Covenant Reformed Church Pella

9-7-25 PM 'A Petition concerning the Will'Scripture Reading: Romans 12, Page 1305Sermon Text: Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 49, Forms & Prayers, 255I. The Description of the Will A. The Will of God B. The Will of ManII. The Focus of the Will A. In Relation to God's Secret Will B. In Relation to God's Revealed WillIII. The Need for the Will A. The Description of the Need B. The Goal in the NeedRev. Greg Lubbers

9-7-25 AM 'The Baptism of Jesus'Scripture Reading: Matthew 3:13-17, Page 1113Sermon Text: Mark 1:9-11, Page 1151I. The Relation to the Baptism of Jesus A. The Evidence of the Relation B. The Wonder of the RelationII. The Reason for the Baptism of Jesus A. The Reason Stated Negatively B. The Reason Stated PositivelyIII. The Result of the Baptism of Jesus A. A Resulting Qualification to the Role of Mediator B. A Resulting Affimation of the Role of Mediator

8-31-25 PM "A Request for the Kingdom"Scripture Reading: Isaiah 11Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 48I. In Recognition of Its Nature A. A Spiritual Nature B. A Gracious NatureII. In Reliance on Its King A. His Objective Work B. His Subjective WorkIII. In Reference to Its Enemies A. The Identity of the Enemies B. The Desire for the EnemiesRev. Greg Lubbers

8-31-25 AM "The Commencement of the Gospel"Scripture Reading: Mark 1:1-8I. The Prophecy of the Commencement of the Gospel A. The Setting of the Prophecy B. The Message of the Prophecy C. The Fulfillment of the ProphecyII. The Preparation for the Commencement of the Gospel A. The Place of the Preparation B. The Practices in the PreparationIII. The Proclamation with the Commencement of the Gospel A. The Proclamation of One with Greater Authority B. The Proclamation of One with Greater WorkRev. Greg Lubbers

8-24-25 PM "The Salvation of Benjamin"Sermon Text: Judges 21Theme: A way is discovered to save the tribe of Benjamin without Israelitesviolating their oath.I. Why did Israel take an oath not to marry their daughters to the men ofBenjamin?II. Why did Israel offer burnt offerings and peace offerings after their victory?III. Were Jabesh and Gilead treated too harshly?IV. Were the dancing girls at Shiloh unrighteously abducted?V. How was Benjamin saved?Rev. Ralph A. Pontier

8-24-25 AM "The Destruction of Benjamin"Sermon Text: Judges 20Theme: God treats covenant breakers with equal, if not greater severity, than thewicked of the world (Matthew 11:22)I. Why did Israel go to war against one of its own?II. Did Israel go too far?III. Why did Israel suffer defeat for two days before victory on the thiRev. Ralph A. Pontier

8-17-25 PM 'A Request to Know God'Scripture Reading: Psalm 27, Page 633Sermon Text: Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 47, Forms & Prayers, 254I. With a Theological Knowledge A. Of the Being of God B. Of the Work of GodII. With a Doxological Knowledge A. Of God B. For His WorkIII. With a Practical Knowledge A. Resulting in Holiness B. Impacting all LifeRev. Greg Lubbers

8-17-25 AM 'An Introduction to the Gospel of Mark'Sermon Text: Mark 1:1I. An Introduction to the Author of the Gospel of Mark A. An Introduction to the Human Author B. An Introduction to the Divine AuthorII. An Introduction to the Themes in the Gospel of Mark A. A Central Theme of the Person/Work of Christ B. A Coordinate Theme of the Call to DiscipleshipIII. An Introduction to the Purpose of the Gospel of Mark A. The Purpose of the Proclamation of the Gospel B. The Purpose of the Call of the GospelRev. Greg Lubbers

8-10-25 PM "Childlike Prayer"Scripture Reading: Psalm 103Sermon Text: Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 46I. The Confidence of Childlike Prayer A. The Nature of the Confidence B. The Focus of the ConfidenceII. The Reverence in Childlike Prayer A. The Description of this Reverence B. The Source of this ReverenceIII. The Faith in Childlike Prayer A. Faith in the Reality of Adoption B. Faith in the Benefits of AdoptionRev. Greg Lubbers

8-10-25 AM "Encouragement to Follow the LORD"Sermon Text: Proverbs 3:5, 6I. Follow the LORD in a Comprehensive Way A. Comprehensive in Relation to Your Person B. Comprehensive in Relation to Your LifeII. Follow the LORD in a Contrastive Way A. The Temptation of Our Own Understanding B. The Danger in Our Own UnderstandingIII. Follow the LORD in a Confident Way A. The Reason for the Confidence B. The Hope in the ConfidenceRev. Greg Lubbers

8-3-25 PM "The Prayerful Life of the Christian"Scripture Reading: Ephesians 6:10-18Sermon Text: Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 45I. The Reason for a Prayerful Life A. Prayer is the Will of God B. Prayer Expresses the Gratitude to God C. Prayer Seeks the Grace of GodII. The Manner of a Prayerful Life A. Praying with Spiritual Sincerity B. Praying with Profound Humility C. Praying with Confident TrustIII. The Content of a Prayerful Life A. A Comprehensive Scope in the Content B. A Perfect Example of the ContentRev. Greg Lubbers

8-3-25 AM "Christian Unity"Scripture Reading: Psalm 133Sermon Text: Psalm 133I. The Essence of the Unity A. The Essential Objects of this Unity B. The Essential Action in this UnityII. The Comparison to this Unity A. The Comparison to Spiritual Anointing B. The Comparison to Spiritual BlessingIII. The Blessing of this Unity A. The Nature of this Blessing B. The Location of this BlessingRev. Greg lubbers

7-27-25 PM 'Sinking Deep into Corruption'Sermon Text: Judges 19Theme: A loveless marriage, a priest derelict in his duty, and a city as corruptas Sodom bring disaster upon all Israel.I. The unfaithful wife.II. The negligent priest.III. The nightmare journey.IV. The call for holy war.Rev. Ralph A. Pontier

7-27-25 AM 'The Deformation of the Church'Sermon Text: Judges 17-18Theme: A cross section of the covenant community - a family, a priest, and a tribe -drift away from true religion into idolatry.I. The corruption of an Israelite family.II. The corruption of the Levitical priesthood.III. The corruption of a tribe in Israel.Rev. Ralph A. Pontier

7-20-25 PM "A Commandment concerning Holiness"Scripture Reading: Philippians 3Sermon Text: Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 44I. The Demand of Holiness A. A Demand from God B. A Demand for PerfectionII. The Futility in Holiness A. A Recognition of the Futility B. A Qualification concerning the FutilityIII. The Preaching of Holiness A. The Nature of the Preaching B. The Purpose of the PreachingRev. Greg Lubbers

7-20-25 AM "Jesus Saves a Son of Abraham"Scripture Reading: Luke 19:1-10Sermon Text: Luke 19:1-10I. The Source of the Salvation A. The Son of Man B. The Grace of GodII. The Object of the Salvation A. A Chief of Sinners B. A Son of AbrahamIII. The Evidence of the Salvation A. In the Actions of Conversion B. In the Words of JesusRev. Greg Lubbers

7-13-25 PM "A Life of Gratitude"Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 6:20-25, Ephesians 2:1-10, Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 32Theme: Respond to Your Salvation with Grateful ServiceI. The Source of Good WorksII. The Purpose of Good WorksIII. The Necessity of Good WorksMr. Daniel Hofland

7-13-25 AM "The Prayers of the Righteous"Scripture Reading: Psalm 5Theme: Cry Out To the Lord Who Blesses the RighteousI. The Plea for God to HearII. The Reason Why God Will Listen A. The Righteous Are Led By the Lord B. The Righteous Seek Refuge In the Lord C. The Righteous Are Favored By the LordMr. Daniel Hofland

7-6-25 PM "Samson's Ruin, Restoration, and Victory"Sermon Text: Judges 16Theme: By faith, Samson recovers from a lamentable fall and delivers hispeople through his own death.I. Ruined by lust.II. Restored through faith.III. Victorious through death.Rev. Ralph A. Pontier

7-6-25 AM "Israel's Savior Revealed"Sermon Text: Judges 15Theme: Samson begins to be revealed to Israel as a savior.I. Samson administers justice.II. Samson delivers those who betrayed him.III. God gives Samson water to save his life.Rev. Ralph A. Pontier

6-29-25 PM "A Commandment concerning Truth"Scripture Reading: Proverbs 19:1-9, Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 43,I. The Basis for Truth A. Based on God's Character B. Based on God's WordII. The Occasion for Truth A. My Speech to My Neighbor B. My Speech about My NeighborIII. The Importance of Truth A. Seen in the Power of the Tongue B. Seen in the Punishment of the LiarRev. Greg Lubbers

6-29-25 AM "The Pity of the Heavenly Father"Scripture Reading: Psalm 103I. The Description of this Pity A. The Description of the Idea of this Pity B. The Description of the Source of this PityII. The Objects of this Pity A. The LORD Pities Those with the Status of a Child B. The LORD Pities Those with the Attitude of a ChildIII. The Blessing of this Pity A. The Blessing of a Paternal Deliverance B. The Blessing of a Judicial PardonRev. Greg Lubbers

6-22-25 PM "A Commandment concerning Personal Property"Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:17-32Sermon Text: Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 42I. The Theological Basis for the Command A. Sovereign Ownership of Property B. Providential Distribution of PropertyII. The Forbidden Sins in the Command A. Forbidden Sins of Action B. Forbidden Sins of AttitudesIII. The Required Duties in the Command A. Labor Faithfully B. Interact Charitably C. Relieve GraciouslyRev Greg Lubbers

6-22-25 AM "The Conclusion of the Whole Matter"Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 12:9-14I. The Source of the Conclusion A. Wise Words B. Helpful WordsII. The Essence of the Conclusion A. A Reverence for God B. An Obedience to GodIII. The Ground of the Conclusion A. An Evaluation of Every Work B. A Verdict on Every WorkRev. Greg Lubbers

6-15-25 PM "A Command concerning Pure Intimacy"Scripture Reading: I Thessalonians 4:1-8Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 41I. God's View concerning Impure Intimacy A. The Object in God's View B. The Revelation of God's View C. The Description of God's ViewII. Our View concerning Impure Intimacy A. The Explanation of What the View Should Be B. The Reflection on What the View IsIII. Our Action concerning Impure Intimacy A. The Action of Fleeing Impurity B. The Action of Keeping PurityRev. Greg Lubbers

6-15-25 AM "Remember Your Creator"Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 12:1-8I. The Way to Remember Your Creator A. Call to Mind the Existence of God B. Call to Mind the Sovereignty of GodII. The Time to Remember Your Creator A. Before the Difficult Days of the Aged B. Before the Unpleasant Days of the AgedIII. The Reason to Remember Your Creator A. Our Impending Death B. Our Impending EternityRev. Greg Lubbers

6-8-25 PM "A Command Protecting Human Life"Scripture Reading: Genesis 1:26-28, Matthew 5:21-26Sermon Text: Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 40I. The Basis for the Command A. Based on God as Sovereign Creator B. Based on Man as Image-BearerII. The Depth of the Command A. Extends to Acts of Murder B. Extends to Root of MurderIII. The Action in the Command A. An Attitude of Love for My Neighbor B. An Action of Love to My NeighborRev. Greg Lubbers

6-8-25 AM "Propitiation for Our Sins"Scripture Reading: I John 1:5-2:2I. The Meaning of Propitiation A. A Sin Covering Sacrifice B. A Divine Appeasing SacrificeII. The Need for Propitiation A. The Reality of Our Sins B. The Result of Our SinsIII. The Provision for Propitiation A. The Person in the Provision B. The Motivation for the ProvisionRev. Greg Lubbers

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