Reformed Baptist Fellowship of Savannah

Question 27: How doth Christ execute the office of a prophet? Answer: Christ executes the office of prophet in revealing to us, by his word and Spirit, the will of God for our salvation (John 1:18; 1 Pet.1:10,11, 12; John 15:15; and 20:31). This class emphasizes the importance of grounding faith in God's word, contrasting it with reliance on fleeting experiences or opinions. Drawing from Hebrews chapter one and the Baptist Catechism, the message highlights Jesus as the ultimate prophet, creator, and ruler, whose promises offer a firm foundation for believers. It urges listeners to trust in Christ's eternal nature and the unwavering truth of scripture, recognizing that the Bible's authority and power lie in its ability to reveal God's will and offer salvation through faith in Jesus.

The class explores the nature of the church, emphasizing its universal and visible aspects, and highlighting the importance of discerning truth amidst error. The message underscores that while the church is susceptible to mixture and doctrinal deviation, Christ consistently maintains a kingdom of true believers. We learn that the church's responsibility is to articulate and defend biblical truth, recognizing that personal beliefs must align with scripture and that ongoing spiritual growth requires vigilance against false teachings and a commitment to hearing what the Spirit says to the churches.

"We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work. "While I am in the world, I am the light of the world." (John 9:4-5) The sermon explores the transformative power of encountering Jesus, using the story of a man born blind as a central illustration. It emphasizes that suffering isn't necessarily a consequence of personal sin, but rather an opportunity for God's work to be manifested, highlighting the contrast between light and darkness, life and death, and the importance of obedience to God's word. The message underscores the call to share the good news and the promise of new life through faith in Jesus, ultimately revealing that true sight extends beyond the physical, encompassing spiritual understanding and a renewed purpose to proclaim the gospel.

The catholic—that is, universal—church may be called invisible with respect to the internal work of the Spirit and truth of grace. It consists of the full number of the elect who have been, are, or will be gathered into one under Christ her head. The church is the spouse, the body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. (1689 LBCF 26.1) This class explores the nature of the church, moving beyond simplistic understandings of a building to define it as the community of believing individuals united under Christ. Drawing from Scripture, the message emphasizes that the church is not only a physical people but a spiritual gathering of the elect, encompassing believers from Alpha to Omega. Christ Jesus is its head and source of salvation. The discussion clarifies that while the church is invisible in its essence, it is also visible through the lives and teachings of its members, encouraging a deeper understanding of belonging to Christ's body and living in accordance with His will.

"Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad." So the Jews said to Him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?" Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am." (John 8:56-58) The sermon centers on the imperative to hear, believe, and keep the word of Jesus, emphasizing that true faith involves recognizing Him as the ultimate authority and the embodiment of God's truth. Drawing from John 8, the message contrasts the rejection of Jesus by those who claimed to know God with the call to embrace Him as the good shepherd and the source of eternal life, highlighting the contrast between outward religious observance and genuine spiritual devotion. Ultimately, the sermon underscores that hearing, believing, and keeping Jesus's word is the path to eternal life and a rejection of it leads to spiritual destruction, with Jesus's declaration, 'Before Abraham was, I am,' serving as a powerful assertion of His divine nature and eternal existence.

The lesson explores the complexities of divorce within a biblical framework, emphasizing that while God hates divorce stemming from sin, He acknowledges its occurrence due to human imperfection and the 'hardness of hearts.' Drawing from passages in Matthew and 1 Corinthians, the message clarifies that divorce may be permissible in cases of sexual immorality or abandonment by an unbelieving spouse, while also highlighting the importance of reconciliation and forgiveness. Ultimately, the sermon underscores the need to balance God's holiness with His grace, recognizing that true restoration and peace are found in Christ, and that individuals should strive to live above reproach, even after experiencing personal failings.

The sermon explores the conflict between genuine faith and superficial adherence to religious tradition, emphasizing that true freedom comes not from inherited privilege or external observance, but from a personal relationship with Christ. Drawing from John 8, the message highlights the distinction between natural and spiritual descendants of Abraham, asserting that only those who abide in Christ's word and practice righteousness are truly children of God, while those who reject His truth remain enslaved to sin and the influence of the devil. Ultimately, the sermon underscores the transformative power of grace and faith, encouraging listeners to recognize their dependence on Christ and to share His message with others, trusting in God's ability to claim those who are lost.

"And I have other sheep, which are not from this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd. (John 10:16)

A continued discussion of Marriage using Chapter 25 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith to point us to a biblical understanding of the Matter.

The sermon explores Jesus' declaration as the "Light of the world," contrasting His divine nature with the blindness of those who cling to earthly understanding. Drawing on Old Testament imagery of light and darkness, the message emphasizes that following Jesus leads to life and truth, while rejecting him results in spiritual death. We are reminded of the importance of believing in Jesus as the sole path to salvation, highlighting the urgency of sharing this light with a world shrouded in darkness and reminding listeners that God's light exposes sin and offers a path to redemption through faith.

Question 26: What offices does Christ execute as our Redeemer? Answer: Christ as our Redeemer executes the offices of a prophet, of a priest, and of king, both in his estate of humiliation and exaltation (Acts 3:22; Heb. 12:25; 2 Cor. 13:3; Heb. 5:5, 6, 7; 7:25; Ps. 2:6; Is. 9:6, 7; Mt. 21:5; Ps. 2:8-11). ~The Baptist Catechism The class explores the multifaceted role of Christ as Redeemer, emphasizing his functions as prophet, priest, and king, both during his earthly life and in his current state of exaltation. Drawing from Psalm 2, Psalm 110 and Hebrews, the message underscores the authority and sufficiency of Christ, highlighting his preordained plan of salvation and the eternal nature of his reign. We are encouraged to trust in Christ alone, recognizing him as the ultimate source of truth and guidance, and to reject the pursuit of additional revelation or intermediaries, affirming that Christ's word and presence are all that is needed for a life of faith and obedience.

Question: What offices doth Christ execute as our Redeemer? Answer: Christ as our Redeemer executes the offices of a prophet, of a priest, and of king, both in his estate of humiliation and exaltation. ~ The Baptist Catechism Question #26

The sermon explores the importance of light and witness to the world in the Christian faith. Drawing from John 8, the message emphasizes Jesus as the light of the world, urging listeners to follow him and share that light with others, while also addressing the significance of understanding God's grace and the consequences of sin, ultimately calling for a turning away from worldly influences and embracing the hope found in Christ.

The sermon explores the momentous occasion of Jesus's triumphal entry into Jerusalem, highlighting the crowd's enthusiastic reception and the significance of the donkey as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. It contrasts the disciples' initial lack of understanding with the later revelation of these truths, emphasizing the importance of spiritual discernment over worldly expectations. The message cautions against relying on societal structures or political agendas to advance faith, urging instead a focus on personal relationship with Christ and a commitment to sharing His message, ultimately revealing a larger picture of God's plan encompassing the entire world.

The sermon explores the biblical foundation of marriage, emphasizing its creation as a union between one man and one woman designed for companionship, procreation, and mutual restraint. Drawing from Genesis and Malachi, the speaker highlights marriage as a reflection of the relationship between Christ and the church, illustrating how it provides a framework for understanding spiritual unity and responsibility. The discussion also addresses the importance of marriage in preventing immorality and the need for believers to grapple with the complexities of marital relationships, ultimately seeking to foster a deeper appreciation for God's design and purpose in marriage.

The sermon explores the complex interplay of sin, justice, and mercy through the lens of the Pericope Adulteress, emphasizing the importance of understanding these theological concepts within the context of grace. The message highlights Jesus's challenge to self-righteous accusers and his compassionate offer of forgiveness to the woman, ultimately demonstrating that true justice is found not in condemnation but in the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice. The speaker encourages listeners to recognize their own sinfulness, embrace God's mercy, and extend that same grace to others, fostering a life of repentance and faith.The sermon explores the complex interplay of sin, justice, and mercy through the lens of the Pericope Adulteress, emphasizing the importance of understanding these theological concepts within the context of grace. Drawing on textual criticism to address the passage's authenticity, the message highlights Jesus's challenge to self-righteous accusers and his compassionate offer of forgiveness to the woman, ultimately demonstrating that true justice is found not in condemnation but in the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice. The speaker encourages listeners to recognize their own sinfulness, embrace God's mercy, and extend that same grace to others, fostering a life of repentance and faith.

Biblically defining sin, justice, and mercy and how important understanding these term are to our salvation and walk with Christ.

The sermon centers on the theological significance of Christ's incarnation, emphasizing his dual nature as fully God and fully man. Drawing from Hebrews 2 and other scriptural passages, the message explores how Jesus, as the Son of God, took on a human body and soul, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, remaining sinless despite sharing in human frailty. The speaker underscores the necessity of Christ's perfect humanity to fulfill the role of high priest and offer a sinless sacrifice, ultimately highlighting the transformative power of his sacrifice for salvation and sanctification, and the importance of understanding these foundational truths for a deeper understanding of the Christian faith.

Civil magistrates being set up by God for the ends aforesaid; subjection, in all lawful things commanded by them, ought to be yielded by us in the Lord, not only for wrath, but for conscience' sake; and we ought to make supplications and prayers for kings and all that are in authority, that under them we may live a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty. (1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith 24.3)

All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be equipped, having been thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

A reminder that our faith and practice must be founded and empowered by the God-breathed Scriptures.

God, the supreme Lord and King of all the world, has ordained civil magistrates to be under him, over the people, for his own glory and the public good; and to this end has armed them with the power of the sword, for defense and encouragement of them that do good, and for the punishment of evil doers. (1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith 24.1)

Elder Dan Schroeder of Redeemer Baptist Church brings us a message titled And Such Were Some of You from 1 Corinthians 6:11

Mary then took a litra of perfume of very costly pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. (John 12:3)

Whosoever takes an oath warranted by the word of God, ought duly to consider the weightiness of so solemn an act, and therein to avouch nothing but what he knows to be truth; for that by rash, false, and vain oaths, the Lord is provoked, and for them this land mourns. ~1689 LBCF 23.2

An exposition of John 7:40-52.

A continued discussion of the Baptist Catechism Question 24 and the subject of the person and nature of Jesus Christ our Lord. Heresy never changes and it is through the God breathed Word of God that we find the path of righteousness and life everlasting.

A lawful oath is a part of religious worship, wherein the person swearing in truth, righteousness, and judgment, solemnly calls God to witness what he swears, and to judge him according to the truth or falseness thereof. (1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith 23.1)

Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "bIf anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, 'From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'" (John 7:25-39)

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die—ever. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26)

And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

The sabbath is then kept holy unto the Lord, when men, after a due preparing of their hearts, and ordering their common affairs aforehand, do not only observe a holy rest all day, from their own works, words and thoughts, about their worldly employment and recreations, but are also taken up the whole time in the public and private exercises of his worship, and in the duties of necessity and mercy. ~1689 LBCF 22.8

"Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment." (John 4:24)

What is man that You remember him, and the son of man that You care for him? (Psalm 8:4)

Neither prayer nor any other part of religious worship, is now under the gospel, tied unto, or made more acceptable by any place in which it is performed, or towards which it is directed; but God is to be worshipped everywhere in spirit and in truth; as in private families daily, and in secret each one by himself; so more solemnly in the public assemblies, which are not carelessly nor willfully to be neglected or forsaken, when God by his word or providence calls thereunto. (1689 LBCF 22.6)

"The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I bear witness about it, that its deeds are evil. (John 7:7)

A lecture on the parables of the lost sheep, coin, and prodigal son from Luke 15

The reading of the Scriptures, preaching, and hearing the Word of God, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in our hearts to the Lord; as also the administration of baptism, and the Lord's supper, are all parts of religious worship of God, to be performed in obedience to him, with understanding, faith, reverence, and godly fear; (1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith 22:5)

But Jesus said to him, "No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." (Luke 9:62)

Believers are encouraged to not live in fear or denial of the realities of death but to rest with faith in the sovereign will of God knowing that all things work together for our good and His glory. We are commanded to warn the lost and dying world that true and eternal life is found in Christ alone.

'Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, in the same way that I had mercy on you?' (Matthew 18:33)

Prayer, with thanksgiving, being one part of natural worship, is by God required of all men. But that it may be accepted, it is to be made in the name of the Son, by the help of the Spirit, according to his will; with understanding, reverence, humility, fervency, faith, love, and perseverance; and when with others, in a known tongue. (1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith 22.3)

Faith is not a work that merits salvation but a gift from God that proves that one is really saved. When one trust in Christ alone for salvation he is resting in the eternal promise of God as declared in Scripture and can be assured that God always keeps that promise.

Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. (Luke 14:27)

Did God leave all mankind to perish in the estate of sin and misery? God having out of His mere good pleasure, from all eternity elected some to everlasting life, did enter into a covenant of grace, to deliver them out of the estate sin and misery, and to bring them into an estate of salvation by a Redeemer. ~The Baptist Catechism Question 23

Religious worship is to be given to God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and to him alone; not to angels, saints, or any other creatures; and since the fall, not without a mediator, nor in the mediation of any other but Christ alone. 1689 LBCF 22:2

"For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost." Luke 19:10

An introduction to Chapter 22 of the London Baptist Confession of Faith: "God, who has lordship and sovereignty over all; is just, good and does good to all; and is therefore to be feared, loved, praised, called upon, trusted in, and served, with all the heart and all the soul, and with all the might."

"Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. "Whoever therefore will humble himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

They who upon pretense of Christian liberty do practice any sin, or cherish any sinful lust, as they do thereby pervert the main design of the grace of the gospel to their own destruction, so they wholly destroy the end of Christian liberty, which is, that being delivered out of the hands of all our enemies, we might serve the Lord without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Him, all the days of our lives.

Exposition of Romans 6:1-11t and he truths contained in the apostles Paul's teachings and drawing parallels to the believers unity in Christ through His death, burial, and resurrection.