Reformation Orthodox Presbyterian Church

This week the anointed king goes forth to battle, the volunteer champion of Israel went to face the uncircumcised Philistine, the blasphemer, the giant, Goliath. David saw not the size of the man, nor had regard for his notorious reputation as a soldier, but was instead focused upon the zeal of that wicked man's effect upon the moral of Israel and the success of his people to establish themselves in the land which God had promised to them. David was taking up the mantle of the heroes of Israel from before. Men like Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Caleb, and Samson. David would take the head of that perverse giant, that wretched serpent, and would show the heart of a king that would inspire the nation to fight once again. Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia! Each Lord's Day 9:30am & 5:30pm 203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098 (704) 931-8094 Our website: https://refopc.net/ ropcgastonia@gmail.com

In this stirring and reflective sermon, we journey through the emotional depths of Psalm 22 and witness the fullness of Christ's redemptive work from the shadow of the cross to the glory of resurrection. This message draws us into the sorrow, joy, and ultimate hope found only in Jesus Christ. From the prophetic cries of abandon, "My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?" to the victorious hope in the latter verses, we are reminded that the joy of salvation was purchased at an unfathomable cost. We're challenged not to avoid the grief of the Gospel, but to enter into it, because every happy psalm is made possible by the sad ones. Through reflections on aging, loss, family, and ministry, the sermon invites us to see Christ's suffering not as a theological abstraction, but as a deeply personal sacrifice made on behalf of His people. We are taken to the moment when God did not spare His own Son—the true Lamb—offered with no substitute. Christ, pierced and humiliated, willingly bore the wrath of God so that we might be healed and restored. And now, we live in the light of that sacrifice. We remember His death each Lord's Day because in that death, sin and death were crushed. By His stripes, we are healed. We rejoice that we can sing the final verses of the psalm because the first 18 have been fulfilled. Let us never move on too quickly from the cross—because it is not just the hard part—it is the glorious part. "By His stripes we are healed." Come, remember His death until He comes. Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia! Each Lord's Day 9:30am & 5:30pm 203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098 (704) 931-8094 https://refopc.net/ ropcgastonia@gmail.com

Here we read of the magnificent and ongoing work of the Spirit, even as He works to build up the saints unto maturity and also move the hearts of the saints to go forth and proclaim the Gospel of reconciliation to those lands not yet reached, that have not heard, that have not yet been brought under the authority of the Triune Lord through the preaching of Jesus Christ. It was through mighty signs by the Spirit, and through the preaching of the Word that Paul brought from Jerusalem to Illyricum, having been called and equipped as priest of the Lord Most High. His aim was to bring the Gentiles, not for his own sake, for his own glory, but as offerings unto His Redeemer. We follow Paul in this mission to reached those lands where Christ is not yet named, not only to grow up towards Christian maturity, but to spread out into all the earth. Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia! Each Lord's Day 9:30am & 5:30pm

This week the anointed king goes forth to battle, the volunteer champion of Israel went to face the uncircumcised Philistine, the blasphemer, the giant, Goliath. David saw not the size of the man, nor had regard for his notorious reputation as a soldier, but was instead focused upon the zeal of that wicked man's effect upon the moral of Israel and the success of his people to establish themselves in the land which God had promised to them. David was taking up the mantle of the heroes of Israel from before. Men like Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Caleb, and Samson. David would take the head of that perverse giant, that wretched serpent, and would show the heart of a king that would inspire the nation to fight once again. Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia! Each Lord's Day 9:30am & 5:30pm 203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098 (704) 931-8094 Our website: https://refopc.net/ ropcgastonia@gmail.com

As Paul continues to reflect upon the effect of the Gospel upon the body of believers, bringing light and life to otherwise dark and dead hearts, we find the law embraced and kept. Specially, "love your neighbor as yourself." Paul was writing to those mature in the church, in chapter 14, to welcome and admit the weaker brother as co-heirs of the promise of Christ, that they will be delivered if they too remain faithful until the end. The motivation for the mature brother to welcome the weaker is that they are not the final authority or judge over the souls of the weaker brother. Paul then, in chapter 15, moves to show how it is that Christ has welcomed the weak by dying for both Jew and Gentile, thusly uniting them into one body of which He is the Foundation, the Husband, the Redeemer. What Paul is showing is that the Gospel of the kingdom is for the whole world and through it all nations shall be transformed by the accomplishment of His redeeming work through death and resurrection. Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia! Each Lord's Day 9:30am & 5:30pm

If we need any more instruction this week concerning the topic of the members of the body of Christ learning how to live at peace with one another and nurture redeemed-affection amongst our number, we must of course look to Christ, the Author and Perfecter of the faith, as both gift and exemplar of how we are to live in reverence and awe before God and men. The greatest strength of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ can also be her greatest liability - the people themselves who are called to worship and work together. Like any army, when the function as one unit they are a force to be reckoned with, but if there is fear, selfishness, and laziness amongst the ranks then they surely cannot stand against the enemy, nor devote themselves to protecting and serving one another. Who is responsible for the peace? All of us are, but especially the strong, the mature, those who are most aware of the objective and how to get there. In order then for there to be peace, and for love to be manifested amongst us we must be willing and ready to bear with each other's burdens, as we look to Christ our model, and be devoted to the instruction of the Scriptures that brings maturity to all. The goal then of mutual reception and so love is to be a city on a hill that shines before all the beauty, glory, and necessity of the Cross to live as those reconciled to the Triune Lord and to our neighbors. Do you wish to be a faithful member of the body, then get ready to carry someone else when needed, to lay down your life for your neighbor, and deny all that stands in the way of doing these two things. Let's go!Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm

The giant mocks, the snake speaks once again before the face of the people of God, and there was none to silence the mouth of the colossus blasphemer, none to put an end to the threats of the son of the interloper, who spewed forth taunts, reviling, and threats against the people of God. The one who had rightly been anointed and coronated to kill the giant stood back in fear, the king of Israel, the mad king, the fearful king was of no use to his people, and how much more that he had been rejected. Yet another king had been chosen and he would show the heart of the True King, jealousy for the glory of Jehovah and love for those whom God had anointed him to deliver out of the hands of those who would destroy his fellow countrymen. In the first half we see the template of the great war between Jehovah and Dagon, between Philistia and Israel and God would once again show the might of His strong right arm in silencing the curses of the wicked through a most unlikely character - David the giant killer, the serpent crusher, the king who had the Lord's heart, whose own heart belonged to the Lord.Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098(704) 931-8094Our website: https://refopc.net/ropcgastonia@gmail.com

As we move to the second part of 1 Samuel 16, we find a major transition marked by the Spirit of the Lord coming upon David and departing from Saul. This insight, given by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit shows us that God not only has a plan for His people, but He also gives us helpful indications what He was doing amongst His people. The evidences of David's being anointed and called to be the king of Israel is evidenced not only by the Spirit's anointing, but also as the Lord used David to bless Saul, the rejected king, with calm through music. David truly was the first warrior-poet of Israel. Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098(704) 931-8094Our website: https://refopc.net/ropcgastonia@gmail.com

After having spent a total of one month going through Romans 14, I want to make sure that we have our terms straight, so that we know where we all stand and can be unified, at least as a local congregation, as to what our directive is for the maintaining of peace and purity within the Church. First, let us define who the weaker and stronger members of the church are: ….  Second, we need to see that peace in the church does not come naturally, but rather by our walking in step with the Spirit, bearing His fruit that leads to greater love and a more clear testimony that the Church truly is the most blessed of all communities of which men might be a part. Are you ready to know peace, get ready to work for it!Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098(704) 931-8094Our Website: https://refopc.net/ropcgastonia@gmail.com

Saul, having been rejected by the Lord and Samuel, the prophet and priest of Israel, having walked away from Saul in chapter 14, we come to the event of the anointing of the one who would become to next king of Israel, the son of Judah, a member of the royal tribe of Judah, a lion's welp - David. Two primary principles that we find at work in our chapter this evening, 1. The Lord does not look upon outward appearance, but upon the heart, that is the Lord chose a king in a way that is grounded upon His righteous and sovereign perspective, and not as Israel demanded, when they asked for a king like the nations. 2. David's skill in music and his ability to calm the distressing spirit that came upon Saul was evidence of the Spirit of God that had been given to him as his anointing. David was the king Israel should have waited for, and in God's grace and goodness He would show Israel what kind of king would ultimately be sent to them to redeem them from their greatest enemy - sin and death.Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098(704) 931-8094Our website: https://refopc.net/ropcgastonia@gmail.com

One of the greatest treasures that we have laid up for us, given by the Son of God, through His servant Solomon, is the series of talks given to the sons of the Church concerning how to attain and apply the wisdom that comes from above. It begins with a fear of the Lord, that is, a reverent apprehension and worship of the Triune Lord, and moves to a consideration of a variety of real-life challenges and opportunities that await those who live in the fear and awe of their Maker and Redeemer. One such challenge that awaits the saints is how to live in peace and nurture a fellowship of unity and love amongst one another. It requires welcoming the weaker brother, the exercise of discernment as to what doctrines and practices are the nearer to the circle of orthodoxy, and then understanding that though God calls us "where we are," we are not all in the same place, theologically, beyond confessing Christ as Lord. How we live together has as much of an impact on our testimony to the world that is locked in conflict as does the particulars of our tribal emphasis concerning our theology. Let us be known as and spoken of as being "good" in accordance with Christ's judgment.Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098(704) 931-8094Our Website: https://refopc.net/ropcgastonia@gmail.com

1 Samuel 15 records the third strike, if you will, in a series of willful and deliberate mistakes that Saul made due to his fear, folly, and inability to simply follow the Lord's instructions to be a courageous and faithful king to Israel. In 1 Samuel 13 Saul showed fear and impatience in the face of the encroaching Philistine military, going ahead to offer a sacrifice to the Lord, rather than wait on Samuel to arrive at the battle front. In 1 Samuel 14 Saul displayed great folly when he called his soldiers to fast in the face of a great victory, and when more fighting needed to occur to win a more considerable victory. In Samuel 15, Saul disobeys the order to commit all of the Amalekite city to destruction, which was to be Saul's offering of obedience to God. Rather Saul plans to offer "strange fire" by holding back Agag and the animals of the city as offering to the Lord. Time and again Saul showed an inability or unwillingness to operate as a faithful king to Israel, on behalf of God, furthering God's condemnation of him.Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098(704) 931-8094Our website: https://refopc.net/ropcgastonia@gmail.com

Paul continues through his exhortation, that in light of the liberty and unity that Christ has purchased and brought us into, as a church, by His precious blood and so called to love, forgive, and serve as we have been loved. "Love thy neighbor," is the calling of those redeemed by grace and a large component of that sanctified temperament is to welcome all of those who call Christ Lord, for they are our brothers and sisters in Christ, even those who are weak or immature with regards to the doctrine or practice of the Word of God. Ultimately, our welcome is grounded upon the principle that we are not the ultimate standard of righteousness between men, but the Word of God, nor do we sit in ultimate judgment, but Christ, who is King and Judge of all men. Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098(704) 931-8094Our Website: https://refopc.net/ropcgastonia@gmail.com

1 Samuel 14 recounts Jonathan's bold courage and faith in the Lord as he attacked and was granted victory against the Philistines, and this contrasted with Saul's rash and impatient leadership. Jonathan, Saul's son, demonstrated trust in God by initiating an attack on a Philistine garrison with his armor-bearer. His faith lead prompted divine intervention, resulting in wide spread confusion among the Philistines and ultimately their defeat. Concurrently, Saul's impulsive oath nearly costs Jonathan his life, highlighting the dangers of rash decisions, distrust in the Lord, and taking matters into one's own hands rather than seeking to honor the Lord with one's decisions and actions.Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098(704) 931-8094Our website: https://refopc.net/ropcgastonia@gmail.com

As Paul moves into a new and distinct section from what has come before, it is right for us to think that all of the doctrine which Paul covered in the epistle to Rome has as a theological foundation the revelation of the true gospel of Jesus Christ, the one and only Savior of the world. Beginning in chapter 13 Paul emphasizes the importance of unity and mutual welcome and acceptance among believers, particularly regarding non-essential matters of faith or what we might call scruples. Paul addresses the disputes that naturally arise between members of the church over matters such as dietary practices and the observance of special days, urging Christians not to judge too harshly, respond uncharitably, or despise one another based on personal convictions in these areas.Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098(704) 931-8094Our website: https://refopc.net/ropcgastonia@gmail.com

Last week I covered the sin of Saul, which was first and foremost due to a lack of confidence in God's man, Samuel, to arrive to offer the sacrifice unto the Lord, to bless the nation, that they might have victory in battle. He had been called to wait, but failed to do so, and out of fear, he took into His hands the means of the blessing whereby God proclaimed that salvation comes only by His hands. He should have waited, and for his disobedience, the kingdom would be taken away from him. How often do we, rather than leaning upon the sufficient work of the Lord's Anointed, promised and made manifest through God's power alone, seek to do even the rightful works of God in our own strength? Rather than taking into our own hands the work that belongs to the Lord, we must look to Him, believe what He has promised, and wait upon Him to reveal salvation and victory on His terms.Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098(704) 931-8094Our website: https://refopc.net/ropcgastonia@gmail.com

This morning, we look at Romans 11:33-36, a doxology that issues forth in response to the sovereign reign of God and the outworking of His plan to bring in the Gentiles, and His future plan to bring back the Jews. God moves in a mysterious way to those who sit at His feet, who cannot see or rule as He does, and to those who love the Lord and long for His appearing to trust and wait in Him as He rules most wisely and beautifully. Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098(704) 931-8094Our website: https://refopc.net/ropcgastonia@gmail.com

In 1 Samuel 13, Saul's reign as Israel's first king faced a critical test against the Philistines. After Jonathan successfully defeats of a Philistine garrison at Geba, the Philistines planned to retaliate by amassing a massive army, and in response the Israelites scattered in fear. Saul gathered his forces at Gilgal but disobeyed the Lord's command to wait for Samuel to offer sacrifices. Having taken matters into his own hands. Fear and impatience will eat the heart of men, and rather than trusting in the Lord to deliver through the mechanism of the altar, trusting the Anointed One to bring victory, the king gave up the throne and the people saw just how unarmed they truly were.Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098(704) 931-8094Our website: https://refopc.net/ropcgastonia@gmail.com

"In this powerful sermon, we explore the call to live as new creations in Christ—shedding the works of darkness and putting on the armor of light. Through biblical wisdom, personal reflection, and the transformative power of the Gospel, we uncover the dangers of laziness, worldly distractions, and spiritual complacency. Learn how to walk in righteousness, fight against sin, and embrace the fullness of life found in Jesus. If you're seeking encouragement in your faith journey, clarity on biblical truth, and a challenge to grow deeper in Christ, this message is for you. Watch now and be equipped to live boldly for the Kingdom of God!"As we come to Paul's final exhortations in Romans 13, we find a centralizing theme of new life in Christ Jesus, comprised of an urgent call for Christians to live as those who have been brought into union with Christ Jesus and to live as though ready for His return. Paul emphasized the need to cast off sinful behaviors associated with darkness and instead embrace a life of light which has been revealed to us from God's Word. This passage highlights the disparity and contradiction between living in the old era of sin and clothing oneself with the new identity of redeemed life. Live in light of eternity, the coming judgment, and freedom in Christ Jesus.Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098(704) 931-8094Our website: https://refopc.net/ropcgastonia@gmail.com

The call to repentance comes to us wherever the Lord finds us, and it comes to us not as those worthy of Divine favor, but as sinners who have a sketchy track record, and apart from repentance a miserable future looming ahead. Come to Christ, lay your failures at His feet, and seek to go and sin no more. Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098(704) 931-8094Our website: https://refopc.net/ropcgastonia@gmail.comWorship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098(704) 931-8094Our website: https://refopc.net/ropcgastonia@gmail.com

In a world filled with lawlessness and moral confusion, God's Word provides clear guidance for living a life of love and righteousness. This powerful message reveals how true love is defined not by fleeting emotions but by God's eternal law — to love your neighbor as yourself and do no harm. Discover how Christ's example teaches us to embrace sacrificial love, reject selfishness, and prioritize God's truth in our homes, churches, and communities. Watch now to learn how to reflect God's love in everyday life and stand firm against cultural deception.Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098(704) 931-8094Our website: https://refopc.net/ropcgastonia@gmail.comWorship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098(704) 931-8094Our website: https://refopc.net/ropcgastonia@gmail.com

As we continue through Samuel's history, leading up to the establishment of the monarchy "at home" in Israel, we see a series of national mishaps and also acts of sovereign mercy along the way. Fitting within the whole scope of Redemptive History, we find the telltale contours of the Triune Lord, pursuing a wicked and wayward bride through persistent acts of extraordinary patience shown to a people who did not deserve it, but were nonetheless those upon whom God special favor rested. This evening, we see God's granting the demand of Israel to "have a king over us," thinking that a king would solve their problems, they again missed God's lessons as to where true salvation and security rested - not in a corrupt and human actor who had been granted authority, but in a righteous man, after God's own heart. Sometimes getting exactly what you want is not an act of Divine blessing but cursing, and so we must know what to ask for, and it must be in accordance with God's will. Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098(704) 931-8094Our website: https://refopc.net/ropcgastonia@gmail.com

It stands that in light of God's established order, that the civil magistrate has been instituted by God for a clear and universal purpose, to bring peace and order to societies of men. Seeing as this is their mandate, to wield the sword in the promotion of peace, the magistrate, ideally men who themselves are connected and governed by covenant between God and the people, they rely upon the support of the people to perform their duties. It is this support that comes in the form of taxes that are not only useful, but ordained by God to fund the work of the magistrate, and in light of this the clear exhortation, "render therefore to all their due…"Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098(704) 931-8094Our Website: https://refopc.net/ropcgastonia@gmail.com

From the outset, let me be very clear, this sermon and the one which will follow it, next Sunday, are primers for how those who fear God and live in a world "under the sun" are to think about and participate in the public life of the civil sphere. I say it is a primer because within the wider Christian tradition, and nearer and I dare say dearer to us are the volumes written by our protestant church fathers on the subject of the civil magistrate. I will also add that much of my own education on this matter is remedial beyond both high school, college, and even seminary where next to nothing was taught to me of the Bibles teaching on the topic of government, civil authority, and an appropriate mode of participation in this area of public life. We have but one life to live, may we live well, according to God's Word. Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098(704) 931-8094Our Website: https://refopc.net/ropcgastonia@gmail.com

As we continue through Samuel's history, leading up to the establishment of the monarchy "at home" in Israel, we see a series of national mishaps and also acts of sovereign mercy along the way. Fitting within the whole scope of Redemptive History, we find the telltale contours of the Triune Lord, pursuing a wicked and wayward bride through persistent acts of extraordinary patience shown to a people who did not deserve it, but were nonetheless those upon whom God special favor rested. This evening, we see God's granting the demand of Israel to "have a king over us," thinking that a king would solve their problems, they again missed God's lessons as to where true salvation and security rested - not in a corrupt and human actor who had been granted authority, but in a righteous man, after God's own heart. Sometimes getting exactly what you want is not an act of Divine blessing but cursing, and so we must know what to ask for, and it must be in accordance with God's will. Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098(704) 931-8094Our website: https://refopc.net/ropcgastonia@gmail.com

From the outset, let me be very clear, this sermon and the one which will follow it, next Sunday, are primers for how those who fear God and live in a world "under the sun" are to think about and participate in the public life of the civil sphere. I say it is a primer because within the wider Christian tradition, and nearer and I dare say dearer to us are the volumes written by our protestant church fathers on the subject of the civil magistrate. I will also add that much of my own education on this matter is remedial beyond both high school, college, and even seminary where next to nothing was taught to me of the Bibles teaching on the topic of government, civil authority, and an appropriate mode of participation in this area of public life. We have but one life to live, may we live well, according to God's Word. Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098(704) 931-8094Our Website: https://refopc.net/ropcgastonia@gmail.com

Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098(704) 931-8094Our Website: https://refopc.net/ropcgastonia@gmail.com

Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098(704) 931-8094Our Website: https://refopc.net/ropcgastonia@gmail.com

It has been made clear that Samuel is the Lord's man, graciously and miraculously given, and dedicated to the Lord's work in His house. Having also been called by the Lord in chapter three, Samuel prophecies the coming judgment of the house of Eli, and even as Israel was languishing in the darkness of a lack of revelation through their own rebellion and that of the priests in the tabernacle, God was raising up a deliverer, asked of the Lord by a faithful but barren woman. God was scheming to deliver His people through a miracle Son, asked of the faithful remnant, to bring an end to the lack of or impeding of the mediation of word, offering, and sacrament. God was and is committed to setting His own man who would serve forever as Prophet, Priest, and King. Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098(704) 931-8094Our Website: https://refopc.net/ropcgastonia@gmail.com

Romans 12:9-13As we endeavor to walk in a manner worthy of our calling, guided and motivated by God's Word and the gift of His saving grace, we are to use the gifts which He has distributed among redeemed individuals to serve, build up, and sanctify the body of Christ as we each seek the things of the kingdom, for its coming and the work of the Spirit in our own hearts. Having listed seven gifts that are to be used in the aiding of the saints to be transformed by the renewing of their minds, the Church is to grow up together in the knowledge and righteousness of God. The disposition of the heart comes next, in verses 9-13 when Paul exhorts the saints in Rome to love one another well, for if we are to love those who are our enemies, then we must first love our brothers and sisters in Christ.Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098(704) 931-8094Our Website: https://refopc.net/ropcgastonia@gmail.com

Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098(704) 931-8094Our Website: https://refopc.net/ropcgastonia@gmail.com

Just two verses and that shall be enough for us this morning. Just two verses, and in them the whole matter of Christian piety: The origin of it, being the mercy of God that has set us free from this world that is passing away; the whole purpose of it, to live in a manner that is acceptable to God, as your act of reasonable service; and the means or method of it, by being transformed through the Word of God and in the renewing of our minds according to what God has revealed. All of life then might be summarized in this way: present yourselves holy and acceptable to God as those in whom the Word brings redemption and renewal.  Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098(704) 931-8094Our Website: https://refopc.net/ropcgastonia@gmail.com

There are many providentially or particular signs in the Old Testament that God was in the act of blessing or judging the nations of men, and specifically His people giving evidence as to their covenant standing before Him. The miraculous gift of a child, in particular, is a sign of Divine blessing and grace, whereas barrenness both of the womb and the ground is a sign of covenant cursing. Historically the promises of God were manifested amongst small groups of people, even one or two, where God was displaying His response to man's actions in light of their obedience or disobedience. Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098(704) 931-8094Our Website: https://refopc.net/ropcgastonia@gmail.com

Just two verses and that shall be enough for us this morning. Just two verses, and in them the whole matter of Christian piety: The origin of it, being the mercy of God that has set us free from this world that is passing away; the whole purpose of it, to live in a manner that is acceptable to God, as your act of reasonable service; and the means or method of it, by being transformed through the Word of God and in the renewing of our minds according to what God has revealed. All of life then might be summarized in this way: present yourselves holy and acceptable to God as those in whom the Word brings redemption and renewal.  Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098(704) 931-8094Our Website: https://refopc.net/ropcgastonia@gmail.com

What shall we say to all that we have read up to this point, to all that we have learned, to the glories that we have beheld? I fear that if we approach such a wondrous epistle of Divine revelation as merely a letter wherein we discover the fine points of doctrine, of insight into the very plans of God, and do not come to the a place of reverence and awe before the Lord, then we fail to grasp one the Spirit's central motivations in presenting to us such truth - Doxology. How can we not marvel before a Holy God who, alone, has determined number of those who are His. How can we not tremble before the Lord who though rightly pouring out wrath upon all mankind has set apart for Himself a people who might bear His Name? How can we not consider the course of human history and not proclaim that the God who made the heavens and the earth, is the only Sovereign over men and angels? If we do not we truly have fallen short, and so it is in light of the majestic doctrines given Him by the Spirit that Paul moves to doxology as the only fitting response of men towards a Holy, Sovereign, and Benevolent Redeemer.  Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098(704) 931-8094Our Website: https://refopc.net/ropcgastonia@gmail.com

Samuel having graciously been given to Elkanah and Hannah, was weaned and brought to the tabernacle where he was dedicated to the service of the House of God. The first chapter of 1 Samuel ends well enough, and the 2nd chapter opens with a prayer or song of praise to the Lord. I say that it is a song because it is a poetic expression of an overflow of emotion directed to God for His goodness towards Hannah. Why Hannah? Because she was the one who had been shown the greatest and most intimate apprehension of Divine grace, and it was in her body that she experienced God's life-giving power. The whole family was honored, but Hannah was rewarded for her faith. This is the rub, not just for one woman, but through her a lesson for a whole nation - God rewards the humble, but resists the proud. God sees the weak and broken, who come to Him for help, but He brings low the wicked and self-reliant. This book, like so many others that captures parts of the entire whole of redemptive history has woven into the theme that life comes to those who hope in and are committed to the Lord salvation and law, which is to say His covenant. Let us look then at the prayer.Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098(704) 931-8094Our Website: https://refopc.net/ropcgastonia@gmail.com

Men are inherently quite boastful, even when it comes to issues we have no reason to boast about. In fact, men will boast about anything if given the right audience and opportunity. When it comes to sin and salvation, men not only deny what the Bible says about the true nature of their souls but also how their problems can be solved. They want to solve their problems on their own or invent some false religion other than the one revealed by our Maker. God, who has extended salvation even to the "wild branch," calls us to live as those now blessed, with reverence and enthusiasm to amplify His grace so that the Jews may come to faith in full. Instead of competition, both Jews and Gentiles are called to bless one another by receiving and magnifying the grace of God together, having been united into one body, in Christ Jesus.

Having been introduced to the characters and the historical backdrop, we discovered a family residing during the era of the judges. Samuel emerged at a parallel time to Samson, both boys conceived as miraculous gifts and destined to deliver Israel from the clutches of their adversaries. This week, we focus on Hannah, who was grieving while in the sanctuary of God, burdened by a sister-wife and feeling abandoned by the Lord. Despite her affliction, she found solace in the presence of the Lord, fervently pleading for His favor and a son, a son she would dedicate to the Lord and His house. Samuel was the first Saul, the authentic Saul—the one "asked of the Lord." In this narrative, Hannah exemplifies piety and anticipation, seeking the Lord's will for her deepest desire—a son who could serve the Lord in His house. God answered her prayer, and once the boy was weaned, Samuel was dedicated as a Nazirite, destined to lead Israel despite their persistent rebellions. All men yearn for a deliverer, and the measure of one's righteousness is tied to the kind of deliverer one seeks.

The final word of the book of Ruth is "David." David, of the Tribe of Judah, the first True King of Israel, born of the royal tribe, and of whose line would continue down to the High King of heaven and earth, the Messiah, the Son of David. Christ, the Promised One was coming, and though He was, at the time of Ruth, some ways off, He was orchestrating the path to the incarnation and the redemption of His beloved bride.The chronicles of Samuel, recorded for the people of God in 1st and 2nd Samuel present to us the history of Israel during the time of Samuel, Saul, and David. We continue to see the themes of life from death, the coming of the True King to His people, and what faithfulness to the Lord results in by those who are committed to His covenant, glory, and kingdom coming on earth as it is in heaven.

One of the great, that is most blessed and awe inspiring, conclusions that we can draw thus far as Paul has dealt with the doctrine of election, and its working out in the judgment of the Jews and the pouring out of mercy and salvation upon the Gentiles is that the Gospel of Jesus Christ for sinners has gone out into all the world. For the 2000 years since the ascension of Christ, His rule and reign over all the earth has resulted in the spread His kingdom, by Word and Spirit, such that those who were once far off have been brought near. His blood makes the foulest of every tribe, tongue, and nation clean. Seeing then as it is Christ alone that the nations are welcomed and brought in, there ought be no occasion taken for pride as though the grace of God were not something freely given, never earned nor warranted to be received by the flesh. Divine favour which has resulted in the conversion of millions within the Gentile world has brought light into the darkest places of earth - Christ is the light. Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098(704) 931-8094ropcgastonia@gmail.com

Dear Saints,I want to encourage you with a quote from St. Athanasius' work On the Incarnation,"When the sun has come, darkness prevails no longer; any of it that may be left anywhere is driven away. So also, now that the Divine epiphany of the Word of God has taken place, the darkness of idols prevails no more, and all parts of the world in every direction are enlightened by His teaching.The coming of Christ, the Light, has accomplished not only the dispelling of darkness, but in His suffering, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension, He has brought the Kingdom of life and light to the entire world. Where the Word is preached and believed, Christ is truly made manifest, and the kingdom of darkness cannot stand up to the Spirit's work of setting men free from sin and nature's night. You and I, dear saints, are members of the conquering kingdom, and Christ will be victorious.Grace and Peace,Pastor FowlerWorship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098(704) 931-8094Our Website: https://refopc.net/ropcgastonia@gmail.com

Luke 2:21-40 NKJV - And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called JESUS, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.Jesus Presented in the Temple22 Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, "Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the LORD"), 24 and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, "A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons."Simeon Sees God's Salvation25 And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, 28 he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:29 "Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace,According to Your word;30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation31 Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,32 A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,And the glory of Your people Israel."33 And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and saidWorship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098(704) 931-8094Our Website: https://refopc.net/ropcgastonia@gmail.com

Continuing the story of the birth of John the Baptist, the Forerunner who came to prepare a way for our Messiah.Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098(704) 931-8094Luke 1:57-66 NKJV - Now Elizabeth's full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son. 58 When her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her.Circumcision of John the Baptist59 So it was, on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him by the name of his father, Zacharias. 60 His mother answered and said, "No; he shall be called John."61 But they said to her, "There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name." 62 So they made signs to his father—what he would have him called.63 And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, "His name is John." So they all marveled. 64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God. 65 Then fear came on all who dwelt around them; and all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea. 66 And all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, "What kind of child will this be?" And the hand of the Lord was with him.Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098(704) 931-8094Our Website: https://refopc.net/ropcgastonia@gmail.comWorship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098(704) 931-8094ropcgastonia@gmail.com

This coming evening, we come to not only a known and well-loved text, the announcement to the young virgin who would be the mother of the Messiah, Mary. The announcement begins with these words - "rejoice highly favored one." Mary was chosen even before the foundations of the world were laid to be the one who would carry the Messiah, the miracle Son who came in the flesh to deliver His people from their sins. Such news laid heavy upon her heart, for it was not only grand but weighty new for Mary would play a key role not only in carrying and giving birth to the Messiah, but she would be His mother. Despite her essential and important role, it would be Jesus who would ultimately redeem not only His own mother, but as the future King and Head of the Church, He would bear the Name that indicated His role of Kingly and Priestly Savior of the World. Mary's Son would be her King, Mary's Son is our King, and His rule shall never end.Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098(704) 931-8094ropcgastonia@gmail.com

Paul continues to build upon the idea already put forth in the preceding verses and even chapters that the governing decree of election is paramount in the revealing of who does and who does not belong to the family of God, whether they be by right of public or previous association either Jew or Gentile. What matters is not former covenant relationship status, but rather that you believe that Jesus is the Messiah. What matters is not external membership, but to receive the Messiah by faith. With regard to this principle of election by grace, we find that there are members of the family of God who are both Jew and Gentiles by birth, and are rightly called "Christian" by right of their being born again of the Holy Spirit, and baptized into the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is what we mean by "one baptism for the remission of sins" - only Christ can wash us, and the Father has within the number of the elect those whom He has yet to call out of every tribe, tongue, and nation. The door then remains open for the Gentile as well as the Jew, but that door is uniquely and exclusively Christ, the way, the truth, and the life. Come and welcome then to the fellowship of the Godhead, through Jesus the Messiah.Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098(704) 931-8094ropcgastonia@gmail.com

Unpacking the story of the birth of John the Baptist, the Forerunner who came to prepare a way for our Messiah.Luke 1:57-66 NKJV - Now Elizabeth's full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son. 58 When her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her.Circumcision of John the Baptist59 So it was, on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him by the name of his father, Zacharias. 60 His mother answered and said, "No; he shall be called John."61 But they said to her, "There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name." 62 So they made signs to his father—what he would have him called.63 And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, "His name is John." So they all marveled. 64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God. 65 Then fear came on all who dwelt around them; and all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea. 66 And all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, "What kind of child will this be?" And the hand of the Lord was with him.Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098(704) 931-8094Our Website: https://refopc.net/ropcgastonia@gmail.comWorship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098(704) 931-8094ropcgastonia@gmail.com

Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098(704) 931-8094ropcgastonia@gmail.com

Romans 11:1-10 NKJV - I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel, saying, 3 "LORD, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life?" 4 But what does the divine response say to him? "I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal." 5 Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 6 And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.7 What then? Israel has not obtained what it seeks; but the elect have obtained it, and the rest were blinded. 8 Just as it is written:"God has given them a spirit of stupor,Eyes that they should not seeAnd ears that they should not hear,To this very day."9 And David says:"Let their table become a snare and a trap,A stumbling block and a recompense to them.10 Let their eyes be darkened, so that they do not see,And bow down their back alwaysWorship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098(704) 931-8094ropcgastonia@gmail.com

Elder Ben Stahl brings a message continuing the topic of the AM service, which you can find here linked at the end of the video. This message is centered on the false gospels we deal with today and the true Supernatural Gospel of Jesus Christ. The contrast is urgent.Galatians 6:11-18 NKJV - See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand! 12 As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. 13 For not even those who are circumcised keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. 14 But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.Blessing and a Plea16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.17 From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.18 Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098(704) 931-8094ropcgastonia@gmail.com

Elder Ben Stahl's sermon powerfully displays the real, true, and supernatural Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. There are many counterfeits, but there is only one truth. Galatians 1:1-12 NKJV - Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead), 2 and all the brethren who are with me,To the churches of Galatia:3 Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.Only One Gospel6 I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, 7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.10 For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.Call to Apostleship11 But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. 12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098(704) 931-8094ropcgastonia@gmail.com

"Blessed are you of the Lord, my daughter!" This Boaz exclaims in relationship to Ruth's offer of marriage as the one who has taken it upon herself to provide for Naomi was lacking in the loss of her husband and sons. Elimelech's house was in ruins, broken under the just hand of God who compromised and left the Land of Promise to sojourn in Moab, a cursed and barren land with nothing to offer the chosen people of God. Once God had visited judgment upon the family of Elimelech, Naomi returned, embittered to the providence of God, such that she sought to push her daughters-in-law back to Moab. Naomi, despite her bitterness to warranted judgment, was shown kindness from Ruth, and through Ruth God restored not only one who had been brought back empty and embittered, but Israel as God was leading Israel closer to the True King promised them through Judah. Ruth, the blessed one of the Lord, would be the means, and through Boaz a faithful man, to bring life from death.Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia!Each Lord's Day9:30am & 5:30pm203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098(704) 931-8094ropcgastonia@gmail.com