Reformation Presbyterian Church – Sermons

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Groanings too Deep for Words (Hebrews 12:22-24; Romans 8:26)The Shape of Worship (Jeremiah 30:21; Psalm 110; 120-134; Leviticus 1:1-9; Hebrews 4:14-16; Acts 2:42-47; 1 Corinthians 2:2; Deuteronomy 26; Numbers 24:25-26; Isaiah 6:8-13)The Substance of Worship (Zechariah 3:1-10)Brett McNeill. February 8, 2026. Olympia, WA.Discussion StartersMonday—Is worship important for Christians? Does this mean Christians agree on what worship is? What are some different ways that Christians think about worship?Tuesday—Is worship chiefly about instruction, motivation, or intimacy with your heavenly Father? Why? how does that affect you understand worship?Wednesday—What is the shape of worship? How would you describe the progression of the worship? Why do you think it follows the order it does?Thursday—How does the worship service mirror or reflect the Christian life? What do we re-enact that every week?Friday—What is God trying to remind you every week? Why does he do that?

Defining Reverence (vv. 25-29; Isaiah 6:1-5)Grateful Reverence (v. 28; Isaiah 6:6-7)Practicing ReverenceDiscussion StartersMonday—Why do you think some people are leaving evangelical churches for Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches? What are they looking for?Tuesday—What is reverence? What is the opposite of reverence—hatred or indifference? Why?Wednesday—Read Isaiah 6:1-5. What happens when Isaiah enters into God's presence? Why does he call down a curse on his own head? Is what happens in Isaiah 6 good for him or bad? Why?Thursday—How can you both reverent and grateful? Where is reverence supposed to lead? How does irreverent worship impede a deeper understanding of what Jesus has done for us?Friday—What are things we should do corporately to ensure worship is reverent? What are things you can do individually to engage worship with reverence?

A Different take on Leadership (Matthew 20:20-28)Instructions to Kings and Elders (Deuteronomy 17:14-20; 1 Peter 5:1-4)What We're Looking For (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-16)Discussion StartersMonday—What are people saying when they proclaim that “Jesus is King”? If he is also Prophet and Priest, why do you think people like to proclaim that he is King the most?Tuesday—What are the leaders of the Gentiles known for? (Matthew 20:25) What do most people look for in leaders? Why?Wednesday—Read Deuteronomy 17:14-20. What was God looking for in the kings of Israel? Why?Thursday—Read 1 Peter 5:1-4. How does what Peter says here reflect Deuteronomy 17:14-20? What connection is Peter making between elders and kings? Why?Friday—When it comes to calling elders in the church, what should you be looking for? How can you be praying for your leaders? Do you pray for your leaders?

God's Instructions for Worship (Deuteronomy 12:29-32)Our Instincts in Worship (Exodus 32; Leviticus 10:1-20; Number 16)Learning to SurrenderDiscussion StartersMonday—Why is it so easy to judge how “acceptable” worship is by how much we enjoy it? Is that how God judges whether or not it's acceptable? Why or why not?Tuesday—What did God warn Israel against doing in Deuteronomy 12:29-32? What temptation was he addressing? Does the church still face that temptation today?Wednesday—What are some examples of unacceptable worship in the Old Testament? What was wrong in each case? How did God respond?Thursday—How is worship meant to help us walk by faith, not by sight? Will that be comfortable or uncomfortable? Does acceptable worship come naturally for people?Friday—How does worship help us learn how to deny ourselves and surrender? Does that mean worship is not enjoyable and joyful? How does that all work together?

The Danger of Indifference (vv. 1-4, 14-17; Psalm 73:1-16)Wrestling with God (vv. 5-13; Genesis 32)Where God Wrestles with You (vv. 17-18; Psalm 73:17-28)Discussion StartersMonday—What does it mean to lay aside every weight and sin that keeps us from finishing the race? (Heb 12:1) Is hatred of God the great danger or indifference? What does indifference look like?Tuesday—How was Esau a picture indifference toward God? What are some ways that indifference was manifested in his life?Wednesday—What was God doing with Jacob in Genesis 32? Why was he wrestling with him? Why did he cripple him? Was Jacob angry about the crippling? Why/Why not?Thursday—Why does Hebrews 12:17 say that Esau had no “place” to repent? Where is your place? Read Psalm 73. Can you ever identify with the psalmist?Friday—Do you ever feel God wrestling with you in worship? What does that feel like? What's his goal in doing that?

Hebrews 12:18-24
Exodus 3:1-6, 14 | Deuteronomy 12:1-14, 29-32 | John 4:23-24Bare Feet and Holy Ground (Exodus 3:1-6, 14)Where God's Name Dwells (Deuteronomy 12:1-14, 29-32)Ascending Heavenly Mt Zion (John 4:19-24; Hebrews 12:18-24)Discussion StartersMonday—How have your views of worship been shaped? As we begin a series on worship, do you think some of those views will be challenged? How does that make you feel?Tuesday—If God is everywhere, what does it mean that he was uniquely at the burning bush? Why did his presence make the very ground holy? How did the tabernacle (and temple) continue that reality?Wednesday—Why did God tell Moses not to get to close? Why was he afraid? Why did he need to take his sandals off? What does this tell you about what it means to enter into God's presence?Thursday—Why wasn't the bush consumed? (Ex 3:2) How were sinners allowed to enter the tabernacle? (Dt 12:6, 11) What was all of this prefiguring? (Heb 12:24) What makes it possible for you to enter into God's presence and not be consumed by wrath?Friday—When you come to worship, do you believe that you are meeting with God? (Heb 12:18-24) How should that affect your heart, mind, and actions while you are in worship?

It All Started in a Garden (Esther 1-3) It Ended on a Tree (Esther 4-7) Awaiting the Last Day (Esther 8-9) Discussion Starters Monday—If God is never mentioned once in the book of Esther, why is it included in the Bible? How does this book help us to see how God speaks in his word? Tuesday—Why does the book of Esther start in a garden? What does Vashti's rebellion remind us of? Why is this important for understanding our own need for grace? Wednesday—What are some ways that Mordecai is meant to prefigure Jesus in this book? Is Mordecai the only Christ-figure in the Old Testament? Who are some others and how to they prefigure Jesus? Thursday—Why didn't history end when Jesus rose from the grave? What is God doing while he awaits the Last Day? How are we called to participate in that? Friday—Why is it called the book of “Esther” and not “Mordecai”? For whom was it written and why? What encouragement are you meant to take away from it?

The Promise and Birth of the Son (vv. 8-17)The Loss and Unbearable Sorrow (vv. 18-28)Resurrection and Joy (vv. 29-37)Discussion StartersMonday—Have you ever experienced real loss? Did it make you wonder if it was worth it to love in the first place? Is there any such thing as love in a fallen world without heartache?Tuesday—Why didn't the Shunamite woman ask for a child when Elisha asked how he could bless her? Have you ever been afraid to ask for a blessing for fear of losing it?Wednesday—How must that mother have felt the day her son grew ill and died? How must Mary have felt watching Jesus die on the cross? How should we all feel when we read about the death of Jesus?Thursday—Why does the Bible have stories like this in it? Why did God make sure to repeat this pattern throughout the Old Testament in the lives of his people?Friday—Why can death never have the final word for God's people? What awaits us on the Last Day? Who awaits us on the Last Day?

Purim (vv. 16-32)The Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:1-10)“That These Days Should Be Remembered” (vv. 27-28)Discussion StartersMonday—What are some Old Testament feasts? Why did God require his people to observe them each year?Tuesday—What was the feast of Purim? Why did Mordecai establish it and obligate all Jews to observe it each year?Wednesday—What is the Marriage Supper of the Lamb? (Revelation 19:1-10) When we will it be?Thursday—Why did the Jews name their feast “Purim”? How does that relate to Revelation 19 calling it the Marriage Supper of the “Lamb” (and not the “Lion”)?Friday—What is the Lord's Supper meant to “remind” you of? How is that meant to be a comfort to you, especially when life is at its hardest?

The Gathering (vv. 1-4; Genesis 11; Revelation 16:1-21; 20:7-15)Two Seeds (vv. 5-12)Eternity (vv. 13-19)Discussion StartersMonday—What happened at the Tower of Babel? (Genesis 11) What were they trying to accomplish? Why did God confuse their languages as an act of judgment?Tuesday—What were the people afraid of—the Jews or Mordecai? (vv. 2-3) What is our confidence on the Last Day—our strength or Jesus'? Read Zechariah 4:6-7. How should that be a comfort to you?Wednesday—Why is the world really only divided into two groups? What are they? To which do you belong?Thursday—What awaits those who reject Jesus' offer of mercy and grace in eternity? Why does God tell us that before it comes? What is the most loving thing we can do for those who have not yet come to faith in Jesus?Friday—What awaits those who have placed their faith in Jesus in eternity? How can that comfort you and give you endurance as you await the Last Day?

The Questions and Pleas of the Oppressed (9:13-10:15)The Confidence of the Oppressed (9:1-12; 10:16-18)The King of the Oppressed (Psalm 10:1; Matthew 27:46)

Plundering Haman's House (vv. 1-2, 11; Revelation 20:1-8) The Great Commission (vv. 10b-14; Matthew 28:18-20) Ruling in the Midst of Enemies (vv. 14-17; Psalm 110:2; 1 Corinthians 15:25)

The Problem of the Law Esther's Plea (and Jeremiah's Promise) (vv. 3-8; Jeremiah 31:31-34) The Law Ratified (vv. 9-10)

Haman's (Second) Plan (5:9-14) Esther's (Timid) Request (7:1-6) Haman's End (7:7-10)

Approaching the Throne (5:1-8) Mordecai's Reward (6:1-13) Mordecai's Obedience is Esther's Hope (5:2)

Out of the Shadows (vv. 1 -3) Esther's Struggle (vv. 4-11; Matthew 16:21-23) Take Up Your Cross and Follow Me (vv. 12-17; Matthew 16:24-26)

The Prince in Persia (vv. 1-6) Haman's Plan (vv. 7-9) The King's Law (vv. 10-15)

A New Bride by a Different Way (vv. 1-7) Children of Glory (Exiles on Earth) (vv. 7-18) Two Criminals and one Righteous Man (vv. 19-23)

Approaching the Book of Esther (or any part of Scripture) Vashti's Garden Rebellion (vv. 1-22) Another Bride in another Garden (Genesis 2-3)

Understanding our Freedom in Christ (Romans 6:15-23)A Guide for the Free (vv. 9, 12, 48-50, 66-69, 98-104, 137-138,142-144,169-176, )An Anthem of Freedom (vv. 10-16, 67-72, 51-56, 97, 103,139-143)

Not to Us, but to You, Lord, be Glory

Crying out for Salvation (vv. 17-18, 25-29, 32-39, 41, 73, 76-77, 81, 88, 94, 108, 132, 135, 154-156, 166) Christ's Righteousness (Not Ours) (vv. 22-24, 30, 35, 40, 44-48, 90-93, 105-106, 109-112, 129-1313, 136, 158-160, 162-168) A New Relationship to the Law (vv. 19, 23-24, 35, 87-89, 105-106, 109-112, 129-131)

God's Law is Reliable and True (v. 4, 151-152) God's Law is Good and Worthy of Praise (v. 7, 62, 147-148) God's Law is Despised by the World (vv. 61, 63, 150) God's Law Reveals Our Sin and Need for Grace (vv. 1-4, 6, 8, 58, 145-147) God's Law is a Blessing (not a Burden) (v. 5, 57, 59-60, 64, 149)

The Great CommissionBaptized Into His NameBeing “The Baptized”

Understanding their Past (vv. 5-27)Understanding their Future (vv. 22-27)Understanding our Present (vv. 1-21, 28-29)Discussion StartersMonday—Does the language of Jesus becoming something seem strange? (vv. 14, 21; cf. 1 Cor 15:45) Why or why not? Can Jesus save us without doing something in history for us?Tuesday—What was the exile? How long Israel in captivity? Why would that have been hard for Israel to understand? Was it the end of their story?Wednesday—What did God accomplish through the exile? How did he use something hard for the good of his people? What did it teach Israel about where to put their trust?Thursday—How did Jesus mirror Israel's exile story in his own life? What did he endure? Why? What does it mean that the rejected stone has become the cornerstone?Friday—How does Psalm 118 help you interpret hard times in your life? How does it assure you that you have not been abandoned? What comfort does it offer you?

God's Love Declared (vv. 1-2) God's Love Illustrated (Jonah) God's Love Embodied (John 1:14-18; 13:1)

The God who Hears Us (vv. 1-9) What Shall I Return to the Lord? (vv. 10-19) Precious? (v. 15)

Comfort or Terror? (vv. 1-5, 10-12) Comfort in the Lord's Character (vv. 3-4, 7, 10; Romans 4:1-8) Two Peoples or One? (vv. 6-10; Romans 4:9-12)

The Plea of the Afflicted (vv. 1-6, 14-22) The Hinge of Affliction (vv. 9-13; Luke 23:44-47) Theology Made Practical (Two Thieves) (Luke 23:39-43)

The Earth and its Idols (vv. 4-8, 16-17) The God of Heaven (vv. 1, 3; 12-17) Trust and Praise (vv. 1, 8-11, 16-18)

The Identity of Jesus (vv. 18-22, 28-36) The Message of Jesus (vv. 23-27)

Kingly Power (vv. 1-3, 5) Prophetic Word (vv. 4, 6-7) Priestly Love (vv. 7-8)

Our Eternal Dwelling Place (vv. 1-2) Dwelling Under the Wrath of God (vv. 3-11) Learning Wisdom (vv. 12-17)

The Love of God (vv. 29-34)Nothing Can Separate Us (vv. 35-39)Perceiving the Love of God (vv. 36-37)

Unity Among the Apostles and Prophets (vv. 14-16)The Twin Errors of Legalism and Antinomianism (vv. 11, 13-17)Slowly Hastening the Last Day (vv. 11-14, 17-18)

The Second Letter (vv. 1-3)What the Prophets Said (vv. 5-7)What the False Teachers Say (vv. 4-5)The Day is Coming (vv. 8-10)

Discussion StartersMonday—How are false teachers foolish (like irrational animals)? How are they bold and brazen?Tuesday—Does saying that false teachers are foolish mean that they're dumb? Why do we need to understand that they are crafty if we don't want to be devoured by them?Wednesday—Why is it more dangerous to go back to sin than to never have left it? (vv. 20-22) Why is the image of a dog returning to its vomit so helpful to understand the danger (and folly) of returning to the sin that once enslaved us?Thursday—How can the gospel cost you both nothing and everything? What does it mean that “You are not your own, for you were bought with a price.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)Friday—What does the Bible mean that when we are weak, we are strong? (2 Corinthians 12:10) How does remembering our weakness help us to stand strong?

Motivated by Greed (vv. 3-4; cf. Isaiah 14:12-14)Promising Freedom (vv. 2-3, 5; cf. Genesis 3:1-6; 6:5-6; Judges 17:6; 21:25)Denying Reality (vv. 1, 3, 6-10)Discussion StartersMonday—What are false prophets/teachers? Why do you think Peter feels the need to warn us that they will be around until the end?Tuesday—How was Satan motivated by greed? (Isaiah 14:12-14) What are some different things that we can be greedy for? Which do you struggle with?Wednesday—What do false teacher promise freedom from? Do they ever deliver that freedom? Why not? Are you ever tempted to think freedom means fighting God's commands?Thursday—What does it mean to deny reality? How did those in Sodom and Gomorrah do it? How can we be tempted to deny reality?Friday—How are these acts of judgment (and deliverance) from history meant to comfort you? How do they help you see the future (and prepare for it)?

God and humanity meet in Jesus, the righteous son of God, who will judge the world on the Last Day.

Perseverance and the Danger of Being Near-sighted (vv. 1-4, 8-11) Partaking in the Divine Nature (vv. 5-7) • Knowledge / Identity (v. 5) • Self-Control / Purpose (v. 6) • Love / Community (v. 7) The Last Wish of a Dying Apostle (v. 1, 12-15) Discussion Starters Monday—Why is it necessary for Christians to bear fruit? (v. 8) What does it mean to be nearsighted? (v. 9) Why is it detrimental to Christians? Tuesday—What does it mean that people want to know who they are? How does being a Christian define who you are? Can you follow Jesus well if you don't understand this? Wednesday—Why is purpose so important to people? What is your purpose? How do you exercise that purpose? Why is self-control necessary to do so? Thursday—Why is love so important? Why is it impossible to grow as a Christian apart from being a part of a church? Friday—What does it mean that you already have all things that pertain to life and godliness? (v. 3) If you have everything you need, why aren't you living a perfect life? What do you need in order to grow in godliness?

The Goal of Creation (Ascending in Victory) (vv. 1-5)Another Way (Ascending in Defeat)The God of Jacob (vv. 6-10)Discussion StartersMonday—What does the “fullness of the earth” refer to in verse 1? What was Adam's job in creation (Genesis 1:28)?Tuesday—What reward would Adam have received for doing his job well? How does that relate the description of the righteous person described in verses 4 and 5 (clean hands, pure heart and an honest tongue)?Wednesday—Who was Jacob and what was he known for (Genesis 25:29 - 28:5)? Did Jacob deserve to see heaven because of clean hands, a pure heart and an honest tongue? What did he deserve?Thursday—What did God promise to Jacob (Genesis 28:10-22)? What did it take for Jacob to be blessed by God (Genesis 32:22-32)? Why does God conquer and subdue them?Friday—Psalm 24 presents God as ascending back up his holy mountain into his house. What does it mean that he has first descended to the earth (Ephesians 4:8-10)? Whom does he bring with him as he goes back up to his home (Psalm 24:7-10)?ean that you will have no problems? Is where does it teach you to set your hope (v. 6)?

Jesus' resurrection on the third days tells us that the enemy is conquered, peace with God has been restored, and Gentiles are now invited in to share in these blessings.The Original Tabernacle (and Temple)The Exile, Destruction and Rebuilding of the Temple (Ezra 6:1-18)Jesus the True Tabernacle / Temple (John 1:14; 2:19)Discussion StartersMonday—What was the tabernacle? When was it made and why? What was it meant to represent and communicated to Israel?Tuesday—How is the temple related to the tabernacle? Can you remember any of its features? What was the most important place in it? Why was it important?Wednesday—Why did God send his people into exile in Babylon? Why was it for 70 years? How does the exile teach God's people that the law could not save them?Thursday—How was God's declaration that the exile would only be 70 years tell his people that there was hope and a future? What did the rebuilding of the temple communicate after the exile?Friday—Could Jesus have chosen to be raised on the 4th day or the 5th? Why not? Why does he call his body the “temple”? What does his resurrection tell us in light of the rebuilding of the temple in Ezra 6?

The only way to stand strong against the devil is the humbling habit of submission.Why Submitting is Hard (v. 8; Genesis 3:1-7; Matthew 4:1-11)Resisting the Devil (vv. 5-7, 9-14; Matthew 4:1-11)Submitting (v. 5)Discussion StartersMonday—Is submission a good thing or a bad thing? Is it easy or hard? Why? Is this an area that you need to grow?Tuesday—What is pride? Why does the devil always use our pride against us? What are some ways you have seen him do that in your life?Wednesday—Re-read Matthew 4:4, 7, & 10. How did Jesus resist the devil? What does that show you about how you can resist the devil?Thursday—What does submitting to your elders look like? (v. 5) Do you have to agree in order to submit? What are some things you can do to support your elders?Friday—Is the suffering of this life forever? (vv. 10-11) How can that reality help you to stand strong when the world seems unfair?

Jesus establishes the pattern of caring for his sheep through his appointed shepherds.Jesus Appoints Shepherds (v. 12-16)Jesus Models Shepherding (v. 17-19)

Those who wish to be leaders in God's house must serve with no view to personal gain.The Shepherds of Israel (Deuteronomy 17:14-20Feed My Sheep (vv. 1-2; John 21:15-19)Under-Shepherds (vv. 2-4)Discussion StartersMonday—How do we tend to think about authority and those who possess it? Where do we get these ideas? Are they consistent with the Bible or at odds?Tuesday—What kinds of instructions did God give to kings in Israel? (Deuteronomy 17:14-20) How did these compare with how kings typically led? Why were God's instructions so different?Wednesday—What happened when Jesus met with Peter after the resurrection? (John 21:15-19) How do you think this conversation influenced what we read in 1 Peter 5:1-4?Thursday—What kind of qualities does Peter call elders to exhibit? (vv. 2-3) Is this what you have historically looked for in leaders? Are you praying for new leaders to be raised up that look like this?Friday—What are the “two crowns” that belong to leaders in Christ's church? Are these two crowns the sole possession of leaders, or do they belong to all Christians?

Affliction in the life of the Christian can bring joy when we understand that it's part of what it means to belong to Jesus and that he is using it to make us more like him.Don't be Surprised (vv. 12, 19)Suffering as a Christian (vv. 14-16)God's Purpose and Our Response to Trials (vv. 12-13, 16-19)Discussion StartersMonday— To whom was 1 Peter written? What was the situation like? How would you summarize its message so far? How has it challenged or helped you?Tuesday—Why are so many Christians surprised by fiery trials? Why shouldn't you be surprised? How does good theology prepare you for trials and bad theology ill-prepare you?Wednesday—What does it mean to “suffer as a Christian”? (vv. 14-16) What all does it entail? Why?Thursday—What are God's purposes in ordaining trials in our lives? Why does he ordain more trials for his children than for the world? Is this proof of God's love or his indifference?Friday—How are you called to respond to “fiery trials?” Are you to rejoice in the trials themselves or something else? What and why?

Baptism serves as a picture of the kingdom of Christ—a kingdom of sacrifice and service, esteeming the weak above the strong, and putting others before yourself.The Arrival of the Kingdom (vv. 35-37, 41; cf. Mark 8:22-30; 9:14-29)The Correction (vv. 42-45; cf. Mark 8:14-21, 31-9:1; 9:30-32; 10:17-34)The Sign(s) of Inclusion (vv. 38-40)Discussion StartersMonday—What is an initiation rite? What are some examples of initiation rites in our culture? What does the Bible say baptism brings us into (Galatians 3:27; 1 Cor 12:13; Mark 1:15; Romans 6:3)?Tuesday—What were the Israelites expecting from the Messiah? In what ways did they expect him to be like David? When did James and John expect Jesus' glory to be revealed?Wednesday—What does Jesus say greatness looks like in his kingdom? Who is the chief example of this? How are you called to emulate the model set?Thursday—Why did James and John fail to grasp the warnings Jesus gave about what awaited them in Jerusalem (Mark 8:31-9:1; 9:30-32; 10:32-34)? In what ways do we show the same short of blindness?Friday—How is baptism a picture of greatness? How does it proclaim Jesus' death? How does it set before those who receive what life looks like in Christ's kingdom?

The time spent waiting for Jesus' return should be spent learning to subdue your selfishness and serving others whether they be inside the church or out.

All Christians should be able to explain why they are confident that heaven awaits them by telling people what Jesus has done for them.