Madison Reformed Church

Isa. 1:12–20 1 Cor. 11:17–34 What is self-examination? Some Christians are so unfamiliar with it that they never do it. Others feel they've only done it if they feel spiritually discouraged. But self-examination is an aid to assurance, not a weapon to destroy it. In this message, we explore the call to self-examination and how it prepares us to receive Christ's body and blood.

What does Christ's suffering, the Holy Spirit, Noah's ark, the flood, spirits in prison, and baptism have to do with us? In this message from 1 Peter 3, we explore these various topics and how they relate to Peter's bigger goal to help Christians persevere when they're suffering unjustly.

Deut. 8:1–10 Ezek. 45:13–17 John 6:52–59 1 Cor. 11:17–34 Sacred meals are all over Scripture. God invites His people to eat in His presence. In the Lord's Supper, we have a sacred meal in which Christ Himself is offered to those who receive Him by faith. In this message, we explore the past, present, and future benefits of this wonderful sacrament.

“No good deed goes unpunished.” That old saying rings true because most people have had the experience of doing something kind only to have it backfire. In our passage today, Peter has in mind not just bad responses to particular good deeds here and there, but when Christians are targeted for living righteously. Peter teaches us that Christ's own suffering has transformed our suffering into an opportunity for blessing.

Deut. 11:1–12 Ezek. 36:22–29a Matt. 8:28–34 Col. 2:8–15  In holy baptism, the Lord has given us a gift that connects us back to the great cleansing events of the Old Testament, like the parting of the Red Sea. But it doesn't end there. Baptism is useful each day, powerfully delivering the good news to us that Christ's blood is our Red Sea, and that He has delivered us from the tyranny of the devil on our way to the spiritual Canaan.

Peter now applies the identity of "sojourner" to our marriages, calling on Christian wives to submit themselves to their husbands (even if they're unbelievers) and Christian husbands to understand their wives in a couple crucial ways. In both these callings, we see the character of Christ working in men and women, a grace that is sufficient to the call.

Gen. 3:20–24 Ezek. 20:5–8a Matt. 6:25–34 1 Cor. 10:1–8 In this message on the sacraments, we reflect upon the worries we deal with as Christians, how we tend to make ourselves feel better through idolatry, and how in the sacraments God targets these destructive tendencies and gives us the healing we need.

Christians are sojourners and exiles in this life, and one way or the other, we will suffer injustice. Peter addresses this universal experience by appealing to the household slaves of the congregations to whom he wrote. He shows them, and us, that our calling to endure unjust suffering is anchored to Christ Himself—the Suffering Servant of God, our Savior in whose footsteps we must learn to walk.

Exod. 26:26–30 1 Chron. 16:1–7 Luke 4:16–22 Heb. 8:1–7 Christ is the true worship leader. As our mediator and high priest, He leads the worship of His people and summons them up to heaven with Him. In this message, we explore the glories of New Covenant worship done not according to passing trends, but according to the Word.

For 2,000 years, Christians have had to wrestle with their identities as sojourners and exiles under wildly different political situations. Peter describes the conduct of sojourners and applies it our relationship to the governing authorities. In this message, we remember that in His redemptive work for us, Christ subjected Himself to wicked governing authorities. He calls us now to respond with godly conduct that puts wicked rulers to shame and calls them to glorify God on the day when Christ returns.

Lev. 10:1–7 2 Kgs. 18:1–8 Matt. 18:15–20 1 Tim. 3:14–16  In this message, we explore Paul's wonderful claim that the Church is a "pillar and buttress of the truth." With this authority, the Church applies the Word of God to maintaining order among God's people and regulating our worship of the living God.

Early in the morning on the first day of the week, the risen Christ asked Mary Magdalene a question. It is posed to us today as well: "Whom are you seeking?" In this Easter message, we learn that the answer must be the risen Lord Jesus Christ. His resurrection is the answer to death, to spiritual ignorance, to grief, to fear, and to doubt.

In this Good Friday meditation, we consider the meaning of the name Gethsemane ("olive press") and its significance as the location of Jesus' prayers before His crucifixion. For those hard-pressed on every side, Jesus is the Savior in Gethsemane, who shares His anointing with us.

Deut. 1:9–18 1 Kgs 3:5–15 Matt. 20:20–28 Acts 6:1–6  Christ raises up officers to serve His churches. But how does that happen "on the ground"? In this message, we examine Scripture's design for identifying men to church office, and the immense privilege it is to select them.

Everyone loves a good story. Peter wants Christians to realize that their story is the same as ancient Israel, and for that reason, all who believe in Christ have the same status and privilege as those who came before. Your story is that you're a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, the people of God who have received His mercy. And this is the story we proclaim.

Exod. 18:13–27 Prov. 11:14; 15:22 Matt. 23:1–4 1 Tim. 3:1–13  Every group on earth has to get organized in order to get anything done. It's the same with the Church. But the difference is that the Church is a heavenly institution that also exists on earth. In this sermon, we learn that Christ's care for and rule over His people is experienced in the order and officers of the Church.

Most of us are familiar with the idea of "getting saved." But have you ever said, "I need to grow up in salvation"? That's how Peter speaks about our walk with Christ here in the second chapter of his letter. Using two wonderful images—the nourishment of milk, and the building up of stones—Peter shows Christians the way to taste and keep on tasting that the Lord is good.

Exod. 30:1–10 Isa. 29:11–16 Matt. 15:1–9 Acts 7:51–60 In Acts 7, Stephen brings down an indictment on the Pharisees, who were the leaders of the church in that day, saying, “You…received the law as delivered by angels, but did not keep it.” In fact, they did the opposite. They opposed and persecuted the prophet, they resisted the Holy Spirit. Stephen strong words shows us there is such a thing as false churches. Those who have the trappings of religion, but are actually enemies of God. How can we know? We have the marks of false churches to help us.

Isaiah 40:6–11 & 1 Peter 1:22–25. "Love one another" is one of the most repeated commands in the Bible. But we run out of steam in obeying it. Peter shows us where the power comes from: the Word of God.

Rev. Dr. Brandon Burks (Christ Reformed Church, Bellevue, KY) joins us to open God's Word from Daniel 5.

Num. 5:5–10 Prov. 4:20–27 Luke 9:21–27 Gal. 5:16–26 There are such things as hypocrites in the church of our Lord Jesus Christ. That is to say, that in the visible church, there are people who are “physically there,” but “nonetheless are not part of it.” Some people hear this and it fills them with a kind of dread. In this message, we learn Scripture's marks of the true Christian, and what to do when, in our weakness, we fail to live up to them.

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Deut. 13:1–5 1 Kgs 12:25–33 Mark 13:9–13 2 Tim. 4:1–5  Are there such things as false and true churches, and is there a way to tell the difference? When we open Scripture, we see three things prioritized in Christ's assembly: the preaching of the gospel, the administration of the sacraments, and church discipline.

Christians are guaranteed to face trials and hardships, so how should we respond when they come? In this section if his letter, the apostle Peter encourages us to continue rejoicing in the salvation of the Lord. This salvation is "top-to-bottom" a work of God, and by meditating on Christ, it comes powerfully to encourage us during times of distress.

Lev. 14:1–9 Joel 2:28–32 Matt. 11:25–30 Eph. 4:1–16  What's it mean to be a member in Christ's church? Everyone united to Christ is a member of His universal church, as members of a body belong to one Head. But that membership expresses itself visibly in local churches with particular people. In this message, learn three particular ways that we maintain this unity.

Rev. Zac Wyse (Ascension Reformed Church) completes our series on Christian giving by opening to Philippians and Acts. He shows that the  act of giving is a spiritual sacrifice, like the fellowship offerings of the Old Testament, and therefore is best place in the actual worship service.

Gen. 12:1–3 1 Kings 19:9–18 John 4:19–26 1 Cor. 1:1–3 The doctrine of the Church has fallen on hard times. Many wonder what the Church actually is, who belongs to it, and whether or not it has any real authority. We confess the biblical teaching that the Church of Jesus Christ is catholic—not Roman Catholic—but "universal," which is all that the word means. We discover in Scripture the wonderful gift catholicity is in a world divided and confused.

The Christian life is lived in exile. We are not home yet, but live in a world often hostile to Christ and His Church. How do we live in such a world? The apostle Peter has written a letter that shows us the way. In this first sermon in a new series through 1–2 Peter, we discover that although we are exiles, we've been chosen by God, are guided by the Spirit, and are cleansed by Christ.

Num. 16:41–50 Ps. 103:20–22 Luke 16:19–31 Heb. 11:39–12:2  What is the "cloud of witnesses" that surrounds us? Are they the saints who have gone before us, can we interact with them? In this message, we look at the Roman Catholic practice of praying for and to the saints, and respond to this teaching.

In this short series on giving in the Christian life, we've identified the main purposes for giving are to extend mission of the church and relieve of poor. This last message now addresses the heart of the one who gives to these causes. We learn how to steer clear of prosperity gospel nonsense and rest firmly in God's generosity in the gospel.

Gen. 18:22–33 Job 9:28–35 John 17:20–26 Heb. 7:23–28  Some say doctrine doesn't matter. It's all about devotion to God. But you have to know who God is and what He says about Himself in order to be devoted to Him—and that's what doctrine is. The doctrine of Christ's intercession shows this perfectly. In this message, we learn how to overcome the fears we have in approaching by through incarnation, mediation, and intercession of our faithful High Priest, Jesus Christ.

How does the church support those in need? In this messages in our series on Christian Giving, we look to the early Church's pattern of generosity to learn that through Christ's own poverty, we have become rich. We also touch on practical considerations, like who counts as "the poor" in our day, and how do Christians best help them?

Exod. 29:38–46 Hos. 6:1–6 Matt. 5:17–20 Col. 2:16–3:6 Many are exploring movements like the Hebrew Roots, or traditions like Eastern Orthodoxy, both wildly different but filled with ceremonies. What does Scripture teach about such ceremonies? We look together at Christ's claim to fulfill the Law, and how that teaches us to seek Him in heaven, not in the earthly ceremonies of the Old Covenant, whatever form those take.

God has designed for His Kingdom to advance on earth through the ordinary ministry of the gospel. This spiritual work comes with material costs. In this message, we look at one of the main reasons why God's people are called to give generously—keeping up our churches up and spreading them where they're needed.

Deut. 6:1–3 Ruth 2:8–16 Luke 17:5–10 1 Cor. 3:5–15  We continue in the doctrine of sanctification by focusing in on Scripture's teaching on works and rewards. How can it be that God promises to reward our good works if sanctification is by grace? The answer is that even the rewards are by grace.

This message begins with several intro comments about this new and quick series on giving in the Christian life. In this message, we turn to Scripture's instruction on the tithe. What was it? What did it mean? And does it still apply for Christians today?

Deut. 11:18–23 Isa. 51:4–8 Luke 17:5–10 Gal. 5:1–6 Sanctification is the glorious teaching that God Himself works powerfully within us to make us more like Christ. Do we do good works? Of course. And it God who works within us, causing the very same faith that received Christ in the first place to being "working in love" (Gal. 5:6).

The end of each year causes most people to reflect on what's happened in the previous 12 months. Amid big changes and maybe some successes, there are big disappointments. Perhaps even disappointment with God? In this passage, during which infant Jesus is presented at the Temple, we learn what faith looks like in the face of disappointment as it's put on display by Simeon, Joseph & Mary, and Anna the prophetess.

The Magi's trip to find the newborn King reveals to us that the world is filled with danger for those devoted to Christ, but that He remains worthy of our deepest devotion and promises to defend us. Christmas Eve 2025 - Lessons & Carols Homily.

Lev. 18:1–5 Ps. 143 Luke 5:17–26 Gal. 3:10–14 We go through tests in life that feel like passing through a judgment. There is one judgment we can't avoid, the Judgment of God. But the doctrine of justification teaches us how to pass this judgment—one of two ways: either by perfect obedience to the law (which no one can do), or by faith in the obedient Savior.

In a self-centered world, John the Baptist teaches us to look away from ourselves to the coming Savior, Jesus Christ. In this advent sermon, we learn to listen to the cry of the voice in the wilderness, saying "Make straight the way of the Lord!"

What do you think of when someone says "the end of the world"? Jesus wants us to think—redemption. In this Advent sermon, we open to Jesus' Olivet Discourse, where He teaches us how to read the signs of His coming and to respond, not with a sense of doom, but great confidence.

Deut. 4:32–40 Isa. 44:1–5 John 5:19–24 Rom. 3:21–28 What is faith? For something so central to Christianity, we have a lot of confusion about it. In this message guided by Belgic Confession article 22, we learn where faith comes from (the Holy Spirit), what it is (a faculty of the heart), and what is brings about (Christ given to you).

The second Sunday in Advent. We focus our hearts on Christ's arrival into Jerusalem, which reveals to us the character of both His first and second comings, and—as a result—how we might best prepare ourselves to say with the crowds, "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!"

Madison Reformed Church gathered on the evening before Thanksgiving Day to offer our gratitude to God for all His kindness to us. In this message, we learn the obstacles to giving Him thanks from a full heart.

Lev. 16:1–5 Isa. 53:4–12 Matt. 27:45­–51 1 Cor. 2:1–5 What is the atonement? It refers to the work of Christ that He accomplished on the cross. But what the atonement means and what Christ accomplished by it takes us to its Old Testament roots. In this doctrinal message, we open up centrality of the cross, and the good news it still proclaims today.

In this final message in our Genesis series, we remember the ongoing work of God through His covenant, and how—despite the obstacles of death, doubt, and domination—His covenant mercies triumph in the end.

Deut. 28:15–19 Jer. 11:1–5 John 11:45–53 2 Cor. 5:16–21 Around the year A.D. 130, an early Christian wrote a letter to a skeptic named Diognetus, and he explained that the work of Jesus Christ for sinners like this: "O sweet exchange!" In this message, we see how God poured out His justice against His Son in order to show mercy and goodness to us.

In a world of pain and sorrow, Scripture teaches us to take refuge at God's right hand (Psalm 17:7), where Jesus is preparing a Kingdom for His people. In the blessings given to Joseph and Benjamin, we get a glimpse of that Kingdom and of the Son of God's Right Hand. In Him, we have the strength to overcome adversity while we wait.

In this reflection from Reformation Sunday 2025, we consider the joy of being Reformed Christians.

The 12 sons of Jacob became the 12 tribes of Israel, the assembly of God's people at that time. We are one with them, and we learn about ourselves by studying them. It's like a Bible-based personality assessment, helping us know who we are and what our place is in the Church. We are unique in what we bring to the table. But, like them, we are united in our need for the grace of God. In this message, we learn that because we are waiting for the same salvation as the patriarchs, we can grow in godly self-awareness by looking to them.