation to the true God of heaven. If we are reconciled to the living God, why must we forgive others? Is this forgiveness conditional meaning that as we forgive someone we receive more forgiveness? Is this forgiveness fruit of living in […] The post Forgive our Debts as We Forgive our Debtors (LD 51; Matt. 6:12) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

Many times when we go through life we pray after we need or want something. Many times it is easy for us to think that we pray when it is a Spiritual need, and when it is a physical need we will take care of it using our resources. Is this really consistent with what […] The post Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread (LD 50; Matthew 6:11) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

When we read about Adam in the garden of Eden scripture tells us that he was created perfect, and was created to do the will of the Lord. We know that Adam failed to do the Lord’s will. Adam’s sin brought sin and death to humanity, and even this creation is under a curse. If […] The post Your Will Be Done (LD 49; Matt. 6:10 | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

Christ tells us not to pray like the Pharisees who make a show of their prayer. Also, we are not to pray like the gentiles who pray hoping that God or a god will hear a prayer. If we pray to our Father in heaven what sorts of things ought we to request? We continue […] The post Your Kingdom Come (LD 48; Matthew 6:10) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

Many psalms identify God as the Lord of lords and the King of kings. This is a very strong statement to make regarding the power of God. There have been strong emperors and kings who have ruled throughout world history. If this is a true claim about the Lord then why do we have to […] The post Hallowed Be Your Name (LD 47; Matt. 6:9) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

When Israel had a king they knew to whom they could make their requests. Israelites could try to meet with the king or a king’s advisor to talk with the king. This must have been great to see the one who ruled over Israel, and to know that you could put your request to him. […] The post Our Father in Heaven (LD 46; Matthew 6:9) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

Thank you for downloading our sermon preached on Sunday, April 11, 2010. Our Lord knows all things. God does not need us to teach him anything. In fact, Christ states in the context of prayer that our heavenly father already knows what we need. If this is the case why do we pray? What is […] The post "Do Not Pray as the Hypocrites Do" (Matt. 6:5-8; LD 45) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

We just had the opportunity to see another round of the Olympics in the not too distant past. It is still remarkable to watch the athletes as they compete with one another. The winner of each competition gets a gold piece of medal commemorating their accomplishment. Is this piece of gold really something that lasts […] The post Running the Race in Christ (LD 44; 1 Cor. 9:19-27) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

When we were younger we learned that it was rude to lie. In fact, even today if you listen to non Christians teach their children they know that the act of deception is wrong, and they discourage their children. When we as Christians say that it is wrong to lie, do we merely think that […] The post Rejoicing in Truth (LD 43; Eph. 4:25) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

It is easy for us to go through life thinking that thieves and robbers belong in jail. It might be easy for us to go about our day to day business thinking that we are not as bad as those robbers who belong behind bars. This might be a fine way to console ourselves, but […] The post Let the Thief Labor (LD 42; Ephesians 4:28) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

When we think about the seventh commandment, the command against adultery, many times we may think that this command only speaks about committing physical sins with another person. It is true that this commandment certainly is a command that is a sin against the body, but what else is implied in this command? Why is […] The post Living in the Temple (LD 41; 1 Cor. 6:12-20) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

Many times we speak of a Christian ethic. What is a Christian ethic, and what is distinctively Christian about it? Is this something that anyone can do? Is this merely a matter of will power or desire? Is there really something that is distinctively Christian about these ethics? How does Christ fit into these ethics? […] The post But I Have Not Murdered (LD 40; Matt. 5:21-26; Gal 5:16-26) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

The apostle Paul tells children to obey their parents. It is after this command to children that Paul then tells fathers not to overwhelm their children with their discipline. Slaves are to obey their masters, and masters are not to treat their slaves harshly. What is the hope for the slave that is abused? What […] The post Motivation to Submit to Authority (LD 39; Ephesians 6:1-9) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

Christian churches meet normally meet together on Sunday. Why do we come together on the first day of the week when Israel used to worship on the last day of the week? Are we adding something to scripture that is not there? Is there implicitly a command for us to meet together on the first […] The post Collecting on the Eighth Day (LD 38; 1 Cor. 16:1-4) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

Christians are asked to take oaths in the court of law, and in different circumstances. Is this practice of oath take a violation of our Christian principles? Is this practice of oath taking violating my ability to honor my God? What kind of oath is a Christian allowed to take? These are some of the […] The post Can a Christian Take an Oath? (LD 37; Misc. Texts) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

Christian liberty is generally about what we can freely do in the confidence of faith without violating an explicit command of the Lord. However, we can also look at Christian liberty as potentially blaspheming the name of the Lord. How can we blaspheme the name of the Lord by enjoying this creation? Please stay tuned […] The post Living Not to Blaspheme (LD 36; Romans 14) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

If it is true that God calls his people before the foundation of the world then what is the point of the preaching of the gospel? If it is true that God breaths new life into His people without their choosing then why meet together as a church? If it is true that God chooses […] The post Faith Comes Through Hearing (LD 35; Romans 10:14-17) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

If we were asked about idolatry we probably would say that it is worshipping a god other than the Christian God. There is no doubt that this is true. However, is there more to this commandment against idolatry? The apostle Paul states that a covetous person is an idolator. How can this be the case? […] The post Is Idolatry Only False Worship? (LD 34; Ephesians 5:5) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

As Christians we are those who are called to live for the honor and glory of our Lord. Is there any leeway in what we may do and not do? How do we know the boundaries? How do others affect these boundaries? How are we to respect the boundaries of others? What is the objective […] The post What is Christian Liberty? (1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

One of the key objections to the Reformed understanding of redemption or salvation is that it will make believers lazy. You see if we receive our redemption freely on account of Christ and His merits then we will not care how we live, act, or whether we conform to the glory of heaven. Is this […] The post Why Should We Do Good Works? (LD 32; 1 Peter 2:9-11) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

The apostle Paul gives strong warnings about the sacrament of communion. We are called to discern the body and blood of Christ as we come together for this sacrament. However, what about the gospel of Christ? Are there certain things that are essential and things that are less essential? How much of this gospel is […] The post The Gospel Key (LD 31; 1 Corinthians 15:1-11) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

We are called to discern the body and blood of Christ before coming to the Lord’s table. We are told to judge ourselves correctly so that we will not be judged. What is involved in this judging? How do we know if we are able to come to the Lord’s table? What are some of […] The post Sojourning in the One Sacrifice (3) (LD 30; 1 Corinthians 10:14-23; 11:17-34) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

When we come together as a people of God why do we have the Lord’s supper? What does the Lord’s supper communicate to us? Is this only a feast? Is it only a meal? What kind of nourishment do we receive from this sacrament? Why are the people in Corinth warned about this bread and […] The post Sojourning in the One Sacrifice (2) (LD 29; 1 Corinthians 11:17-34) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

We are a people who journey through this age in the power of our God. We know that the sign of Baptism sets us apart as Christians. We know that the Lord’s supper serves also as a sign that sets us apart as a people. So, what is the difference in these signs? What does […] The post Sojourning in the One Sacrifice (1 Cor. 10:1-22; LD 28) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

The people of Israel have a marvelous story that shows the strong arm of God. They were nourished through the wilderness after passing through the sea of death. Paul applies these things to the church, and calls us to see that just because we are tied to events in covenant history does not mean we […] The post Don't Be Distracted by the Sign (LD 27; 1 Cor. 10:1-13) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

Why is it important to be sprinkled in the blood of Christ? What does this sprinkling really do for us? Why should we see it as a good thing? It seems that things would be better to see an animal slaughtered to communicate the seriousness of sin. So, how do we know that our situation […] The post Sprinkled in a Better Blood (LD 26; Hebrews 12:18-24) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

This life has many problems and struggles. Israel had her problems and struggles. Israel certainly knew her struggles when she spent her time in exile. It is interesting that Peter greets the church in exile. How did we end up in exile? How can this exile be good news? What is the hope that we […] The post Sojourning in Faith (LD 25; 1 Peter 1:13-25) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

One of the common objections to the reformation is that if grace is freely given then there will be no motivation for people to live in conformity to the Lord. Is this really a valid concern? How does the apostle Paul deal with this objection in Romans 6? Why should we put off our sin, […] The post Why Not Sin for Grace to Abound? (Romans 6:1-4; LD 24) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

If somebody stopped you on the street and ask you, how are you righteous before God? What would you say? Would you say you lived a good life? Would you say that you go to church? Would you say that you are righteous on account of your faith in Christ? Do we ever ask ourselves […] The post “…Then Christ Died in Vain” (LD 23; Galatians 2:16-21) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

One does not have to live long after college to realize that one’s body is not what it was back in the day. We notice that we have joint aches, back aches, and muscle aches in places where we did not even know we have muscles. We also learn that this world can be riddled […] The post Hoping in Heaven's House (2 Corinthians 4:16-5:5; LD 22) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

In John 14 Christ is continuing with a speech to his disciples prior to His going to the cross. The disciples come together for the Lord’s Supper, and listen to Christ’s speech about His kingdom. Christ gives them assurance that the Father and Christ will send a helper to teach them. This sound strange that […] The post What is Your Comfort? (LD 20; John 14:18-31) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

We saw last time that Christ ascended into Heaven. We surveyed the prophet’s promise of the coming Spirit, and we made the case that this is tied to the ascension of Christ. So, why is the ascension of Christ so essential? Why is the Spirit presented as a fire from heaven so essential? Why are […] The post Where is Your Lord? (2) (LD 19; Acts 1:6-11) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

Our Lord Jesus Christ is seated at the right hand of God the Father in heaven. This is a great thing for Christians to ponder, to know, and to believe. However, why is it so important that Christ has ascended into heaven? It would be a lot easier to bring skeptics to the king who […] The post Where is Your Lord? (LD 18; Acts 1:6-11) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

We heard last week that it is the resurrection of Christ that secures our final victory chant. As Christians we believe that the resurrection is that end point or that final point in history. If the resurrection is the last point in history why do we speak of the resurrection now? Why is a resurrection […] The post Where is your Victory? (2) (1 Cor. 15:54, 55; LD 17) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

If the dead are not raised let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die. The apostle Paul makes this statement in 1 Corinthians 15:33. Why would he say such a thing? Why does he appeal to the prophet Isaiah and Hosea as words we can use to chant? What does the resurrection of Christ […] The post Where is Your Victory? (1 Cor. 15:54, 55; LD 16) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

Have you ever read scripture and thought that if you were in the garden of Eden that you would have done a better job than Adam? Have you ever thought that you could merit the favor of God? Is it possible to merit or earn the favor of God? Have you ever wondered why Christ […] The post Christ, The Accursed of God (Galatians 3:10-14; LD 15) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

The apostle Paul writes so that we may know how to behave in the household of God. He then speaks of godliness being a mystery. If he is writing so that we know how to behave then why is godliness a mystery? What does Christ being born of a woman have to do with godliness? […] The post What is the Great Mystery of Godliness? (1 Timothy 3:16; LD 14) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

There is no doubt that our redemption is only because of the work of Jesus Christ. However, why is His work so superior to any other work? Why do we say that Jesus is God and man? Why do we refer to Jesus as the only begotten Son of God? Does scripture teach this doctrine? […] The post Why is Jesus the Only Begotten Son of God? (Hebrews 1:1-4; LD 13) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

There are many people who are anointed for a particular task. This anointing, Messiah or Christ, is applied to kings, prophets, and priests. Sometimes there are even cases when the land is anointed. If this anointing is so common why does Israel look for one Christ? Why do they desire to find “the messiah”? What […] The post Who is This Christ? (Luke 4:16-30; LD 12) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

The Old Testament in scripture has many plays on people’s names. Today, when children are named, we mostly choose the names because we like the way that they sound. Sometimes the names can be tied to the family and have significance as a family member is commemorated. Is this why Jesus is supposed to be […] The post What is in a Name? (Matthew 1:18-25; LD 11) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

We believe that God is sovereign and all powerful. He promises to defeat Satan in the opening of scripture. This is a hard promise to fulfill, and it is impossible for us to do. However, is God able to defeat Satan, and at the same time preserve His people? Can we be lost in this […] The post Can We Be Separated from the Love of God? (Romans 8:31-39; LD 10) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

False teachers are predicted to enter into the church. There have been angelic rebellions against the Lord. Did God create the world this way? Can these angelic powers rise up against God claiming victory over this world? Will false teachers steal christians away from the living God? How do we know that our Father has […] The post Our Preserving Father (2 Peter 2:4-10; BC 12; LD 9) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

We have seen in the past few weeks that there are two adams. There is the first Adam who plunged this world into sin. There is the second Adam who secures the blessings of the kingdom once for all. The secured kingdom is shown when Christ gives the great commission. What is the significance of […] The post Why a Trinitarian Baptism? (Matthew 28:16-20; LD 8) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

The Apostle Paul tells us that all are condemned in Adam and all are justified in Christ. Does this mean that every single human being is secured by the work of Christ? Are all men going to heaven? If all men are not going to heaven how do we get around the declaration that all […] The post Universal or Particular Redemption? (Romans 5:12-21; 1 Corinthians 15:20-28, 45; LD 7) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

Peter takes the suffering servant song and applies it to us and Christ. However, when Peter does this he arranges the servant song in a different way. Why would Peter do this? How is this servant song tied to us? What does this servant song have to say about the perfect and complete work of […] The post How Can A Suffering Servant Be King? (Isaiah 53; 1 Peter 2; BC 20; LD 6) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

The Apostle Paul states, ” If Christ is not raised then let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die.” How can our present orientation be so tied to this future resurrection? In what sense is Christ the first fruits? What does Christ being the first fruits have to do with our resurrection? What does […] The post What Man Can Redeem? (1 Corinthians 15:20-28; BC 14; LD 5) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

The fall of man has eternal consequences. This means that history can never be the same. However, we do believe that God is merciful. If he is merciful then how come he cannot overlook the sin of Adam? Is Adam’s sin really that different from our sins? How does the Lord’s holding Adam accountable for […] The post Guilty by Association (Gen. 2:17; Rom. 5:18-19; LD 4) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.

All people have experienced death to some degree. This can range from grieving the death of an animal to the death of a very close loved one. As Christians we affirm that God created the world. Did God create death? Did God make it so that we experience this pain? Is there life after death? […] The post Eternal or Grave Consequences? (Belgic Confession Article 14; Genesis 2:17; Matthew 25:46) | 2009-2010 Catechism Sermons appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church.