Covenant Reformed Church Pella

6-1-25 AM "The Life of Youth"Scripture Reading: Titus 2:6-15Sermon Text: Ecclesiastes 11:9, 10I. Live in Joy A. A Joyful Heart in Youth B. A Joyful Freedom in PurposeII. Live in [Godly] Fear A. The Nature of this Fear B. The Knowledge of this FearIII. Live in Repentance A. The Action in Repentance B. The Motive for RepentanceRev. Greg Lubbers

5-29-25 Ascension "Running the Christian Race"Scripture Reading : Hebrews 11:32-12:2I. By the Encouragement of the Witnesses A. The Identity of the Witnesses B. The Testimony of the WitnessesII. By The Discard of the Hindrances A. The Items in Discarding Hindrances B. The Importance of Discarding HindrancesIII. By the Focus on the Captain A. The Identity of the Captain B. The Centrality of the CaptainRev. Greg Lubbers

5-25-25 PM "A Command for a Sabbath: A Holy Call"Scripture Reading: Hebrews 12, Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 38I. A Holy Call against Sin A. Because Sin Offends God B. Because Sin Ruins LivesII. A Holy Call of Redemption A. By the Work of Jesus Christ B. By the Work of the Holy SpiritIII. A Holy Call to Sanctification A. A Continuous Call to Sanctification B. A Mortifying Call to SanctificationRev. Greg Lubbers

5-25-25 AM "An Encouragement to Live Life"Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 11:1-8I. By Working Diligently A. With Consistent Display of Optimistic Action B. In Humble Reliance upon Divine ProvidenceII. By Giving Generously A. Through Sharing of a Portion B. Withy Uncertainty of the OutcomeIII. By Enjoying Continually A. In Living Life B. In Acknowledging DeathRev. Greg Lubbers

05-18-2025 PM "A Command for a Sabbath: A Moral Statute"Scripture Reading: Hebrews 10:19-25Sermon Text: Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 38I. The Provision in the Statute A. God's Provision B. Our ProvisionII. The Prohibition in the Statute A. The Description of the Prohibition B. The Purpose of the ProhibitionIII. The Purpose of the Statute A. The Description of the Purpose B. The Application of the PurposeRev. Greg Lubbers

05-18-2025 AM "More Foolishness with the Foolish"Sermon Text: Ecclesiastes 10:11-20I. The Speech of the Foolish A. Much Speech B. Ignorant SpeechII. The Actions of the Foolish A. Indulgent Actions B. Idle ActionsIII. The Response to the Foolish A. Restrained Response B. Reverent ResponseRev. Greg Lubbers

05-11-2025 PM "A Commandment for a Sabbath A Creation Ordinance"Scripture Reading: Genesis 2:1-7I. The Description of the Sabbath as a Creation Ordinance A. A Description of the Idea of Creation Ordinance B. A Description of the Attack on Creation OrdinancesII. The Proof for the Sabbath as a Creation Ordinance A. The Clarity of the Proof B. The Questioning of the ProofIII. The Implications of the Sabbath as a Creation Ordinance A. An Ordinance of Perpetual Validity B. An Ordinance of Highest SignificanceRev. Lubbers

05-11-2025 AM "God Reaches Out to the Philistines"Scripture Reading: Judges 13:24-14:20I. Samson makes a marriage alliance.II. God provides symbolic illustration of his power and love.III. Samson tests the Philistines by revealing the mystery of God's power and love.IV. The Philistines reject the message.Rev. Ralph Pontier

5-4-25 PM "A Command concerning the Oath"Scripture Reading: II Corinthians 1, Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 37I. The Idea of an Oath A. The General Explanation of the Idea B. The Biblical Validity of the IdeaII. The Need for an Oath A. Given Sinful Lies B. To Maintain JusticeIII. The Duty in an Oath A. The Duty to Take Oaths Reverently B. The Duty to Keep Oaths FaithfullyRev. Greg Lubbers

5-4-25 AM "The Foolishness of the Foolish"Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 10:1-10I. The Description of the Foolish A. An Undiscerning Heart B. And Unwise ActionsII. The Interaction with the Foolish A. The Occasion for the Interaction B. The Essence of the InteractionIII. The Reward upon the Foolish A. The Ruin of Good B. The Reception of RetributionRev. Greg Lubbers

4-27-25 PM "A Commandment concerning the Divine Name"Scripture Reading: Psalm 50Sermon Text: Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 36I. Addresses a Particular Person A. A Person in God's Image B. A Person of Transformative GraceII. Includes a Solemn Prohibition A. Forbidding the Abuse of Divine Names B. Given the Purpose of Divine NamesIII. Gives a Unique Opportunity A. For an Expression of Reverence B. For a Life of PraiseRev. Greg Lubbers

4-27-25 AM "The Great Advantage of Wisdom"Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 9:13-18,I. The Description of this Wisdom A. Described by the Grammar B. Described by the ParableII. The Evaluation of this Wisdom A. A Biblical Evaluation B. A Cultural EvaluationIII. The Application concerning this Wisdom A. By Comparison B. By ContrastRev. Greg Lubbers

4-20-25 PM "Born Again to a Living Hope"Sermon Text: I Peter 1:3I. The Nature of the Living Hope A. A Spiritual Life B. A Confident LifeII. The Source of the Living Hope A. A Merciful Father B. A Risen SaviorIII. The Expression of the Living Hope A. Praise to the Person of the Father B. Praise for the Work of the Father

4-20-25 AM "The Discovery of a Risen Jesus"Sermon Text: John 20:1-18I. Discovered by Seeking Disciples A. Disciples Who Loved Jesus B. Disciples Who Followed JesusII. Discovered by Ignorant Disciples A. Ignorant of the Word of Jesus B. Ignorant of the Work of JesusIII. Discovered by Revealing Jesus A. Revealing His Identity B. Revealing His ExaltationRev Greg Lubbers

Good Friday Service. 4-18-25 "The Fourth Word from the Cross: A Word of Anguish" Sermon Text: Matthew 27:46I. The Source of the Word of Anguish A. A Word of Anguish from the Son of God B. A Word of Anguish from the Mediator from GodII. The Description of the Word of Anguish A. Anguish in Relation to God B. Anguish in Relation to SinIII. The Reason for the Word of Anguish A. Seen in Relation to the Attributes of God B. Seen in Relation to the Salvation from GodRev. Greg Lubbers.

4-13-25 PM "Third Commandment - The LORD's Name"Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:5-11, Page 1349Sermon Text: Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 36, Forms & Prayers, 244Because the name of the God known and unveiled in Jesus Christ is so wonderful, you and I are to take on the glad burden of the Third Commandment -The LORD's Name, no taking it in vain:I. The prohibition established…II. The requirement laid out…III. The accountability involved…IV. The credibility at stake…Rev. Mike Kearney

4-13-25 AM "A Palm Sunday Meditation"Scripture Reading:Matthew 21:1-11Sermon Text: Psalm 118:19-28Because Christ is the cornerstone which has endured rejection, we need to livejoyfully as the temple God is building upon Him:I. We must refuse to fight God any longer…II. We must revel in our acceptance before the Father…III. We must repudiate this world's popularity contest…IV. We must renew our investment in God's great building project…Rev. Mike Kearney

4-6-25 PM "A Commandment for a Spiritual Worship"Scripture Reading: John 4:1-26, Sermon Text: Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 35I. The Obligation for a Spiritual WorshipA. Given the Nature of WorshipB. Given the Object of WorshipII. The Regulation of a Spiritual WorshipA. The Main Idea of the RegulationB. The Basic Elements in the RegulationIII. The Instruction in a Spiritual WorshipA. Preaching for an InstructionB. Preaching of the WordRev. Greg Lubbers

4-6-25 AM "Christian Service"Scripture Reading: Colossians 3I. The Range of Christian ServiceA. A Broad RangeB. A Qualified RangeII. The Focus in Christian ServiceA. Not on MenB. On the LordIII. The Motivation for Christian ServiceA. A Gracious RewardB. An Eternal RewardRev. Greg Lubbers

3-30-25 PM "A Commandment for an Exclusive Relationship"Scripture Reading: Isaiah 46Sermon Text: Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 34I. The Context of the Commandment A. A Context of Idolatry B. A Context of RedemptionII. The Essence of the Commandment A. A Saving Knowledge B. An Exclusive TrustIII. The Ground of the Commandment A. The Foolishness of Idols B. The Glory of GodRev. Greg Lubbers

3-30-25 AM "A Call to Heed Parental Instruction"Sermon Text: Proverbs 1:8, 9I. The Setting behind the Call A. Includes a Covenantal Context B. Includes a Covenantal InstructionII. The Exhortation in the Call A. The Direction of the Exhortation B. The Action in the ExhortationIII. The Motivation in the Call A. The Explanation of the Motivation B. The Exhortation concerning the MotivationRe. Greg Lubbers

3-23-25 PM "The Festive Day of Rest"Scripture Reading: Genesis 1:26-2:3, Hebrews 4:1-11, Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 38Theme: Rejoice in the Rest the Lord Provides!I. Weekly RestII. Eternal RestMr. Daniel Hofland

3-23-25 AM "The Seed Worth Sowing"The Seed Worth SowingScripture Reading: Matthew 13:1-23Theme: Sow the Seed of the Gospel!I. The Diversity of the SoilsII. The Method of the SowerIII. The Quality of the SeedMr. Daniel Hofland

3-16-25 PM "The Law of God and the Christian"Scripture Reading: Psalm 119:89-112, Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 34; Q&A 92, 93I. The Nature of the Law A. A Righteous Nature B. An Eternal Nature C. A Covenantal NatureII. The Uses of the Law A. A Civil Use B. An Evangelical Use C. A Normative UseIII. The View to the Law A. A Proper View B. A Practical ViewRev. Greg Lubbers

3-16-25 AM "The Uncertainties of Life"Scripture Reading: Romans 8:18-30, Ecclesiastes 9:11, 12I. Uncertain Outcomes A. Regardless of Effort B. Over a LifetimeII. Uncertain Troubles A. In the Randomness of Events B. In the Moment of DeathIII. Uncertain Providences A. In a Fallen World B. From an Earthly PerspectiveRev. Greg Lubbers

3-12-24 "The Power of Prayer"Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:1-9I. Prayer is an Antidote to Anxiety A. The Description of this Anxiety B. The Cause of this AnxietyII. Prayer is a Request to God A. The Contents of these Requests B. The Spirit of these RequestsIII. Prayer is an Expression of Thanksgiving A. The Direction of this Thanksgiving B. The Reason for this ThanksgivingRev. Greg Lubbers

3-9-25 PM "The Necessity of Conversion"Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:17-24, Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 33I. The Necessary Need for Conversion A. The Need for Initial Conversion/Regeneration B. The Need for Continual ConversionII. The Necessary Elements in Conversion A. The Element of the Mortification of the Old Man B. The Element of the Vivification of the New ManIII. The Necessary Result of Conversion A. The Source of this Result B. The Criterion for this ResultRev. Greg Lubbers

3-9-24 AM "Peter's Covenantal Command"Sermon Text: Acts 2:38, 39I. The Action in the Command A. A Command for Repentance B. A Command for BaptismII. The Blessing with the Command A. The Object of the Blessing B. The Nature of the BlessingIII. The Promise behind the Command A. The Essence of the Promise B. The Extent of the PromiseRev. Greg Lubbers

3-2-25 PM "The Necessity of Holiness"Scripture Reading: Ephesians 5:1-21, Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 32I. Seen by the Theology behind Holiness A. The Description of a Renewal B. The Result of a RenewalII. Seen by the Purpose of Holiness A. The Primary Purpose B. The Secondary PurposesIII. Seen by the Contrast to Holiness A. A Contrast of Life B. A Contrast of EndRev. Greg Lubbers

3-2-25 AM "The Joy of the Simple Life"Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 9:1-10I. The Setting for the Joy of the Simple Life A. The Similarity in Humanity B. The Providence of GodII. The Reason for the Joy of the Simple Life A. A Biblical Command B. A Divine AcceptanceIII. The Occasions for the Joy of the Simple Life A. Joyful Feasting B. Joyful Marriage C. Joyful WorkRev. Greg Lubbers

2-23-25 PM "The Keys of the Heavenly Kingdom"Sermon Text: Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 31, Matthew 18I. The Authority of the Keys A. Based on Christ B. Given for MinistryII. The Testimony of the Keys A. Concerning the Opening of the Kingdom B. Concerning the Closing of the KingdomIII. The Purpose of the Keys A. To Glorify Christ B. To Save Sinners C. To Comfort SaintsRev. Greb Lubbers

2-23-25 AM "A Quest of Wisdom"Sermon Text: Ecclesiastes 8:16, 17I. The Desire in the Quest A. A Desire to Understand the Activities of Humanity B. A Desire to Understand the Plan of GodII. The Limitation in the Quest A. Due to the Finity of Humanity B. Due to the Incomprehensibility of GodIII. The Direction from the Quest A. A Life of Humble Contentment B. A Life of Consistent PraiseRev. Greg Lubbers

2-16-25 PM "The Proper Administration of the Lord's Supper"Sermon Text: Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 30, I Corinthians 11:17-34I. Includes a True Testimony A. Of a Full Pardon B. By a Sufficient SacrificeII. Includes a Worthy Participation A. By Those Experiencing Repentance B. By Those Exercising FaithIII. Includes a Solemn Exclusion A. The Object of the Exclusion B. The Reason for the ExclusionRev. Greg Lubbers

2-16-25 AM "The Vanity of the Retribution of Evil"Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 8:10-15I. The Dilemma of the Vanity A. The Reversal of Destiny B. The Delay of JusticeII. The Remedy to the Vanity A. A Knowledge of the Fear of God B. A Knowledge of the Judgment of GodIII. The Encouragement given the Vanity A. A Life of Practical Joy B. A Life of Perpetual JoyRev. Greg Lubbers

2-9-25 PM "Jesus Walking on Water to Rescue His Disciples"Scripture Reading: Matthew 14:24-33I. The MeaningII. The ResponseIII. The SignificanceRev. Nathan Brummel

2-9-25 AM "The Apostles Ordaining Seven Deacons to Carry out Christ's Ministry of Mercy"Scripture Reading: Acts 6:1-7I. The OccasionII. The Apostolic ResponseIII. The SignificanceRev. Nathan Brummel

2-2-25 PM "Christ's Relation to the Lord's Supper" Scripture Reading: I Corinthians 11:17-34 I. Seen in Grammatical Clarification A. The Importance of Grammatical Clarification B. The Explanation of Grammatical Clarification II. Seen in Vital Participation A. An Instruction concerning Vital Participation B. An Understanding in Vital Participation III. Seen in Beneficial Imputation A. The Importance of the Imputation B. The Parts in the Imputation Rev. Greg Lubbers

2-2-25 AM "Saved by Faith" Scripture Reading: Matthew 9:20-22 I. The Act of Faith A. A Desperate Act B. An Embracing Act II. The Hope of Faith A. The Content of Hope B. The Focus of Hope III. The Result of Faith A. A Comprehensive Salvation B. An Assured Salvation Rev. Greg Lubbers

1-26-25 PM "The Significance of the Lord's Supper" Scripture Reading: John 6:22-40 Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 28 I. A Significant Reminder A. Of the Accomplishment of Salvation B. Of the Nourishment to Salvation II. A Significant Reception A. The Nature of the Reception B. The Benefit of the Reception III. A Significant Relation A. The Description of this Relation B. The Impact of this Relation Rev. Greg Lubbers

1-26-25 AM "Unity Among the Church" Scripture Reading: I Corinthians 12:12-26, I. The Reality of the Unity A. The Theology of the Reality B. The Analogy of the Reality II. The Diversity in the Unity A. The Description of the Diversity B. The Purpose of the Diversity III. The Concern in the Unity A. The Focus of the Concern B. The Action in the Concern Rev. Greg Lubbers

1-19-25 PM "The Forgiveness of Sins" Sermon Text: Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 27, Zechariah 12:7-13:1 I. The Source of the Forgiveness A. Is the Blood of Jesus Christ B. Is the Work of the Holy Spirit II. The Assurance of the Forgiveness A. The Need for the Assurance B. The Explanation of the Assurance III. The Extension of the Forgiveness A. The Objects of the Extension B. The Obligations in the Extension Rev. Greg Lubbers

1-19-25 AM "The Wisdom of Honoring the King" Sermon Text: Ecclesiastes 8:1-9 I. Wise because of Oath to God A. The Moral Requirement in the Oath B. The Divine Focus of the Oath II. Wise because of Judgment of God A. General Judgment of Kings B. Providential Judgment on Kings III. Wise because of Power of God A. The Power of God over Death B. The Power of God in Providence Rev. Greg Lubbers

1-12-25 PM "The Basics concerning Holy Baptism" Scripture Reading: Romans 6:1-14, Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 26 I. The Sacramental Symbolism within Holy Baptism A. The Idea of Sacramental Symbolism B. The Basis for Sacramental Symbolism C. The Purpose of Sacramental Symbolism II. The Spiritual Reality behind Holy Baptism A. The Dual Elements in this Spiritual Reality B. The Redemptive Basis for this Spiritual Reality III. The Sovereign Institution of Holy Baptism A. The Need for a Sovereign Institution B. The Emphasis in the Sovereign Institution Rev. Greg Lubbers

1-11-25 AM "The Discovery of the Preacher" Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 7:23-29, I. The Manner of the Discovery A. With Reliance upon Wisdom B. To Understand the Reason II. The Object of the Discovery A. The Bitterness of Folly B. The Spread of Depravity III. The Summary of the Discovery A. The Plight of Humanity B. The Remedy for Humanity Rev. Greg Lubbers

1-5-25 PM "The Origin of Saving Faith" Scripture Reading: Romans 10:1-17, Sermon Text: Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 25 I. The Ultimate Origin of Saving Faith A. The Explanation of this Ultimate Origin B. The Importance of this Ultimate Origin II. The Instrumental Origin of Saving Faith A. The Identification of this Instrumental Source B. The Appreciation of this Instrumental Source III. The Supportive Origin of Saving Faith A. The Description of this Supportive Origin B. The Use of this Supportive Origin Rev. Greg Lubbers

1-5-25 AM "The Primary Focus of the Office-bearer" Scripture Reading: I Timothy 4 I. The Need for this Focus A. The Need in Light of Apostasy B. The Need in Light of Distractions II. The Essence of this Focus A. An Essential Personal Focus B. An Essential Doctrinal Focus III. The Importance of this Focus A. The Personal Importance of this Focus B. The Corporate Importance of this Focus Rev. Greg Lubbers

1-1-25 New Years "Christ's Promise for the Future" Scripture Reading: Matthew 16:13-19 Theme: In a world of doomsday prophets, we must hold fast to the promise of Christ to build his church. I. Jesus ushered in the beginning of his kingdom at his first advent. II. The church is a kingdom institution, exercising kingdom power. III. Christ has promised to build his church and not allow any power to thwart him. Rev. Ralph A. Pontier

12-31-24 Old Years "God Is Good to the Pure in Heart" Sermon Text: Psalm 73 Theme: Asaph learned, as we must also, that despite all seeming indicators to the contrary, God is good to the pure in heart. I. Asaph's Theme II. Asaph's Doubts III. Asaph's Discovery IV. Asaph's Renewed Commitment Rev. Ralph A. Pontier

12-29-24 PM "The Gracious Gift of a Nazarite" Sermon Text: Judges 13 I. The Nazarite - a temporary warrior priest. II. The Nazarite - a gift of sovereign grace. III. The Nazarite - a gift made possible by atonement. Rev. Ralph A. Pontier

12-29-24 AM "Foot Washing - An Amazing Act of Love" Sermon Text: John 13:1-17 Theme: Jesus demonstrates his love for his own by washing their feet, an act that points to our need for spiritual cleansing (accomplished in Christ's Passover act) and to our need to humbly serve one another. I. John sets the stage for this amazing act of love. II. The two-fold meaning of foot washing. A. Participation with Christ requires cleansing. B. Participation with Christ calls us to mutual, humble service. Rev. Greg Lubbers

12-25-24 Christmas "The Incarnation of Jesus Christ" Scripture Reading : John 1:1-18 I. The Reality of the Incarnation A. The Reality Explained B. The Reality Believed II. The Activity of the Incarnation A. The Description of the Activity B. The Purpose of the Activity III. The Receptivity of the Incarnation A. The Object of the Receptivity B. The Content in the Receptivity Rev. Greg Lubbers