Madison Reformed Church

Gen. 32:9–12 1 Sam. 1:12–18 Matt. 7:7–11 Rom. 10:1–4  The Psalmist says, "Pour out your hearts to God." In this beginning message in a series on Christian prayer, we learn what prayer basically is, guided by godly examples of the saints in Scripture.

Psalm 10 is the sequel of Psalm 9 and zeroes in on the theme of the wicked mistreating the poor. The unique contribution that Psalm 10 makes is that in it, we hear the words of our King, who came down from heaven to live and die in a state of poverty, and to—in the end—overcome wicked oppressors. 

Christ speaks in the Psalms, and in this Psalm He demonstrates for believers how to cope with the oppressive enemies. Jesus Himself was raised in triumph over His enemies, and now from heaven He declares those wonderful works of God to us—so that we too would find comfort and tell them to our enemies before judgment comes.

Deut. 32:34–38 Dan. 7:9–14 Matt. 25:31–46 2 Cor. 5:1–10  In this final message on the doctrines of the Belgic Confession, we focus on the difficult topic of the Final Judgment—what it is and how unbelievers and believers will experience it differently. The Bible's surprising teaching is that Christians can and should find great comfort as we long for the day of judgment to arrive.

Having just begun the practice of weekly Communion, we pause to consider some of the most important teachings about the Lord's Supper and how best to prepare for it.

Genesis 15:1-6 Ezekiel 36:22-27 Luke 18:9-14 Philippians 3:1-11Rev. Chuck Tedrick (associate minister of Christ Reformed Church in Santee, CA) encourages us in the great doctrine of justification in this message from Philippians 3:1–11.

The end of Peter's first letter to the exiled congregations of Asia Minor. He tells us that the major emphasis of his letter was "the true grace of God" and to "stand firm" in that grace. In this message, we pull back the veil to see that grace, and discover two ways in which we stand in it as Christian sojourners.

Two postures and actions are essential in the life of a Christian: humility expressed in casting our anxieties on God, and resistance expressed in militant prayer against the devil. In this message, we learn the wonderful gospel promises for weary Christians—that Christ will exalt the humble and give victory to those engaged in resistance.

Num. 10:1–10 Zech. 14:3–9 Matt. 24:29–36 1 Thess. 4:13–18 Will Jesus' return be partial and known only to the raptured few? Or will He come once in glory to judge and raise us up? In this message, learn the importance of setting our expectations well concerning the Second Coming of Jesus.

Gen. 20:1–13 Psalm 82 Matt. 8:5–13 Acts 12:20–24  In this 4th and final message focusing on Belgic Confession article 36, we examine the vision that Psalm 82 has for earthly rulers, and God requires justice and wisdom in those whom He endows with civil authority.

Sojourners need something stable to help them along in their travels. Christian sojourners have the gift of elders. Christ calls and equips these men to be Shepherd His own flock, the church. This message was preached on the occasion of ordaining our first elder at Madison Reformed Church.

Exod. 1:15–22 Dan. 3:8–18 Matt. 5:38–42 Rev. 13:1–10  Should Christians only ever obey civil authorities, or are there times when we must disobey? Scripture gives us very useful categories for understanding when we must or may disobey the governing authorities. In this message, and with the help of the Protestant tradition, we explore the biblical conditions and reasoning for engaging in civil disobedience.

Persecution is like a "fiery trial," and according to the Apostle Peter, we should rejoice when it comes. Why and how? In this message, learn three corrections to our natural reactions to suffering: to not be surprised, but rejoice; to not suffer as a sinner, but as a Christian; and to not confuse our judgment with the judgment of the wicked.

Gen. 47:1–12 Ezra 7:21–27 John 18:33–36 Acts 26:19–32  The basic responsibilities of civil government are to punish law-breakers and protect the innocent. But what is its relationship to the Church? Although there's room for difference of opinion, Scripture guides us to a handful of common elements.

When Jesus brings us into a union with Himself, He also breaks our union with Christ. That means that we have to be willing to the patterns and habits of sin behind us, even if it means facing the ridicule of whose who don't believe. In this message, we learn the void that saying no to sin creates in our lives, and how to fill it with the gifts God has given to us—namely, vibrant life in the church.

Gen. 9:1–7 1 Sam. 8:10–18 Matt. 22:15–22 Rom. 13:1–7 Although Christians are free to have a variety of views about politics and policies, the Bible's basic teaching on the role of civil government is clear. In this message, we discover two of the most important functions our governing authorities have, and what the response of Christian citizens should be.

A down payment of course is when you make a first large payment on some big item like a house or property, paying the rest when the time comes. This idea is here in 2 Corinthians 5:5, except that God is the buyer, and the Holy Spirit is His down payment. In this Pentecost message, we look into one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit secured for us on that great day. It is the gift of a guarantee. Christ has died and been raised in a new body. And now the Spirit has been put down as collateral—as it were—to guarantee that you too will be raised with a new body. And because of that, we're able to cope with the threat and fears of death that all of us live with as mortal people in this age.

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.