Grace Reformed Baptist of Pine Bush

The discussion centers on the prohibition against murder, highlighting its connection to the sanctity of human life, the importance of cultivating respect for all individuals, and the need to address the root causes of violence within the heart, ultimately calling for a life of peace, generosity, and service rooted in a deep love for God and neighbor.

The sermon explores the enduring relevance of the Ten Commandments, framing them not merely as a code of conduct but as a holistic presentation of God's design for humanity. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of these principles, beginning with a relationship to God, extending to the role of parents, the rights of neighbors, and ultimately the regulating of our own hearts.

The sermon explores the meaning of the gospel, challenging prevalent definitions and advocating for a biblically grounded understanding rooted in Old Testament concepts of good news and the ultimate reign of God. The study emphasizes the gospel as the announcement of Christ's victory over sin and death, his enthronement, and the promise of a restored creation where righteousness dwells. The speaker encourages a return to scripture to discern the core message, highlighting the importance of proclaiming Christ's Lordship and inviting repentance and belief as a response to the good news of God's kingdom.

The sermon explores the significance of honoring parents, rooted in the fifth commandment and its connection to God's promise of a flourishing life in the land. It emphasizes that honoring parents isn't about blind obedience, but about recognizing their role as protectors, providers, and instructors, reflecting God's own character and providing a foundation for responsible authority in all aspects of life. The message clarifies that honoring parents involves verbal praise, principled obedience, and ongoing care, particularly in their later years, ultimately shaping individuals into responsible adults who reflect God's love and faithfulness to future generations.

This sermon explores a pivotal encounter between Jesus and a Samaritan woman at the well. The conversation moves beyond a discussion of physical thirst and water, revealing Jesus as the source of living water which flows from the living temple and wells up to eternal life. The passage reveals Jesus as offering a perfect gift, teaching a perfect worship as the perfect husband, seeking his bride.

The study explores the centrality of Leviticus within the Pentateuch, arguing that it's not merely a collection of archaic rituals but a vital instruction manual for approaching God. It highlights the book's structure, emphasizing the interconnectedness of laws concerning the place of worship, the priestly function, and the people's status, all pointing toward a restoration of the original design of creation and a journey back to divine presence.

The sermon explores the significance of the Sabbath, challenging common misconceptions and urging listeners to move beyond legalistic or libertarian interpretations. It examines the historical roots of the Sabbath in creation and the covenant with Israel, highlighting its adaptability in light of the unfolding of the drama of redemption. The message emphasizes the Sabbath as a day not merely for rest, but for actively meeting with God, receiving spiritual nourishment, and rising in devotion, ultimately fostering a life of worship and obedience that reflects God's design for humanity.

The sermon explores the third commandment, emphasizing that taking the Lord's name in vain is not merely about avoiding blasphemous speech, but about accurately representing God through one's actions and life. Drawing parallels to priestly duties of bearing tribal names and the importance of living as faithful reflections of Christ, in our service in his name.

The sermon explores the second of the Ten Principles, focusing on the prohibition against creating carved images of God, arguing that no physical representation can adequately capture the divine nature. It emphasizes that true worship involves approaching God in spirit and truth, rather than through visual or material representations, and highlights the importance of conforming to God's revealed will through His word. The message underscores the need for humility and a focus on God's concerns, advocating for a word-centered worship that prioritizes God's delight and faithfulness above personal desires and ambitions.

The sermon focuses on the first of Jesus' private conversations recorded in John's Gospel, namely his encounter with Nathaniel. Finding the setting of this encounter in the seven days of the New Creation that parallels the opening of the book of Genesis, John emphasizes Jesus' comprehensive knowledge of individuals, exemplified by his knowing Nathanael even before he was called. The conversation underscores the commendable character of Nathaniel, the transformative power of encountering the Jesus, and the hope of greater things to come, all highlighting the Lord's personal care of his people and the promise of the glory to come.

The sermon explores the foundational significance of the Ten Commandments, framing them not as a legalistic code but as principles for covenantal living rooted in a restored relationship with God. It emphasizes that these words, spoken from Sinai, are a call to undivided allegiance, rejecting all substitutes for the one true God who brought Israel out of Egypt and offers grace, security, and eternal life. The message underscores the importance of gratitude, honor, and vigilance against idolatry in all its forms—whether manifested in the pursuit of pleasure, wealth, or other worldly commitments—ultimately urging listeners to prioritize a heart-centered devotion to God above all else.

This study emphasizes understanding the gospel as God's comprehensive restoration of the blessings of creation through the saving acts of Jesus, rather than a truncated view focused solely on the doctrine of justification by faith or some other gospel blessing or requirement. Looking at passages in the Prophets coming to fulfillment in the events of the life of Christ we find that the gospel encompasses the entirety of God's intervention in human history, through the life, death, resurrection, ascension, reign, and return of Jesus Christ. This holistic view, rooted in the prophetic order and fulfilled in Christ, highlights the restoration of creation and calls for a broader proclamation that includes not only righteousness but also the power of resurrection, fellowship with Christ's sufferings, and the hope of a restored creation, moving beyond solely legal concepts to encompass the fullness of God's restoration of the blessings designed for the creation.

John's use of seven in his Gospel is discussed as a prelude to the seven personal conversations Jesus had with individuals

Continuing the question of a second opportunity to receive the gospel after death.

A fuller refutation of the concept of "post-death" salvation. A question which was posed the week before.

First, a question on universalism and second-chance salvation prompting a brief response. Second, a look into the gospel and what constitutes it

Many Christians are not aware that the order of the books of the Old Testament in the Hebrew Bible differs from the order of books we find in the Bibles in use among most Christians. This older order was most likely he way Jesus knew and used the Canonical books of what we call the Old Testament. In Luke 24 our Lord refers to "everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms." There were three sections in the Bibles in use among the People of Israel, three sections in the Bible that Jesus knew. It is this third section that began with the book of Psalms and incorporates a wide variety of books likely written or compiled at the time of the return from captivity in Babylon that is the theme of this new study we have begun in the third section of the Old Testament, called the Writings.

Qualifications of the Deacon

Overview of 1 Peter