Madison Reformed Church

Gen. 1:26–28 Ps. 14:1–7 John 6:41–51 Rom. 8:5–11 The future is here. World leaders speak about immortality through continuous organ transplants. Tech companies discuss how to upload our consciousness to the “digital afterlife." What does all this mean for humankind? In this message, we return to the doctrine of the image of God, which teaches us that we were made with spiritual excellence, but that has been lost in the Fall.

At some point or another, most people get into a situation where they have to muster the courage and go and do it, and the higher the stakes, the easier it is to be afraid. When it comes to God, the stakes couldn't be higher. How to we come to Him? In Genesis 43, this dilemma that is laid out for us, and the process of Joseph's brothers coming to ask him for what they need shows teaches us today how to approach God. It is only through a willing substitute.

Exod. 9:13–18 2 Sam. 24:1–15 John 9:1–7 Jas. 1:12–18 Have you ever been told that you have control issues? Actually everyone struggles with the thought that they may not be steering the ship. In the doctrine of providence, we learn how God controls all things. Providence is God's "orderly arrangement" of all things, in line with His own nature, without causing sin, for His glory and the good of His people. It is an unspeakable comfort.

Repentance is when a person turns away from his sin toward God and others. In this chapter in the story of Joseph, when the first signs of repentance show in his treacherous brothers, we are given a glimpse of how the Lord produces true repentance in us.

Deut. 32:10–18 Ezek. 28:11–19 Luke 10:13–20 Eph. 6:10–20 In a culture obsessed with the supernatural, Christians need to know the basic about the devil and his demons. In this message, learn where they've come from, what their goals are, and how we are to defend ourselves from them.

In Genesis 41, a great famine strikes the land of Egypt and surrounding countries, and God raises up Joseph to save the people during it. Famine is a time of deep hunger, and in this passage, we learn that through the Greater Joseph—our Lord Jesus Christ—we are delivered from our deepest hungers.

Gen. 3:14–21 Isa. 55 Lk. 24:36–49 Acts 17:16–34 What's the difference between the law and gospel? In this final message in a short summer series, Ben Phelps shows how the law is woven into the nature of things, but the gospel of the Lord Jesus can only be found in the holy Scriptures.

Should we anoint the sick with oil, as described in James 5? In this message, Rev. Welch spends time explaining why Madison Reformed Church practices this solemn ritual—what it is, what it isn't, the and way it stirs our faith to remember that Christ has overcome the grave.

Lev. 4:13–21 Ps. 50 John 1:1–18, 29–34 Heb. 9:22–10:18 Moving from the section of the catechism that explains our guilt on to the "grace" section, we learn what God Himself has done to pay the sinner's debt on their behalf. Ben Phelps preaching.

How can those who are filthy from their sin stand before the God of all holiness? They must be cleansed of their filth and clothed in righteousness. Ben Phelps opens to Zechariah 3, and the amazing prophetic vision in which the high priest Joshua shows us how sinner gain access to the heavenly council through the grace of God.

Lev. 26:9–13 Isa. 40:1–2 Matt. 10:26–33 Rom. 14:7–9Rev. Nick Alons (Lynwood United Reformed Church) opens to the beautiful first question of the Heidelberg Catechism and shows us from Scripture where the exclusive, extensive, and enduring comfort we all need comes from.

Exod. 24:3–8 Prov. 17:15 Matt. 26:26–29 Rom. 6:15–7:6If we are now—because of sin—unable to keep God's law, then why are we still held to that standard? The answer has to do with the justice of God. In this doctrinal sermon, Ben Phelps opens up the concepts of mercy and justice, and how these are manifested in the cross of Jesus Christ.

Joseph is still in prison, but is given the gift of dream interpretation for two of Pharaoh's officers, and is vindicated when his interpretation comes true. His role as the mistreated prophet of God previews for us our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the true revealer of God's will, and who calls us to trust Him when we face downturns and mistreatment.

Genesis 1:26–31, 2:15–17 Jeremiah 17:9–10 John 8:31-47 Galatians 3:7–14Ben Phelps helps us see the the heights of our creation by our good God, the depths of our fall into sin, and the heights once again of our re-creation by the Holy Spirit.

Temptation sometimes feels unbelievably strong and you feel very alone. In the story of Joseph and Potiphar's wife, Joseph stand up under an intense temptation, which is impressive enough—but the question is how? The answer is that the Lord was with him. In this message, we learn that that we are not on our own in the face of temptation, but that our strong Savior stands with us. And because He Himself has withstood the most persistent temptations, He is able to help us in times of need, even in the face of serious sexual temptation.

*Recording begins midway through*Genesis 6:5–8 2 Samuel 12:1–15 Mark 10:17–22 Romans 3:9–20 What's the difference between the law and the gospel? This sermon kicks off Ben Phelps' short summer series, guided by the Heidelberg Catechism, that answers that question. In this message, we learn what the law reflects when sinners like us look into it.

*Recording begins after Scripture reading* Continuing on after the summer series in Ruth, pastoral intern Ben Phelps looks into the family history of Jesus Christ from Matthew 1, showing that our faithful God has worked throughout every generation to bring about His saving purposes.

Gen. 28:10–17 Isa. 6:1–7 Luke 15:1–10 1 Peter 1:10–12 In the Bible, angels cause both terrible fear and deliver great comfort. Who are these mysterious figures? Tonight, we learn that because they are totally devoted to God, they are also totally devoted to the people of God. Next week, we look more closely at demons, but tonight, we learn what and who angels are, and what purpose they serve.

Pastoral intern Ben Phelps concludes his series in Ruth by focusing on Boaz, who in his role as redeemer gives us a beautiful picture of Christ the Redeemer. In this message we learn about the Redeemer's work that leads to the redeemed's welcome, and paving the way for a royal dynasty, all coming from the most unlikely of courses—a Moabite woman named Ruth.

Gen. 9:1–4 Prov. 30:24–28 John 1:1–5 Rev. 4:6b–11  Lots of theories about how the universe got here, and why. But Scripture speaks with clarity and simplicity that God alone has created all things, visible and invisible. In this message, we contemplate the glory of God in creation and learn that He has made everything out of nothing, by His Word, and so that His creation would be drawn back to Him in worship.

Pastoral intern Ben Phelps opens to the touching story of Ruth approaching Boaz with a marriage proposal. Exploring the powerful image of Ruth being sheltered under the shadow of Boaz's "wings," Ben shows how God's people in every age are taught to gather under the protective care of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Gen. 2:5–7 Job 33:1–7 John 16:4b–15 1 Cor. 2:6–16 In a time of immense confusion about the Holy Spirit, Christians must come back to the basics. In this doctrinal sermon on the deity of the Spirit, we learn the Bible's clear but challenging way of showing us who the Third Person of the Trinity is. We learn that He proceeds from the Father and the Son, and He does this not as a force, but as God Himself.

As the widows, Ruth and Naomi, make their plans for surviving a difficult chapter in life, Boaz emerges to meet their needs. Although their decisions and actions seem ordinary, through them the covenant God is showing His faithfulness to His people. Pastoral Intern Ben Phelps continues his summer series in the book of Ruth.

Gen. 1:1–5 Mic. 5:1–4 John 1:1–13 Heb. 1:1–14 There's hardly a more important question than, Who is Jesus Christ? There are a lot of answers that have been tried out over the centuries. Our confession answers that question like this: “So then, [Christ] is the true eternal God, the Almighty, whom we invoke, worship, and serve.” In this message, we learn that Scripture describes Jesus as the Creator, and that this means our prayers and praise must treat Him as true God.

Pastoral intern Ben Phelps begins a series in the book of Ruth. The story begins during a time of judgment and suffering, and from this we learn that we can be patient in adversity because God is provides, and often in unexpected ways. Audio begins after the reading of the passage.

Num. 16:25–32 Ezek. 13:1–11 Mark 12:18–27 1 Tim. 6:20–21 Scripture paints a challenging picture for our age. It shows that while the Church is a community of people who welcome others into it, it also has boundary lines. One of the boundary lines is the doctrine of the Trinity. In this message, we learn what Scripture says about those who teach false doctrine and highlight a few of the prominent groups and people in Church history who have taught a false doctrine of the Trinity in particular.

How do we grow in holiness? Is it through self-punishment and trying harder? Scripture says that the flesh can't accomplish this. It is only through the Spirit. Although Christ has wiped away our debts before God, we still owe an everlasting debt of gratitude to the Spirit. Why? He gives us Himself. And through Him, we put our sins to death. 

Gen. 1:26–31 Isa. 63:7–14 Matt. 3:13–17 2 Cor. 13:11–14 In this message, we learn how the Bible testifies about the Triune God and that our experience of Him agrees with that testimony. 

The Joseph story is interrupted by Genesis 38 and his older brother Judah's exploits. From Judah will come our Lord Jesus Christ. But first, he ruins his legacy and only begins a transformation when confronted by the righteousness of another. To use the language of the book of Romans—where sin abounded, grace abounded all the more. In this message, we learn that Christ redeems ruined lives and legacies.

Christ lifted up His hands and "blessed them" and they, in response, "were blessing God." This back and forth pattern of blessing is what Christ has left behind for us at His ascension into heaven. In this message for our Ascension Day service, we remember this great work of God in Christ, and learn how best to respond.

Deut. 4:32–40 Isa. 42:5–9 John 10:22–30 Heb. 9:11–14 Many have wondered if the doctrine of the Trinity is really all the useful or practical. The moment you begin to go just a little deeper with it, you feel like you're drowning. But the truth is that because we're Christians, we also have to get used the feeling of being out of our depth. God is God, and He has revealed Himself. In this message, we focus especially on the the distinctness of each Person of the Blessed Trinity.

The jealousy of Joseph's brothers is a powerful picture of jealousy in the life of the Church. And in Joseph's story, we have one of the most extended and amazing pre-figurings of Jesus Christ in the whole Old Testament. Through Joseph, Genesis 37 highlights the humiliation of Jesus Christ, who alone can bring jealous sinners to their knees in repentance.

Deut. 12:32–13:5 Ps. 119:169–176 Mark 7:1–13 2 Tim. 3:14–4:5People ask the question, “What is God's will?” all the time. Here's what our Confession delivers to us: “We believe that the Holy Scripture contains the will of God completely…” In this message, we learn that Scripture is enough to show us God's will for salvation, for worshiping Him, and for spotting imposters.

"These are the generations of Esau." Why does Esau of all people get a genealogy to himself? In this message, we learn through Esau's kingdom, Edom, the vital spiritual lesson that no earthly kingdom or king will survive the ups and downs of life in this world or, in the end, the judgment of Christ the King. Since Christ's Kingdom is the only eternal Kingdom, won for us by His sacrifice, our duty is walk by faith not by sight. 

Deut. 31:24–29 Ps. 147:12–20 Matt. 11:7–15 Rom. 3:1–4 But through Christian history, there have been questions raised about whether or not other books and writings belong in the canon of Scripture. The Belgic confession speaks of making a distinction between the “holy books” (Scripture) and the “apocryphal books.” in this message, we learn what the Apocryphal books are and why we do not receive them as Scripture. And the hope is that the Apocrypha will be put in its rightful place—not to be treated with Scriptural authority, but also not to be treated as something to avoid.

Christians aren't just cleansed at the beginning of their walk with Christ, but need renewal throughout it. In this section from Jacob's life, we learn that God renews His gracious covenant with us every time we gather for worship, giving us his cleansing and protecting grace.

Deut. 6:10–19 2 Kgs. 22:1–13 Matt. 4:1–11 Eph. 2:17–22 God is revealed in Creation and in Scripture, but what is Scripture and why do we take it to be authoritative? In this message, we begin to answer that question with the help of Belgic Confession article 5, which shows us how God's Word alone is the final authority for faith and practice.

God has included passages like Genesis 34 in His Word because the Bible records real history, and because the hope of the gospel reaches down into the most wretched parts of human life. The story of Dinah's defiling and the aftermath  paints a picture of the outrageous things that people are driven to do when they do not have self-control. But to these problems, the gospel has an answer. Jesus Christ promises to protect the oppressed, and punish the oppressor.

Exodus 19:1–10 Jeremiah 23:23–24 John 14:1–7 Romans 8:31–35Matt Walkenhorst (pastoral intern from Ascension Reformed Church) opens up the doctrine of Christ's ascension into heaven.

In this message from 1 Corinthians, pastoral intern Matt Walkenhorst (Ascension Reformed Church) explains how the gospel frees us from the place where sin so often starts—focus on the self—so that we might become imitators of God in serving others.

"He is not here. He has risen, like He said. Come, see the place where He lay." This message of the angel on the day of Christ's resurrection gives hope to those who believe. In this Easter message, we learn of the dawning of the new creation, the hope of the empty tomb, and the greeting of Jesus that brings us to worship.

Deut. 18:15–20 Ps. 19:1–14 John 5:36–47 Rom. 1:18–23 We have learned about the attributes of God. Now we ask, "How has God communicated to us?" The answer is revelation, which comes in two forms or "books." The book of creation and the book of God's Holy Word. In this message, we learn how these two “books” are distinct, and how they work together.

Exodus 10:21–11:10 & Matthew 27:24–66The Word of the Cross is a Word that tells us that Jesus Christ descended into the darkness for us. In this Good Friday message, we rest in Christ again, by whose sacrifice, we are forgiven.

Exod. 33:19; 34:1–9 Ps. 119:65–72 Mark 10:17–22 1 John 4:13–21Lord, "you are good and do good” (Ps. 119:67). In this final message on the attributes of God, we focus our hearts on the goodness of God and its various expressions—grace, mercy, love, patience, and faithfulness—in order to know this God and worship Him with greater joy.

When Jesus came to Jerusalem for the Passover holiday in His so-called “Triumphal Entry,” He was coming to a city marked by years and years of expectations building up. What was it going to be like when the King finally returned to the city of God? What would this King be like? Jesus' arrival confronted them and it confronts us: When our king comes to us, will we accept Him as He is, or will our expectations lead us in some other direction? Because Jesus is the King that we actually need and not the king of our imaginations, our response must be a full turn towards Him only as He's been revealed in the Word.

Christians sometimes feel like they're having travel delay. We know that the Lord has a plan for our lives and a destination we're aimed at. But it seems like we're never going to get there — to the home God has promised. In Genesis 28 & 33, we see Jacob being sent away and then returning to Canaan. And his journey teaches us that through the grace of Christ, we are not only forgiven for trying to make this world our home, but we're taught to lift our hearts to heaven until the Lord brings us there.

Gen. 18:16–26 Zeph. 3:1–5 Luke 18:1–8 Rom. 3:21–26 We have meter inside of us that measures whether or not we've been treated fairly. Scripture teaches us that true justice is in God. We turn to that attribute of God today in our series in the attributes of God. And we're going to see what that justice is, how we see it, and how we relate to it, since it's one of God's characteristics what human beings share in our own way.

It's been 20 years since Jacob was in Canaan. Now, as he returns, he comes to his biggest challenge yet—a wrestling match with God Himself. In this we have illustrated what Christ has done for us by His suffering and His cross. He has gone into combat, been wounded for the sake of His people, and been risen up in ultimate blessing. In this message we learn that believers sometimes wrestle with God, but that we have the assurance that though He wounds us, it is in order to bless us reconcile us to Himself and to others.

Deut. 4:1–8 Isa. 28:23–29 Mark 7:31–37 1 Cor. 18–25 When we say that God and man share any attribute—like wisdom—we recognize that God's wisdom is divine wisdom. Ours is created wisdom, given to us by the Creator. Once that's clear, then it becomes exciting for us to learn how we are like God. We are called to have open eyes to the characteristics we share with Him and, by His grace, become more like Him. In this message, we focus on the attribute of wisdom.

What do we do when we face paralyzing fear? In Jacob's time of fear, he prayed. That's the mark of spiritual transformation. Jacob came to Laban's territory prayerless, but now he departs in holy prayer. This passage shows us what it looks like to lean on Christ in times of fear, and through prayer to carve out a different path by honestly remembering how good the Lord has already been to us, and expressing what we need from Him in the moment.

Gen. 49:22–26 Job 37:14–24 Mark 4:35­–41 Rev. 15:1–8In this message on the attributes of God, our reflections are on the Almighty God. This is one that the  Church has really emphasized in our creeds and liturgies. It's the only attribute of God that appears in all three of the ancient creeds we use: the Apostles' and Nicene both begin, “I believe in God the Father Almighty.” The Athanasian Creed says, “…the Father is almighty, the Son is almighty, the Holy Spirit is almighty..." And so many of our prayers begin with "Almighty God..." Why? We explore from Job 37.