Christ Reformed Baptist Church

The summary and conclusion of our series, 'blessed are the peacemakers', and of the book The Peacemaker. Here we see how God helps us throw off worldly ideas about resolving conflict that we might embody Matthew 5:9 – "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." This study summarizes the practical, biblical tools for resolving personal conflicts in a God-honoring way, all based upon the core conviction that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the foundation for true peacemaking.

Here we see that fathers and fatherhood is to be viewed through the lens of God's own fatherly nature, recognizing that earthly fathers are stewards reflecting divine authority and love rather than absolute rulers. Fathers are called to pity, protect, provide, listen to, show compassion to, instruct and discipline their children in the Lord, as our Heavenly Father does for us.

How do we overcome evil with good? This is not something natural to our fallen nature. But God's people are called to take hold of the spiritual weapons of warfare given in the gospel, as we are immersed in the local church where weekly worship shapes and forms us after the image of God in Christ.

Given the pervasive influence of evil, the prevalence of trials and temptations, as well as the activity of the Antichrist, how do Christians persevere? Here we see our salvation is grounded in the loving election of the Father and the eternal comfort of the Spirit in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Christians are thus called to steadfast adherence to the apostolic traditions (the preached Word and sacraments) as the means by which God establishes and guards His people, ultimately leading and preserving us to our heavenly home.

Who is the antichrist, the man of sin, the son of perdition?Why were the Thessalonians in danger of being led astray by such speculation? Here we see a warning about and a description of the man of sin, including why protestants have traditionally understood this as referring to the Roman Catholic Papacy. This is to motivate God's people to steadfastly cling to the gospel, and actively encourage one another in anticipation of His eventual return and triumph over darkness.

Here we consider the negotiation aspect of conflict resolution, how we are called to conduct that as children of God in Christ, and how we are enabled by the Spirit of God to become a biblical peacemaker.

What do we think of when we hear the word, 'Judgment', or 'the judgment of God'? Here from 2nd Thessalonians we see that judgment is not entirely a negative thing, but is also a vital means by which salvation is accomplished and justice is rendered.

Chapter 10 of the book, The Peacemaker: Jesus commands us to, "Go and be reconciled." So how does forgiveness play a role in this? Here then we see that peacemaking is rooted in a right understanding of God and the gospel.

When Jesus speaks of the sun and moon being darkened, the stars falling, and the Son of Man "coming in the clouds of heaven," is He referring to events of 70ad or to some future, end time period? Here we consider how Jesus utilizes Old Testament language to describe both the destruction of the temple in 70 AD and the ultimate triumph of his kingdom. This illustrates the cyclical nature of prophetic patterns and the ongoing spiritual upheaval brought about by the gospel in our age as well.

Continuing to take a biblical, gospel-centered approach to conflict resolution, drawing from Ken Sandie's book The Peacemaker, here we consider Matthew 18:16 and Jesus' command to, "take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established." How does this verse direct us to gently restore those who've fallen into sin so that reconciliation may be brought about, relationships preserved, and God may be glorified in His church?

What is the Abomination of Desolation? Here, Jesus teaches that the events of 70ad were a prototype for the end of the world, with the message of Christ and Him crucified being the interpretive key, as it's Christ's sacrifice that guarantees our preservation and a perfect presentation before God despite future tribulations.

An important aspect to pursuing and achieving reconciliation and restoration in conflict with others is, speaking the truth in love (Eph. 4:15). For our words have profound consequences, and only God can truly change hearts.

The Apostle Paul opens his 2nd letter to the Thessalonians by giving thanks to God for His work in the young church. Recognizing God's active work in the church seen in the brotherly love and perseverance amidst trials and afflictions serves as a great encouragement to them and to us today.

True faith rests not in worldly circumstances or human leaders, but in God's unwavering faithfulness and provision, exemplified here in the 7th chapter of Isaiah and the promise of Immanuel. Let us trust in God's promises and find strength in the gospel, recognizing Jesus as the ultimate source of hope and salvation, ultimately shaping a life of faith and resilience in the face of adversity.

What is corporate worship all about? What is going on when the church gathers for worship? We must look not to tradition, but to the foundational principles of scripture that are revealed in order to shape our worship. These are, 1. The Covenantal Structure of Worship, 2. The Dialogical Principle, 3. The Regulative Principle of Worship, and 4. The Gospel Structure Worship.

Working toward gently restoring in conflict. What does it mean to 'go to your brother in private' when someone sins against you?

What are the signs of the End? How are we to respond to times of distress, trials, perils, and persecutions? Here we see how such things, in God's good providence, ultimately serve for the advancement of the gospel.

What does lament have to do with the grace of God found in the gospel?

What does honestly confessing our sin have to do with being peacemakers and pursuing peace in conflict? Ricky Lobach opens up Proverbs 28:13 - "Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy."

Gifted brother Chandler Kelley opens up Psalm 15 as divine catechism which reveals the covenant of works, the covenant of grace, and ultimately, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Where does conflict begin? And what role do our desires, our sinful idols, and God's work of sanctification in us play in how we identify both the root source of conflict as well as the solution to conflict found in the gospel?

As we strive to be biblical peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), at what point do we overlook an offense? And how does "take the log out of your own eye" relate to such?

In our final sermon through 1st Corinthians, how does Paul conclude such a long, heartfelt letter? He leaves a firm, lasting impression with one last exhortation, warning, and blessing.

How does the church "abound in the work of the Lord"? In part, by loving the universal church through giving to the needs of the saints, sending out ministers to promulgate the gospel, and receiving/welcoming others in the Lord.

In conflict, Christians are called to trust that God is sovereign and loving, and that even in conflict He is working for our good, despite our questions, doubts, and fears. Faith's response in conflict is to focus on God, and see how He's using circumstances to work on and shape our own heart.

Peacemaking is not optional for the Christian. For God displays His love and power through the church as we strive to maintain peace and unity with others around us.

The doctrine of the resurrection as revealed in 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 culminates in the transformative victory over death through the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ, compelling believers to steadfastly abound in the work of the Lord with the assurance that their labor in Him is not in vain.

What kind of body will the dead be raised with? Here we see how nature (natural revelation) teaches us the power and wisdom of God, and how Jesus Christ is both the pattern and power of the new creation.

Part 2 of Peacemaking: When viewed properly from a Christian perspective, conflict gives us an opportunity to Glorify God.

Just as God's word proved true to Adam in that sin brings death, His word to us in Christ proves true in that Christ's obedience and resurrection have brought life.

What is a peacemaker? How are we to pursue peacemaking as children of God in Christ? In our SS hour, here we see see how God helps us throw off worldly ideas about resolving conflict that we may embody the words of Christ in Matthew 5:9 -- "Blessed are the Peacemakers".

The Christian life is one lived in tension, suspended between the central truths: the cross and the empty tomb. Here we see how important the doctrine of the resurrection is to the gospel, and how our union with Jesus Christ changes everything.

Our 10th and final study of the topic of #deconstruction where we summarize what we've considered and how we are to move forward from here.

Ordination sermon for Pastor Cem Brinckley.

When interacting with those who 'deconstruct', it's important that we properly understand what they are deconstructing from.

What is the gospel? Why is it important that we carefully define and know the gospel? Because the gospel is the means by which we have been, are being, and will be saved.

What is our fundamental identity? To the believer, our fundamental identity is found in our baptism: at the individual and corporate level.

The Christian life is often one of affliction. But God's desire for us in affliction is faith, comfort, and perseverance, by His grace and His strength that He works in us.

What is critical theory, and what does it have to do with #deconstruction?

What does the nature and character of God have to do with our corporate worship? Here we find basic principles for corporate worship, all centering on our doctrine of God.

Truth over tongues: The centrality of the reading and proclamation of the word of God in worship.

What is the spiritual gift of speaking in tongues, and what relevance do tongues and prophecy have in the church today?

In our SS hour we considered many different reasons or 'triggers' that start one on the path of #deconstruction: #purityculture #suffering #crisis #doubts

How does eternity and the beatific vision inform our behavior and ethics, particularly in our relationships within the church?

In our SS hour we considered many different reasons or 'triggers' that start one on the path of #deconstruction: #purityculture #suffering #crisis #doubts

1 Corinthians 13 describes the Spirit-wrought, virtue of love that is to characterize the local church community.

The new life we have hidden in Christ, from Colossians 3.

Gifted brother Chandler Kelley: The hope of Christ for the coming new year, from Genesis chapter 3

Sunday School hour: how culture and our experiences can shape our understanding of God and His word, and how we might both be on guard against #deconstruction and be prepared to give an answer to it.

The love of God embodied in the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ.