Grace Reformed Baptist of Pine Bush

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

A look at church leadership, with Old Testament roots.