First Presb Church of Belzoni (PCA)

Solomon is truly a magnificent figure. More than that, he prefigures not only the kingdom to come, but also the king seated at -His- right hand. --Yet, there are hints that not all is well-hints that not all the glitters is really gold.

Solomon is truly a magnificent figure. More than that, he prefigures not only the kingdom to come, but also the king seated at -His- right hand. --Yet, there are hints that not all is well-hints that not all the glitters is really gold.

Romans 9-1-13 is a clear statement of the truth- God has the absolute right to save some and not others, but Romans 9-14-33 is Paul's defense of these truths.--How does Paul defend God against our accusations-

Romans 9-1-13 is a clear statement of the truth- God has the absolute right to save some and not others, but Romans 9-14-33 is Paul's defense of these truths.--How does Paul defend God against our accusations--

What happens when we fall into sin- How do -falls- happen---More to the point, how is it that Solomon, who had everything going for him and no excuse to fail, FAILED-

What happens when we fall into sin-- How do -falls- happen----More to the point, how is it that Solomon, who had everything going for him and no excuse to fail, FAILED--

Should Christ's sheep ever be afraid of the voice of the Shepherd- The Shepherd's voice and commands and words are sweet to real sheep, and that's true of Romans 9 as well.--Even though people have argued, bitterly at times, over the meaning of Romans 9, it's there, clearly printed, waiting for Christ's sheep to hear his voice and find it sweet. What -is- sweet about it, though- How is Romans 9 pure spiritual milk for the sheep of Christ's flock- Perhaps many reasons, but definitely because it shows several facts of true Christian religion that must be embraced for us to -grow up- and be true sheep of a the only True Shepherd.

Should Christ's sheep ever be afraid of the voice of the Shepherd-- The Shepherd's voice and commands and words are sweet to real sheep, and that's true of Romans 9 as well.--Even though people have argued, bitterly at times, over the meaning of Romans 9, it's there, clearly printed, waiting for Christ's sheep to hear his voice and find it sweet. What -is- sweet about it, though-- How is Romans 9 pure spiritual milk for the sheep of Christ's flock-- Perhaps many reasons, but definitely because it shows several facts of true Christian religion that must be embraced for us to -grow up- and be true sheep of a the only True Shepherd.

Are you confident you will be with God when you die- --Are you confident you'll be raised to the resurrection of the just and righteous---If so, why- And how does Romans 8 give us true assurance, and dispel false assurance-

Are you confident you will be with God when you die-- --Are you confident you'll be raised to the resurrection of the just and righteous----If so, why-- And how does Romans 8 give us true assurance, and dispel false assurance--

What is 1 Kings 7-8 really about- That question is especially important when you read both -very- long chapters aloud in worship---This is part two of three sermons on the -Temple Narrative- of Solomon, which begins in 1 Kings 5 and doesn't really end until 1 Kings 9, which we'll cover next week.--These chapters are long, filled with information of weird measurements -cubits here, baths there, etc.-, odd furniture, carvings and decorations, etc. What is going on---These things are not to be dismissed. --Our God never changes, so what he does here in the Temple Narrative of Solomon, he is still doing today.

What is 1 Kings 7-8 really about-- That question is especially important when you read both -very- long chapters aloud in worship---This is part two of three sermons on the -Temple Narrative- of Solomon, which begins in 1 Kings 5 and doesn't really end until 1 Kings 9, which we'll cover next week.--These chapters are long, filled with information of weird measurements -cubits here, baths there, etc.-, odd furniture, carvings and decorations, etc. What is going on----These things are not to be dismissed. --Our God never changes, so what he does here in the Temple Narrative of Solomon, he is still doing today.

What kind of faith saves- Everyone has faith in something, and many say they have faith and believe in the Christian God. Is that sufficient- --What kind of faith saves-

What kind of faith saves-- Everyone has faith in something, and many say they have faith and believe in the Christian God. Is that sufficient-- --What kind of faith saves--

What's with all the architectural and procedural details of Solomon's building of God's House in 1 Kings 5-6- And it keeps going through chapters 7-9- --It's critical to remember that what is concealed in the Old Testament is in the New Testament revealed. That's the case here, too. --Especially, Hebrews 9-1-15 provides great explanations of what was really behind the Temple's building, plans, and even Solomon himself.--Here in 1 Kings we see Eden come to Jerusalem. But would Israel be able to keep it-

What's with all the architectural and procedural details of Solomon's building of God's House in 1 Kings 5-6-- And it keeps going through chapters 7-9- --It's critical to remember that what is concealed in the Old Testament is in the New Testament revealed. That's the case here, too. --Especially, Hebrews 9-1-15 provides great explanations of what was really behind the Temple's building, plans, and even Solomon himself.--Here in 1 Kings we see Eden come to Jerusalem. But would Israel be able to keep it--

Is prayer compatible with God's power- If God has predestined everything, why should we bother praying---That's a valid question, but our obedience to pray even without the answers is more important than having the answers and not praying.--There are, then, temptations in this debate that will rob us of fruitful Christian living. What are these temptations we should kill in our hearts in order to live fruitful lives of prayer in 2022-

Is prayer compatible with God's power-- If God has predestined everything, why should we bother praying----That's a valid question, but our obedience to pray even without the answers is more important than having the answers and not praying.--There are, then, temptations in this debate that will rob us of fruitful Christian living. What are these temptations we should kill in our hearts in order to live fruitful lives of prayer in 2022--

Thomas Goodwin famously called the incarnation the -kiss of heaven upon earth.- He meant that, for God, who is Spirit, to take flesh upon himself-and that forever-was a true act of love and mercy and compassion and joy. It was a kiss-it is.--What is the significance of this for us- --Paul reflects on that first Advent of the Christ-child in Galatians 4-4-7, which is our text for this evening's service on Christmas Eve 2021.

Thomas Goodwin famously called the incarnation the -kiss of heaven upon earth.- He meant that, for God, who is Spirit, to take flesh upon himself-and that forever-was a true act of love and mercy and compassion and joy. It was a kiss-it is.--What is the significance of this for us-- --Paul reflects on that first Advent of the Christ-child in Galatians 4-4-7, which is our text for this evening's service on Christmas Eve 2021.

How is the bread in communion of real significance to us- --For what does it stand- what does it represent to those with faith-

How is the bread in communion of real significance to us-- --For what does it stand- what does it represent to those with faith--

Does Hebrews 6 teach people can lose their salvation---Does it teach that we're always secure---Or does it teach something else---The issues of Romans 8-11 are critical to Paul's entire theology-to Christian faith as a whole. So, we're taking a break from the verse-by-verse trek through Romans 8-29-30 in order to examine the overall theology sprinkled in those verses.--Today, we deal with a so-called problem with God's sovereignty in our election- the problem of people losing their salvation, according to Hebrews 6, a popular chapter to point to for proof that people lose their salvation.

Does Hebrews 6 teach people can lose their salvation----Does it teach that we're always secure----Or does it teach something else----The issues of Romans 8-11 are critical to Paul's entire theology-to Christian faith as a whole. So, we're taking a break from the verse-by-verse trek through Romans 8-29-30 in order to examine the overall theology sprinkled in those verses.--Today, we deal with a so-called problem with God's sovereignty in our election- the problem of people losing their salvation, according to Hebrews 6, a popular chapter to point to for proof that people lose their salvation.

You can live only a few days without water. You cannot live a single second without the blood of Jesus for you. What are we doing, then, when we receive communion wine- In what way is communion wine a gift from God to us-

You can live only a few days without water. You cannot live a single second without the blood of Jesus for you. What are we doing, then, when we receive communion wine-- In what way is communion wine a gift from God to us--

How confident are you that God is active -not passive-, strong -not weak-, wise -not foolish----Paul writes Romans 8-28 to bring that confidence and comfort- to increase faith and determination in God's providence and promises.--Today we read from Romans 8-28, with an Old Testament reading from Genesis 15-12-16, and Exodus 9-13-16.

How confident are you that God is active -not passive-, strong -not weak-, wise -not foolish-----Paul writes Romans 8-28 to bring that confidence and comfort- to increase faith and determination in God's providence and promises.--Today we read from Romans 8-28, with an Old Testament reading from Genesis 15-12-16, and Exodus 9-13-16.

Is there any comfort in the doctrine of predestination-is it just another example of a mean God stealing away all our free will and hope-- Some claim this, but such an idea is abhorrent and foreign to Scripture, for God is good, merciful, and kind, and predestination comes from Him and is therefore good, merciful, and kind.--There IS reason to be comforted by the doctrine of predestination. Stay with us and be encouraged by it- Be comforted-

Is there any comfort in the doctrine of predestination-is it just another example of a mean God stealing away all our free will and hope- Some claim this, but such an idea is abhorrent and foreign to Scripture, for God is good, merciful, and kind, and predestination comes from Him and is therefore good, merciful, and kind.--There IS reason to be comforted by the doctrine of predestination. Stay with us and be encouraged by it- Be comforted-

This morning we've reached real controversy. We're reading and hearing and -I hope-, humbly receiving the great doctrines of Romans 8-29-30-those of foreknowledge and predestination.--These verses aren't just comforting adages, they are a secret key that unlock the joy of salvation. They are good news to us of God's power and might, his wisdom and mercy and compassion. They are proof that the Good News is really good news. Why so--

This morning we've reached real controversy. We're reading and hearing and -I hope-, humbly receiving the great doctrines of Romans 8-29-30-those of foreknowledge and predestination.--These verses aren't just comforting adages, they are a secret key that unlock the joy of salvation. They are good news to us of God's power and might, his wisdom and mercy and compassion. They are proof that the Good News is really good news. Why so-

What qualities made Solomon's glory great, and how is he the shadow of Christ -cf. Luke 24-44- to Israel in his day-- Moreover, how does Solomon's administration in Kings 4 make us more thankful to Jesus for his current and everlasting administration--

What qualities made Solomon's glory great, and how is he the shadow of Christ -cf. Luke 24-44- to Israel in his day- Moreover, how does Solomon's administration in Kings 4 make us more thankful to Jesus for his current and everlasting administration-

Are you a hopeful person-- Do you have the hope that comes as a spiritual fruit of the Holy Spirit's presence within-- This is not hope that anyone can have. This is a unique gift from Heaven for those suffering on earth, and Paul says it is an -unseen hope-. --What are the enemies of this hope, and how do we fight them--

Are you a hopeful person- Do you have the hope that comes as a spiritual fruit of the Holy Spirit's presence within- This is not hope that anyone can have. This is a unique gift from Heaven for those suffering on earth, and Paul says it is an -unseen hope-. --What are the enemies of this hope, and how do we fight them-

Prayer is hard, but the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. Because of our union with Jesus, which the Spirit accomplishes, we have the Spirit within us as a companion and master in our prayers. --For those who know they are weak, this is encouraging indeed.

Prayer is hard, but the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. Because of our union with Jesus, which the Spirit accomplishes, we have the Spirit within us as a companion and master in our prayers. --For those who know they are weak, this is encouraging indeed.

Is the church done reforming-- Is the Protestant Reformation of any present value-- --As long as their is sin in our hearts, holiness is needed. As long as we are in pews, our churches need reforming. But why should we strive to a greater, deeper, more profound reformation--

Is the church done reforming- Is the Protestant Reformation of any present value- --As long as their is sin in our hearts, holiness is needed. As long as we are in pews, our churches need reforming. But why should we strive to a greater, deeper, more profound reformation-

Jesus said he casts his shadow over all the Old Testament -Luke 24-44-. So, in what way does he shadow over Solomon and in such a way that Solomon is Christ to his people-- Not in a blasphemous way, but in a typological way.

Jesus said he casts his shadow over all the Old Testament -Luke 24-44-. So, in what way does he shadow over Solomon and in such a way that Solomon is Christ to his people- Not in a blasphemous way, but in a typological way.

Paul says our sufferings are -not worth comparing to the glory that is to be revealed.- That's an audacious claim, considering he has never -walked a mile in our shoes-. But is it necessary to empathize in this way-- For Paul, not at all. He knows better, and he knows why. He knows Heaven's glory.--How do we endure suffering the same way as Paul-- By taking the same preparations he did, implicit in verse 18.

Paul says our sufferings are -not worth comparing to the glory that is to be revealed.- That's an audacious claim, considering he has never -walked a mile in our shoes-. But is it necessary to empathize in this way- For Paul, not at all. He knows better, and he knows why. He knows Heaven's glory.--How do we endure suffering the same way as Paul- By taking the same preparations he did, implicit in verse 18.

What does Paul mean by talking about -all creation groaning-----Why does he point us to creation's hope being our revelation as -sons of God--- --What is it in Romans 8-19-24 that should give us reason to hope at all--

What does Paul mean by talking about -all creation groaning----Why does he point us to creation's hope being our revelation as -sons of God-- --What is it in Romans 8-19-24 that should give us reason to hope at all-

It may seem like Kings 2 has no ready-made simple lines for Sunday school lessons- no clever truths perfect for Tweets. Its lessons are not easy to see, and it might be hard to see Christ's shadow passing over his people. But he is there, and his shadow is broad and gives shade to those who come under it. This world and its false and temporary kingdoms are the blazing heat-they will burn you- Christ offers shade and cool. Kings 2 offers Christ's shadow by showing what blessings come to citizens of the Kingdom when, using the language of 2-12 and 2-56, -The kingdom is firmly established-. Two particular blessings come, giving us safety under the good king.

It may seem like Kings 2 has no ready-made simple lines for Sunday school lessons- no clever truths perfect for Tweets. Its lessons are not easy to see, and it might be hard to see Christ's shadow passing over his people. But he is there, and his shadow is broad and gives shade to those who come under it. This world and its false and temporary kingdoms are the blazing heat-they will burn you- Christ offers shade and cool. Kings 2 offers Christ's shadow by showing what blessings come to citizens of the Kingdom when, using the language of 2-12 and 2-56, -The kingdom is firmly established-. Two particular blessings come, giving us safety under the good king.

God is a Giver. God is generous. Paul focuses on this gift-giving God to remind us not just of what God has done but of what God is doing and will do- not just to remind, but to strengthen- not just to give strength to us when our faith is weak, but also to give us hope when hope seems impossible. If God is a generous giver, do not come to him in prayer or worship-praise as if he is stingy- Come here knowing he gives generously to those who ask, and has already given you generous gifts-three of which Paul preaches here.

God is a Giver. God is generous. Paul focuses on this gift-giving God to remind us not just of what God has done but of what God is doing and will do- not just to remind, but to strengthen- not just to give strength to us when our faith is weak, but also to give us hope when hope seems impossible. If God is a generous giver, do not come to him in prayer or worship-praise as if he is stingy- Come here knowing he gives generously to those who ask, and has already given you generous gifts-three of which Paul preaches here.

Kings is much more than the history of Israel- it is the shadow of Christ passing over his people through history. It is how he himself appeared and spoke to his people in their times of celebrations and sorrows, defeats and victories. --While Kings begins on a high note, it ends in darkness and despair.--We don't know who wrote Kings-possibly -probably--- Jeremiah. He, above all prophets, would've been uniquely suited to teach us what we, in the New Kingdom, and awaiting the coming Kingdom, would need. --So let's begin here in Kings 1 and see what happens when the Trumpet of the true king blows.