Madison Reformed Church

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.

Gen. 14:17–20 Ezek. 34:11–24 Luke 23:44–49 Heb. 5:5–10 Part of being any calling is learning its vocabulary. If you work in finances, you have to know the difference between assets and liabilities; equity, debit, and credits, and so on. There's a Christian vocabulary too. It's part of our calling. In this message, we learn the term “hypostatic union," which teaches that the Lord Jesus is one PERSON with two NATURES.

Lions take advantage of the early morning hours to roar loudly as a warning to all who would try to take their territory. Lions are fierce and mighty. And in this passage, the patriarch Jacob blesses his fourth-born son Judah by calling him a lion.  One will come from Judah's line who is like a lion. It is our Lord Jesus Christ, descended from Judah's tribe, a leader worth following.

Gen. 15:1–6 Jer. 23:1–8 Matt. 1:18–25 Heb. 2:14–18 Ever get tired of waiting? If you open the Bible, that's a pretty constant complaint. “How long, O Lord?” is a question that's on repeat. The incarnation of the Son of the God is God's answer to that question. In this message, we look at Matthew 1:18–25 to see how this great miracle came about and why God did it.

Have you ever thought about what you'd like to use your last words for? In Jacob's deathbed scene, he speaks prophetic blessings to his 12 sons. These words set the trajectory for the tribes that come from these men, and also give us a glimpse of life in the Church. In his first three sons—Reuben, Simeon, and Levi—we learn what God is able to do even through sinners whose sins echo down to the next generation.

Gen. 3:8–15 Lam. 3:49–60 Mark 5:24b–34 Heb. 2:14–18 When humankind fell into sin, God could've acted in swift and overwhelming justice. But instead, He made a promise. He promised that a chosen offspring would come to battle the devil, and undo all his harm. This is the promise of the covenant of grace, forged by divine love, and useful for us in all our trials and temptations.

God's will was that the covenant promises would pass on to the next generation in the unexpected way. That's the divine pattern. He uses the weak to shame the strong. In Jacob's adoption of Ephraim and Manasseh, we see Jacob embrace this divine pattern. After years of learning to discern the grace of God, he gets it right. This gracious God still works like this in the world today. And because that's the case, we're called, like Joseph, to put away our assumptions, and embrace God's way of grace. 

What has the Church to do with the state? Genesis 47 gives us plenty of biblical insights into how God's people—who abound in blessings—are to bless the nations they inhabit. Energized by the redemption we have in Christ, we are called to godly engagement with our earthly governments, even while we rest and hope for the eternal Kingdom of God.

Deut. 7:6–11 Isa. 41:5–10 John 15:15–17 Eph. 1:3–14 The doctrine of election is not meant to be a topic for debate, but good news for sinners. God has chosen to save those who could not and would not save themselves. And in this message, we learn where this choice comes from, what it leads to, and why we teach it.

What has the Church to do with the Family? In Genesis, the covenant family of Abraham is the Church, and so we are given wonderful answers to this question when we study how this family makes it through trials from without and from within. In this message, we learn that the blessings God has given His Church are so abundant that they overflow to families who join themselves to it: the blessings of peace, covenant worship, and family honor.

Gen. 5:1–11 Job 14:1–6 Matt. 15:10–20 Rom. 5:12–21 Have you ever wondered why it is harder to maintain good habits than it is to slip into bad ones? Why do we need to teach children, over and over again, how to obey while disobedience comes naturally? In short—why is it so much easier to do wrong? The answer is that we have a deep, ingrained problem called a sin nature, or "original sin." Original sin is the corruption that all people have inherited from Adam and that deserves death.

In this next section of the Joseph story, his brothers experience the biggest twist imaginable: not only that Joseph is still alive, but that he still loves them as family. This is the great unveiling that happens to all people who come into contact with the Lord Jesus Christ. Hebrews 2:11 says that Jesus is not ashamed to call us "brothers.” What else does Jesus reveal to us about Himself? We answer that question in this sermon.

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.