Covenant Reformed Church Pella

8-2-26 PM “No Other Gods"Scripture Reading: Acts 19:21-41, Page 1279Sermon Text: Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 34, Q&A 94-95, Forms & Prayers 242I. What does the first commandment require?II. What does the first commandment forbid?Rev. Ralph A. Pontier

8-2-26 AM “He Bore the Curse for Us"Scripture Reading: Matthew 27:27-45I. What is the curse?II. How do we know Jesus bore the curse?III. Why did Jesus bear the curse?Rev. Ralph Pontier

7-26-26 PM “Genuine Repentance”Scripture Reading: Colossians 3,Sermon Text: Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 33I. Genuine repentance has two parts: A. The dying away of the old self. B. The coming to life of the new self.II. We must seek this change that comes form God.Rev. Ralph A. Pontier

7-26-26 AM “The Fruit of Faithfulness"Scripture Reading: Genesis 32:1-13,Galatians 5:22-25Sermon Text: Galatians 5:22I. God is Faithful.II. We are called to be faithful.III. How to become a faithful personRev. Ralph A. Pontier

7-19-26 AM “A Work of Jesus Illustrating His Power over Death”Sermon Text: Mark 5:21-24, 35-43I. A Paternal Request for this Work A. The Reason for the Paternal Request B. The Nature of the Paternal Request C. The Response to the Paternal RequestII. A Pastoral Encouragement concerning this Work A. The Need for the Pastoral Encouragement B. The Essence of the Pastoral EncouragementIII. A Personal Display of this Work A. The Audience for the Personal Display B. The Characteristics of the Personal Display C. The Response to the Personal DisplayRev. Greg lubbers

7-12-26 PM "Christian Conversion"Scripture Reading: I Peter 2Sermon Text: Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 32I. The Necessity of Christian Conversion A. The Scope of Redemption B. The Reality of RenewalII. The Purpose of Christian Conversion A. In Relation to Doxology B. In Relation to Assurance C. In Relation to EvangelismIII. The Importance of Christian Conversion A. The Explanation of the Importance B. The Consideration of the ImportanceRev. Greg lubbers

7-12-26 AM "A Healing of Jesus Illustrating the Response of Faith"Scripture Reading: Mark 5:25-34Sermon Text: Mark 5:25-34I. The Need for the Response of Faith A. Seen in a Desperate Physical Condition B. Seen in a Spiritually Symbolic ConditionII. The Action in the Response of Faith A. A Receiving Action B. An Appropriating ActionIII. The Profession concerning the Response of Faith A. The Woman's Profession of the Act of Faith B. The Savior's Profession of the Benefit of FaithRev. Greg lubbers

7-5-26 PM "The Lion of the Tribe of Judah"Scripture Reading: Revelation 5:1-5, Page 1410 Genesis 49:8-12, Page 58Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 14, Forms & Prayers, 215Sermon Text: Genesis 49:8-12I. The Mighty King of Judah (vs. 8-9)II. The Sent King of Judah (vs. 10)III. The Prosperous and Bloody King of Judah (vs. 11-12)Rev. Paul Freswick

7-5-26 AM "When Light Meets Darkness"Scripture Reading: John 9:1-17, Page 1233Sermon Text: John 9:1-17I. Who Sinned for this to Happen? (vs. 1-7)II. How Could this be done by a Sinner? (vs. 8-17)Rev. Paul Freswick

Scripture Reading: Matthew 16:13-19Sermon Text: Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 31I. A Proclamation of Its Nature A. A Spiritual Kingdom B. A Redemptive KingdomII. A Proclamation of Its Benefits A. The Description of Its Benefits B. The Basis for Its BenefitsIII. A Proclamation of Its Exclusion A. The Objects of Its Exclusion B. The Message in Its ExclusionRev. Greg Lubbers

6-28-26 PM "Another Display of the Divine Work of Jesus"Scripture Reading: Mark 5:1-20Sermon Text: Mark 5:1-20I. The Setting for this Work of Jesus A. The Main Focus of the Setting B. The Spiritual Connection to the SettingII. The Interaction in this Work of Jesus A. An Interaction that Displays the Destructiveness of Sin B. An Interaction that Displays the Authority of JesusIII. The Reaction to this Work of Jesus A. The Differences in the Reaction B. The Application of the ReactionRev. Greg Lubbers

6-21-26 AM "A Demonstration of Divine Power"Scripture Reading: I Corinthians 10:1-22Sermon Text: Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 30I. By Understanding the Testimony of the Lord's Supper A. Testifying to a Finished Sacrifice B. Testifying to a Heavenly WorshipII. By Meeting the Requirements for the Lord's Supper A. A Sincere Sorrow for Sin B. A Sincere Faith in ChristC. A Sincere Desire for HolinessIII. By Appreciating the Guarding of the Lords' Supper A. The Reason for the Guarding B. The Action in the GuardingRev. Greg Lubbers

6-21-26 AM "A Demonstration of Divine Power"Scripture Reading: Mark 4:35-41Sermon Text: Mark 4:35-41I. The Setting for the Demonstration A. A Storming Setting B. A Perplexing SettingII. The Action in the Demonstration A. An Authoritative Rebuke of Nature B. A Pastoral Rebuke of UnbeliefIII. The Response to the Demonstration A. A Response of Reverence B. A Response of ReflectionRev. Greg Lubbers

6-14-26 PM "Jesus Encourages His Disciples"Scripture Reading: John 14:15-31I. With the promise of help from the Holy Spirit.II. With the promise of peace to calm their fears.III. With the assurance that his departure is for the best.Rev. Ralph Pontier

6-14-26 "The Love of God"Scripture Reading: I John 4:7-21I. Why does God love?II. How does God love?III. How should the love of God affect our behavior?Rev. Ralph Pontier

6-7-26 PM "Nourishment for the Soul"Scripture Reading: John 6:22-59Sermon Text: Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 29I. The Debate behind the Nourishment A. The Summary of the Debate B. The Relevance of the DebateII. The Presence for the Nourishment A. A Real Spiritual Presence B. An Instructive Sacramental LanguageIII. The Explanation of the Nourishment A. The Needs of Our Soul B. The Provision from the ChristRev. Greg Lubbers

6-7-26 AM "The Gift of Grace"Scripture Reading: Galatians 1:1-5Sermon Text: Galatians 1:3-5I. The Description of the Gift of Grace A. By the Grammar of Grace B. By the Results of GraceII. The Source of the Gift of Grace A. The Will of the Father B. The Work of the SonIII. The Purpose of the Gift of Grace A. The Deliverance of the Church B. The Glory of the FatherRev. Greg Lubbers

5-31-26 PM "The Testimony of the Lord's Supper" Scripture Reading: I Corinthians 11:23-26 Sermon Text: Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 28 I. A Personal Testimony A. A Testimony from the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ B. A Testimony to the Individual among the BelieversII. A Promissory Testimony A. A Promise concerning the Accomplishment of Redemption B. A Promise concerning the Participation of RedemptionIII. A Profitable Testimony A. Profitable for Union with Christ B. Profitable for Unity with ChristiansRev. Greg Lubbers

5-31-26 AM "How Shall We Then Live"Scripture Reading: Psalm 119:1-16I. A Vital Question A. Because it Concerns the Youth B. Because it Concerns the LifeII. An Essential Answer A. Focusing on God's Word B. Focusing on Man's AttentionIII. A Necessary Encouragement A. The Content of the Necessary Encouragement B. The Need for the Necessary EncouragementRev. Greg Lubbers

5-24-26 PM "The Blessed Community of the Baptized"Scripture Reading: I Peter 2:1-12, Page 1391Sermon Text: Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 27, Forms & Prayers, 229I. The Cause of the Blessed Community A. The Sovereignty of God B. The Covenant of GodII. The Benefits of the Blessed Community A. The Explanation of these Benefits B. The Reception of these BenefitsIII. The Distinction of the Blessed Community A. The Nature of the Distinction B. The Purpose of the DistinctionRev. Greg Lubbers

5-24-26 AM "Christian Confidence"Scripture Reading: I John 4:13-21, Page 1401Sermon Text: I John 4:13-21I. With a Possession of the Spirit A. The Person of the Holy Spirit B. The Gift of the Holy SpiritII. In the Confession of the Son A. Of Christological Truth B. By Apostolic TestimonyIII. Through the Living with a Love A. A Sovereign Love B. A Reciprocal LoveRev. Greg Lubbers

5-17-26 AM "The Growth of the Church"Scripture Reading: Daniel 2:1-45,Sermon Text: Mark 4:30-32I. The Humble Beginning of the Church A. The Biblical Evidence of the Humble Beginning B. The Historical Evidence of the Humble BeginningII. The Amazing Increase of the Church A. The Biblical Evidence of the Amazing Increase B. The Biblical Prophecy of the Amazing IncreaseIII. The Great Encouragement for the Church A. The Need for the Encouragement B. The Point of the EncouragementRev. Greg Lubbers

5-15-26 Ascension Day Service "The Ascended King Gives Gifts"Scripture Reading : Ephesians 2:19-22; 4:1-16Sermon Text: Ephesians 4:7-16Theme: Christ, the ascended King, gives gifts for building up of his church in love and service.I. The giver of gifts.II. The gifts given.III. The purpose of the gifts given.Rev Ralph A. Pontier

5-10-26 PM "The Source of Saving Faith"Scripture Reading: Romans 10Sermon Text: Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 25I. The Importance of the Source A. For Our Salvation B. For Our KnowledgeII. The Description of the Source A. The Teaching of the Holy Spirit B. The Assuring of the Holy SpiritIII. The Means of the Source A. The Word B. The SacramentsRev Greg Lubbers

5-10-26 AM "The Sovereign Advance of the Kingdom"Scripture Reading: Revelation 14:14-20Sermon Text: Mark 4:26-29I. The Focus on the Kingdom A. A Focus on the Kingdom of God B. A Focus on the Growth of the Kingdom of GodII. The Power in the Kingdom A. An Independently Operated Power B. A Gradually Evidenced PowerIII. The Revelation of the Kingdom A. The Source of the Revelation B. The Action in the RevelationRev Greg Lubbers

Scripture Reading: Galatians 3:1-10Sermon Text: Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 24I. The Basic Question A. A Question on the Value of Good Works B. A Question on the Merit of Good WorksII. The Biblical Answer A. On the Righteousness of God B. On the Evaluation of WorksIII. The Blind Objection A. The Concern behind the Objection B. The Answer to the ObjectionRev Greg Lubbers

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 5:1-14Sermon Text: Proverbs 5:1-14I. The Temptation of the Immoral Woman A. Where She Is B. What She DoesII. The End of the Immoral Woman A. A Life of Destruction B. A Road to DeathIII. The Avoidance of the Immoral Woman A. By Theological Truth B. By Practical StepsRev Greg Lubbers

4-26-26 PM "The Profit of True Faith"Scripture Reading: Philippians 3:1-11Sermon Text: Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 23I. The Description of the Profit A. A Sinner is Right with God B. A Sinner is Right with a Just GodII. The Basis for the Profit A. The Work of Christ B. The Grace of GodIII. The Instrument of the Profit A. A True Faith B. A Singular FaithRev. Greg Lubbers

4-26-26 AM "The Parable of the Lamp"Scripture Reading: Luke 19:11-27I. The Point of the Parable A. The Point Debated B. The Point StatedII. The Application of the Parable A. The Need to Hear B. The Need to HeedIII. The Urgency in the Parable A. Considering Potential Return B. Considering Potential LossRev. Greg Lubbers

4-19-26 PM "Comfort in the Face of Death" Scripture Reading: John 5:24-30 I. In a Blessed State A. With Eternal Joy B. In Present ExperienceII. In the Intermediate State A. The Question of the Intermediate State B. The Confidence for the Intermediate StateIII. In the Final State A. By the Resurrection of the Body B. For the Joy of all EternityRev. Greg Lubbers

4-19-26 AM "A Parable of the Responses to the Gospel"I. The Setting for the Parable A. An Instructive Setting B. A Crowded SettingII. The Point of the Parable A. The Point concerning the Universal Proclamation of the Gospel B. The Point concerning the Various Responses to the GospelIII. The Differences within the Parable A. The Indifferent Heart B. The Impulsive Heart C. The Pre-Occupied Heart D. The Hearing HeartRev. Greg Lubbers

4-12-26 PM "The Christian Church"Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4, Page 1345Sermon Text: Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 21, Forms & Prayers, 222I. Chosen for Eternal Life A. From the Decree of Election B. By the Work of JesusII. Gifted for Joyful Service A. By Union with Christ B. By Communion with SaintsIII. Forgiven of All Sin A. In a Comprehensive Sense B. On a Sure BasisRev. Greg Lubbers

4-12-26 AM "A Command for the Mind"Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:1-9, Page 1351Sermon Text: Philippians 4:8I. The Action of the Mind A. A Renewed Action B. A Focused ActionII. The Focus of the Mind A. A Virtuous Focus B. A Filtered FocusIII. The Peace of Mind A. The Idea of this Peace B. The Value of this PeaceRev. Greg Lubbers

4-5-26 PM "A Revelation of the Risen Christ"Scripture Reading: Revelation 1:9-20,Sermon Text: Revelation 1:18I. His Eternal Deity A. The Idea of His Eternal Deity B. The Importance of His Eternal DeityII. His Glorified Humanity A. A Real Humanity B. A Mediating HumanityIII. His Redemptive Victory A. An Eternal Victory B. A Comforting VictoryRev. Greg Lubbers

4-5-26 AM "An Explanation of the Empty Tomb"Scripture Reading: Luke 24:1-12,Sermon Text: Luke 24:6-8I. By the Action of the Son of Man A. The Subject of the Action B. The Description of the ActionII. With the Words of the Son of Man A. Words of Prophecy B. Words of NecessityIII. For the Followers of the Son of Man A. By Way of Reminder B. For Lesson of InstructionRev. Greg Lubbers

4-3-26 "The Fifth Word from the Cross: A Word of Suffering"Scripture Reading: John 19:17-30I. An Alert WordA. Alert to ProphesyB. Alert to FulfillmentII. A Real WordA. Of a Real Human NatureB. Of a Real Human ThirstIII. An Intense WordA. Of SufferingB. For SalvationRev. Greg Lubbers

3-29-26 Pm "The Gift of the Holy Spirit"Scripture Reading: John 14:15-18I. A Benefiting GiftA. Through True FaithB. Sharing Christ's BenefitsII. A Comforting GiftA. The Need for the Comforting GiftB. The Manner of the Comforting GiftIII. An Abiding GiftA. Abiding throughout LifeB. Abiding throughout DeathRev. Greg Lubbers

3-29-26 AM "The Flourishing Man of God"Scripture Reading: Psalm 52I. Trusts the Mercy of GodA. The Action of TrustB. The Object of TrustII. Praises the Work of GodA. The Nature of PraiseB. The Setting for PraiseIII. Waits on Name of GodA. The Spirit of WaitingB. The Direction of WaitingRev. Greg Lubbers

3-22-26 PM "Sits at the Right Hand"Scripture Reading: Ephesians 1:15-23Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 19I. As Head of the Church A. Pouring out Gifts to Its Members B. Giving a Defense from Its EnemiesII. As Governor of the Universe A. Including Providential Events B. Including Redemptive HistoryIII. As Judge of the World A. Encouraging Believers in Distress B. Separating All of HumanityRev. Greg Lubbers

3-22-26 AM "The Parables of Jesus"Scripture Reading: Matthew 11:25-30, Mark 4:10-12, 33, 34I. The Description of the Parables of Jesus A. A Grammatical Description of a Parable B. A Theological Description of a ParableII. The Focus of the Parables of Jesus A. A Unified Focus B. A Mysterious FocusIII. The Purpose of the Parables of Jesus A. A Revealing Purpose B. A Veiling PurposeRev. Greg Lubbers

3-15-26 PM "Ascended into Heaven"Scripture Reading: Luke 24:46-53Sermon Text: Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 18I. The Explanation of the Ascension A. A Historical Ascension B. A Local AscensionII. The Clarification of the Ascension A. The Doctrines in the Clarification B. The Comfort in the ClarificationIII. The Reflection on the Ascension A. The Benefit of an Advocate B. The Benefit of a Pledge C. The Benefit of a PowerRev. Greg Lubbers

3-15-26 AM "The Family of Jesus"Scripture Reading: Mark 10:23-31Sermon Text: Mark 3:31-35I. The Ignorance of the Physical Family of Jesus A. The Explanation behind the Ignorance B. The Nature of the IgnoranceII. The Identification of the Spiritual Family of Jesus A. The Survey before the Identification B. The Declaration of the IdentificationIII. The Implications concerning the Spiritual Family of Jesus A. The Implication concerning the Broad Inclusion B. The Implication concerning the Narrow InclusionRev. Greg Lubbers

3-11-26 Prayer Day Service "Confident Prayers", I John 5:14, 15I. Confident in Offered Prayers A. Offered to a Great God B. Offered to a Covenant GodII. Confident in Heard Prayers A. Based on Scripture B. Based on JesusIII. Confident in Answered Prayers A. Qualified by Divine Will B. Expressed as Present RealityRev. Greg Lubbers

I. The Description of the Descent A. A Description of the Action in the Descent B. A Description of the Reason for the DescentII. The Benefits from the Descent A. A Payment for the Guilt of Sin B. A Freedom from the Power of SinIII. The Question given the Descent A. The Pressing Weight of the Question B. The Comforting Answer to the QuestionRev. Greg Lubbers

Scripture Reading: Mark 3:13-19, Sermon Text: Mark 3:13-19I. The Selection of the Twelve Disciples of Jesus A. A Sovereign Selection B. A Surprising SelectionII. The Appointment of the Twelve Disciples of Jesus A. The Idea of the Appointment B. The Purpose of the AppointmentIII. The Impact of the Twelve Disciples of Jesus A. The Description of the Impact B. The Method of the ImpactRev. Greg Lubbers

3-8-26 PM "Rose again from the Dead"Scripture Reading: John 20:1-8Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 17I. For Our Righteousness A. By Overcoming Death B. By Sharing RighteousnessII. For Our Regeneration A. To New Life B. By His PowerIII. For Our Resurrection A. A Sure Resurrection B. A Blessed ResurrectionRev. Greg Lubbers

3-8-26 "The Warning of Jesus"I. The Occasion for the Warning of Jesus A. The Explanation of the Occasion B. The Error at the OccasionII. The Essence of the Warning of Jesus A. A Parabolic Denial of the Accusation B. A Solemn Proclamation of the SinIII. The Lessons from the Warning of Jesus A. A Lesson concerning the Unpardonable Sin B. A Lesson concerning the Forgiveness of SinsRev. Greg Lubbers

3-1-26 PM "Descended into Hell"Scripture Reading: Luke 23:44-56, Sermon Text: Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 16, Forms & Prayers, 217I. The Description of the DescentA. A Description of the Action in the DescentB. A Description of the Reason for the DescentII. The Benefits from the DescentA. A Payment for the Guilt of SinB. A Freedom from the Power of SinIII. The Question given the DescentA. The Pressing Weight of the QuestionB. The Comforting Answer to the QuestionRev. Greg Lubbers

3-1-26 AM "The Twelve Disciples of Jesus"Scripture Reading: Mark 3:13-19, Sermon Text: Mark 3:13-19I. The Selection of the Twelve Disciples of JesusA. A Sovereign SelectionB. A Surprising SelectionII. The Appointment of the Twelve Disciples of JesusA. The Idea of the AppointmentB. The Purpose of the AppointmentIII. The Impact of the Twelve Disciples of JesusA. The Description of the ImpactB. The Method of the ImpactRev. Greg Lubbers

2-22-26 PM "Suffered under Pontius Pilate"Scripture Reading: Isaiah 53Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 15I. The Description of the Suffering A. A Description of How He Suffered B. A Description of What He SufferedII. The Purpose of the Suffering A. The Purpose of an Atoning Sacrifice B. The Purpose of an Accomplished DeliveranceIII. The Assurance from the Suffering A. The Action behind the Assurance B. The Comfort in the AssuranceRev. Greg Lubbers

2-22-26 AM "The Multitudes around Jesus"Scripture Reading: Luke 6:17-19, Mark 3:7-12I. The Description of the Multitudes A. A Great Multitude B. A Needy MultitudeII. The Motivation of the Multitudes A. The Source of the Motivation B. The Desire in the MotivationIII. The Testimony among the Multitudes A. The Source of the Testimony B. The Content of the TestimonyRev. Greg Lubbers