Faith Presbyterian Church

To study the book of Daniel, it is helpful to consider the historical context. God raised Daniel up as a prophet in the most ruinous of times among His people: the times of wicked kings, exile, and the mourning of a remnant. God, however, is sovereign and still cares about His people.

When Paul tells Titus to speak things suitable with sound teaching he surprisingly starts with the adornment of the Gospel before stating the Gospel. The Gospel is the basis for our behavior before God and this behavior should show evidence of how the Gospel has changed us.

In the last verses of John's Gospel, Jesus restores Peter. He questions Peter about his love for Him and challenges him to feed the sheep. Why is this so important and what does this teach us in the church today?

The apostle Paul, in verse 9, indicated that one of the duties of an elder is to be able to refute those who speak against sound teaching. This next section describes for us who such people are that need to be refuted and thus indicate the danger they pose to the members of the church, to themselves and to the world. How important, indeed, is sound doctrine!

This "addendum" to the book of John gives us yet another appearance of Jesus to His disciples, this time in an every day setting of breakfast on the beach. Although we can allow this story to prompt many questions, the details and the situation remind us that Jesus really did rise from the dead!

The selection of elders is not simply about putting warm bodies into leadership positions but about seeking the Lord's direction in ordaining qualified men to serve the church. Hear how Paul's instructions to Titus in his mission at Crete focus on the character and duties of elders.

In John's description of Jesus' appearance (twice) to His disciples, he gives us details of Jesus' resurrection body as well as a bit about the Great Commission, the importance of the Holy Spirit and the authority of the church. But perhaps most fascinating is Jesus' interaction with Thomas and how his profession of faith brings us both encouragement and confidence in Christ.

In this salutation of Paul's letter to Titus, Paul identifies himself by pointing to his relationship to God and focuses on the core message of faith, truth and godliness. All these themes will be important in the letter to Titus, whom he describes as a "legitimate child."

John, in this text, gives His testimony regarding His faith in the resurrection of Jesus. The facts surrounding the encounter of Peter and John with the empty tomb and the written account of Mary Magdalene's encounter of Jesus both point to the facts and wonders of the risen Christ.

As Paul organizes his mercy ministry to Jerusalem and pleads with the Corinthian church to contribute, he puts together his "A" team to administer and accomplish it. That team includes Titus and two unnamed brothers who are reliable and will faithfully carry out the task. Every ministry in the Lord's Kingdom needs earnest men who will diligently carry it out to His glory.

We recite in the Apostles' Creed that Jesus died and was buried. Why is that so important? John indicates the fulfillment of Scripture in the details as we see both the humiliation and the exaltation of Jesus in His death and burial. Also encouraging is seeing how two of Jesus' "secret" disciples were no so secret anymore - then or now!

In this first of two introductory sermons to the book of Titus, we find out that Titus is a willing worker for the Gospel. His participation in the ministry of Corinth demonstrated a willingness to be a part of the tough love of the apostle Paul. Willing to be sent on a mission, even when there is no way of knowing how that mission will be received, we find out the joy of a congregation that demonstrated Godly grief leading to repentance.

Every detail of the events leading up to and surrounding the crucifixion are full of details that fulfill Scripture and facts that show Jesus' humble obedience. But of utmost importance is the word that Jesus uttered on the cross - "It has been finished!"

This last chapter in Deuteronomy both points us to the faithfulness of Moses but also to the One more faithful than Moses (Hebrews 3:1-6). While Moses died on the mountain having not seen the promised land, Jesus died and yet lives to bring His people with Him to eternal life.

Even here in His "suffering under Pontius Pilate," Jesus is shown to be both God and man; the Son of God and the Son of Man. He is the King and no Roman governor or Jewish ruling council could change Who Jesus is.

As Moses blesses the tribes of Israel, he clearly invokes the Presence of God upon them in each blessing, noting that God is the Provider and the Warrior Who is present with His people.

It's hard to hear the LORD telling Moses to die on the mountain. Scripture, in its clear, true, reality holds no punches but exposes even the faults of leaders. On the one hand, Moses' unfaithfulness led to his being barred to enter the promised land and yet, by grace, he is still described as a "man of God" who indicates that he is subject to the King.

John, unlike the Synoptic Gospels, includes an interrogation of Jesus by Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas and previous high priest, in the middle of the description of Peter's three denials of Christ. In so doing, John presents a contrast between Peter's failure and Christ's worthiness. Christ alone is our Savior!

The conclusion of the "Song of Moses" highlights the LORD's compassion on His people. Despite their rejection of Him, the One who called them as a nation to be His own and provided for them in amazing ways, He still - even through discipline - showed them compassion even through wreaking vengeance on His and their enemies.

In John's description of Jesus' arrest in the garden, perhaps the most prominent feature is the claim of deity by Jesus which takes down an entire detachment of Roman soldiers along with temple officials. Despite submitting to the arrest, Jesus remained in control, relinquishing no authority and setting no selfish agenda.

The LORD directly speaks to Moses and Joshua about the transition in leadership, the consistency of the people in their rebellious hearts and ways, and commands them to write and teach a song to the people. This song and the law both serve as witnesses against the people of God during the future seasons of rebellion.

In this concluding section of Jesus' high priestly prayer, He amazingly prays for us - for all believers who will come to believe in Him through the ministry of the apostles. He particularly prays for unity, for us to be with Him, and that the Father's love should be in us. What marvelous prayers Jesus made for us, for all His sheep!

Chapter 31 is really the conclusion of the main speech of Moses in Deuteronomy. Here he seeks to encourage the people not only as they look to cross the Jordan to embark on the conquest and division of the land but as they undergo the leadership transition from Moses to Joshua. Yet the most encouraging of all is the Presence of the LORD with them as they go.

Here, Jesus prays for the apostles. He prays for their sanctification, for their protection and for their mission to be sent out into the world.

Reading the law, one gets the impression that there are no "second chances" and yet just as a rainbow comes out after the storm, so God's grace shines through His promises after the curse. With repentance comes renewal and restoration through the power of God changing hearts!

The power of the resurrection not only gives eternal life to God's people but changes them in this life. The power of the resurrection is also, as applied by the Holy Spirit through the Word of God, the power to conquer sin.

In this confusing discussion about "little whiles," "coming and going" to the Father, and being alone yet not alone, Jesus refers to the joy of the resurrection, the eternal relationship He has with the Father, and how He has overcome the world. Through His active and passive obedience, Christ truly did overcome the world!

In the early part of chapter 29, Moses brings to mind God's history with them and how they are standing on holy ground. Now he warns them of getting involved in the idolatry that they witnessed in Egypt and the countries around Canaan. Remaining covenantally faithful to the God who revealed to them the covenant is paramount to any healthy community of God's people.

The coming of the Holy Spirit is an amazing gift of God given to His people. This Spirit of Truth will convict the world of sin, righteousness and judgment - no small thing. The Spirit, all about Christ, puts together God's family and guides them as an amazing Advocate for the Kingdom.

This is not just a pep talk to the people before they cross the Jordan. It is a reminder that they are standing before a holy God about to enter the promised land. It takes God's power to appreciate everything that got them to this point just as it does for us to appreciate how we became a part of the family of God.

In this shocking contrast between the world and the disciple, Jesus warns His followers that the world will hate them because it hated Him. In the Spirit, a believer will testify Christ but in so doing he will also invite the wrath of the world which loves darkness rather than the Light.

The curses found in this text are overwhelming - futility, starvation and spiraling depravity in the midst of a siege, and a reverse of the covenant blessings. Lest we think this is just an "Old Testament" version of God, hell is much worse. Always we should fear the name of the LORD even as we joyfully and thankfully enjoy His blessings.

In this last of the "I AM" statements, Jesus reminds us that apart from Him we can do nothing and that we must remain in the vine (Jesus), in His love, and as His friends. He desires us to bear much fruit as we model Him and are shaped by His Spirit.

Just as the LORD would cause blessings to overtake His people on condition of their obedience, so He would cause curses to overtake His people on the failure to meet that condition. These awful curses are given longer explanation than the blessings in part due to the impending failure of the people to obey the law which the Holy Spirit surely foresaw in inspiring Moses to speak to the people and write the book. How important indeed it is that Christ became a curse for us!

For His obedient people, the LORD Himself will bring blessings which will overtake the people. What a wonderful description of God's covenant relationship with His people.

It is simply hard to believe that the church would do works even greater than Jesus and yet that is what Jesus said to His disciples. Of course that would not be possible without another Exhorter which He also promises to His disciples along with the hope that is present in the love and unity of the believer to Christ and the Father.

The curse of the law and the binding of the people to the covenant curses is no mere ceremony but directly points to the truth of the Apostle Paul in Galatians 3:10-14. The law puts us all under a curse but the good news of the Gospel includes how Jesus Christ became a curse for us!

In a time when the disciples were troubled and perplexed, Jesus gave them the assurance that He was preparing a place for them in His Father's house. He also reminded them that this Place was only made possible through Himself - Jesus.

The covenant of the LORD should be remembered both for His actions towards His people and His Word. This process of writing on stones and building an altar, accompanied by renewal of the covenant at Shechem was to know the permanence of God's law and His commitment to His people and to remember.

Jesus was glorified in submitting to the plan of salvation by letting Satan use Judas Iscariot to betray Him. To speak of Judas' betrayal and Peter's denial must truly have been a "dark night of the soul." How aptly does John write, "And it was night" in this text and yet how appropriate to know that the light of Christ often shines the most brightly on such a night!

In this conclusion of the detailed case and prohibition laws in Deuteronomy, the LORD reminds us of the joy of obedience in response to His gracious provision. He kept His promise to Israel to bring them into a land flowing with milk and honey and He desired for His people to show their gratitude in obedience and giving.

In this portion of the law, God demonstrates His desire for His people to be pro-family, pro-fairness in dealing with others and with respect towards others. Taking advantage of the orphan, the widow and the sojourner is particularly egregious. All of this law is motivated by God's love for His people in rescuing them and prompts His people to treat others as God treated them.

In Jesus' example of footwashing, He is not only teaching a lesson on humility but is indicating the need for His disciples to be cleansed by Him, pointing to His soul-cleansing blood shed on the cross. He is Savior and Lord, Rabbi and the great I AM.

This text, in John's Gospel, concludes and summarizes Jesus' public ministry. Despite His amazing teaching and His miraculous signs, the people still did not believe and the Jewish leaders still opposed Him. Why? Wasn't Jesus inviting His audience to believe in Him and thus have eternal life?

The prohibitions and case law in this text promote the honor of God in the context of the covenant community. The principles contained therein point us to God's holy character and to our need for Christ.

How is God "with us" today? How will Jesus keep His promise never to leave or forsake His disciples when He then ascended into heaven and is sitting at the right hand of God the Father? It's by the gift of the Holy Spirit. God is with us and in fact dwells in us who are believers. What a gift and what a way for "Immanuel" today!

700 years before Christ came, the people of God faced real enemies as Judah faced off against Syria and Israel. Assyria was looming and had begun to pick off places like Galilee in the north while King Ahaz turned to everything but the LORD for a way out of the mess. But the faithful remnant was given the promise not of immediate succor but of an eternal solution in the promise of a baby to come who would be both Man and God, Savior and King.

In part 2 of the Immanuel series, we look at just one of the "glimpses" of "God with us" throughout history. In God's continuous Presence with His people in the 40 wilderness years, His protection and guidance assures them. Yet this is just a shadow of what is to come when God comes to His people in the person of Immanuel: Jesus.

In this first of four sermons in the Immanuel series, we look at our need for Immanuel. Our first parents, Adam and Eve, because of their sin, went from walking with God in the breeze of the day to being expelled from His Presence. Yet the hope of a change in that relationship in the future is found even in their punishment!