St. Stephen Reformed Church

The sermon centers on the divine power and glory displayed through the church, anchored in Ephesians 3:20–21, which affirms that God is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within believers. Drawing from the congregation's history, including its transition from the United Church of Christ to the PCA, the preacher illustrates how God's faithfulness and transformative power have been evident in both personal and corporate renewal. The message emphasizes that God's purpose for the church is not self-advancement but the glorification of Christ, where every act of faith, service, and perseverance reflects His sovereign majesty. The tone is both pastoral and triumphant, celebrating God's faithfulness while calling believers to live with bold hope and sanctified imagination. Ultimately, the church exists not for itself, but to manifest the glory of God in Christ, a mission sustained by the Holy Spirit and fulfilled in worship, witness, and enduring community.

The sermon unfolds Micah's prophetic vision of the remnant of Jacob as both a life-giving blessing and a conquering force in the nations, portrayed through the dual images of dew and lion—symbols of divine blessing and righteous judgment that reflect the dual nature of Christ's kingdom. It emphasizes that the messianic age is not a purely spiritual or heavenly reality, but a present, earthly calling in which God's people are to be agents of grace and truth, advancing His purposes without waiting for human approval. The passage also reveals God's sovereign work of purification, where He cuts off false securities—military reliance, occult practices, and idolatry—not as punishment, but as necessary surgery to remove self-sufficiency that hinders true worship and mission. The ultimate fulfillment is found in Christ, who is both the gentle dew that brings life and the conquering lion who defeats sin, death, and Satan through His sacrificial death and resurrection, offering salvation to all who turn from idols to Him. The call is urgent: to prepare for Advent not with sentimentality, but with repentance, surrender, and expectation, trusting Christ alone to cleanse the heart and transform rebels into a holy remnant that blesses the nations and awaits His final victory.

In Micah 5:2–6, the prophet delivers a profound Advent hope amid national despair, pointing to a future ruler from Bethlehem—though small and insignificant—whose origins are from eternity, fulfilling God's eternal purposes. This shepherd king, rooted in David's lineage and dependent on divine strength, will shepherd God's people in majesty and peace, ultimately defeating spiritual enemies not by military might but through the power of the gospel, extending His rule to the ends of the earth. The promise of 'until' underscores that suffering and waiting are not arbitrary but part of God's redemptive design, refining His people and preparing them for the fullness of His kingdom. Though Jerusalem rejected the Messiah's arrival, the true fulfillment came in Jesus—born in Bethlehem, incarnate in weakness, yet victorious through death and resurrection—whose return is the ultimate hope that sustains believers through present darkness. The passage calls all to respond in faith, trusting in Christ's finished work, embracing the eternal weight of glory, and living in expectant readiness for His final coming.

In the midst of Jerusalem's impending siege by Assyria, the prophet Micah delivers a message of profound hope rooted in God's sovereign plan, pointing beyond present suffering to a future restoration where the lame are made strong and the outcast become a mighty nation. Though the people face terror, exile, and the mocking of surrounding nations, Micah calls them to wrestle honestly with their pain—writhe and groan like a woman in labor—not in despair, but in confident expectation of divine redemption. This hope is grounded in the reality that God is not defeated by evil, but uses even the enemy's gathering as part of His judgment, just as He did at the cross, where Christ's suffering became the birth pangs of resurrection and the foundation of a global kingdom. The church, as the true Zion, is called not to retreat or rage, but to arise and thresh—proclaiming the gospel, living faithfully in all areas of life, and offering every aspect of creation to the Lord of all the earth. Though the siege continues and the world remains broken, believers live in the tension of the already and not yet, trusting that Christ has already won, will return, and will ultimately destroy every enemy, including death, making all things new.

This sermon unpacks the parable of the prodigal sons in Luke 15, emphasizing that both the younger son who squandered his inheritance and the older son who remained obedient yet resentful are equally lost—neither can earn the father's love. While the younger son's rebellion is evident, the older son's self-righteousness, bitterness, and refusal to rejoice reveal a heart estranged by performance-based religion, mirroring the Pharisees' spiritual pride. The father's lavish love, demonstrated through unconditional grace and persistent pursuit, exposes the futility of trying to merit divine favor through obedience or moral superiority. The story's open ending challenges listeners to confront their own hidden self-justification, calling all—sinners and saints alike—to repent not only of sin but of self-righteousness, and to embrace the unearned, eternal love offered in Christ. Ultimately, true sonship is not earned but received, and joy in God's grace is only possible when we relinquish the illusion of merit.

This sermon presents the parable of the prodigal son as a profound revelation of God's lavish, initiating, and unconditional love, emphasizing that divine grace precedes human repentance. Centered in Luke 15, the story unfolds through three scenes—first, the younger son's willful rebellion and descent into destitution; second, the father's self-humbling, compassionate pursuit of his lost son; and third, the father's immediate restoration of his son through lavish celebration, even before any confession. The preacher underscores that God's love is not earned by works or repentance but is freely given, illustrated by the father's public humiliation in running to embrace his son—a radical act of grace that mirrors Christ's sacrifice on the cross. The message is clear: sinners are not received because they have cleaned up their lives, but because the Father, in His infinite mercy, seeks them first, restoring them to sonship through grace alone. This gospel truth, the preacher insists, is the only hope for those who feel unworthy, offering not only forgiveness but identity as beloved children of God.

The sermon centers on Jesus' parable of the great banquet in Luke 14:15–24, using the context of a Sabbath dinner with Pharisees to confront religious pride, self-righteousness, and spiritual complacency. Jesus exposes the hypocrisy of those who assume their religious heritage guarantees salvation, illustrating through the parable that God's invitation to His kingdom is extended to the marginalized—poor, crippled, blind, and even Gentiles—while those who presumptuously reject it due to worldly distractions will be excluded. The passage underscores the urgency of responding to God's call with humility and selflessness, warning that mere cultural or ancestral ties to faith are insufficient without personal faith in Christ. The preacher emphasizes that believers are now called to actively compel others—especially the outcast—to accept the invitation, reflecting the Great Commission and the reality of a future resurrection and final judgment. The tone is both convicting and hopeful, urging the audience to live in the tension of the already and not yet kingdom by embracing Christ's invitation and faithfully sharing it with others.

The sermon unfolds a powerful contrast between divine judgment and redemptive hope, rooted in Micah's prophetic indictment of corrupt leaders who perverted justice, built Jerusalem on bloodshed, and falsely presumed God's protection. Though their sin has rendered the city desolate—Zion plowed like a field—the prophecy shifts dramatically to a future where the mountain of the Lord is exalted above all others, drawing nations to learn His ways and walk in His paths. This vision of peace, where swords are transformed into tools of agriculture and all peoples dwell securely under their own vine and fig tree, is not a mere restoration of past glory but a divine escalation fulfilled in Christ, who establishes the eternal Zion through His sacrificial blood. The call to discipleship is clear: believers are to position themselves to be taught, obey God's ways with costly faithfulness, and invite others into this journey, living as pilgrims now while awaiting the full realization of God's kingdom, where His word stands forever and His glory covers the earth.

The sermon delivers a powerful indictment of spiritual and moral corruption among Israel's leaders and prophets, exposing how those entrusted with justice and divine revelation instead exploited the vulnerable, feasted on injustice, and proclaimed false peace for personal gain. Through the vivid imagery of cannibalism and prophetic silence, it reveals that God's judgment falls not only on the powerful but on all who prioritize self-interest over righteousness, especially when they use religious authority to justify oppression. Yet amid this sobering warning, the message pivots to hope in Christ, who fulfills Micah's prophecy by embodying true justice, bearing the silence of abandonment on the cross, and offering forgiveness and the indwelling Spirit to transform hearts. The call is not to power or prestige, but to faithful witness—using whatever influence one has to serve, speak truth, and reflect Christ's self-giving love, empowered by the same Spirit that filled the prophets and was poured out on Jesus.

The sermon, drawn from Luke 12:35–48, centers on the urgent call to spiritual readiness for Christ's unexpected return, framing vigilance and faithfulness as the marks of a true disciple. Rooted in the context of Jesus' warnings against greed and anxiety, the parable of the watchful servants emphasizes that believers must live in constant preparedness—dressed for action and with lamps burning—not to predict the timing of Christ's return, but to reflect a life of faithful stewardship. The master's joyful reversal of roles when he serves his alert servants underscores Christ's humility and the profound joy He takes in faithful service, while the judgment of the unfaithful servant highlights the severe consequences of neglecting duty, especially for those who know God's will. The sermon stresses that accountability increases with knowledge, and all will be judged according to their response to divine revelation, with rewards and punishments varying in degree based on faithfulness. Ultimately, it calls every believer to examine their lives, not merely in terms of doctrine, but in terms of obedience, love, and service, assuring that those who remain faithful will one day feast with Christ at the Wedding Supper of the Lamb.

Micah 2 delivers a powerful prophetic indictment of Judah's spiritual and moral decay, exposing how the nation's leaders schemed in secret to seize land and oppress the vulnerable, thereby committing spiritual treason against God's covenant. The sermon reveals that sin against God inevitably manifests as injustice toward neighbor, as the wealthy exploited the poor and false prophets silenced truth with comforting lies, promoting a god who ignores sin. Yet amid the woe, the message pivots to divine hope: God will gather a remnant, not by human merit but by covenant faithfulness, restoring His people through a shepherd-king who breaks through judgment and death. This promise finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who bore the judgment for sin, conquered death, and now leads His people home as the faithful Good Shepherd. The call is clear: turn from self-serving schemes, reject false gods and hollow preachers, and follow Christ, the only one who can restore what sin destroys.

This sermon, delivered on Reformation Sunday, centers on the transformative power of persistent, bold prayer as modeled by Jesus in Luke 11:5–13, emphasizing that true spiritual vitality arises not from mere religious routine but from a deep, ongoing communion with God. Drawing from the Lord's Prayer and the parable of the friend at midnight, it teaches that prayer is not a transactional request but a confident, shameless pursuit of God's will, grounded in the Father's loving generosity. The passage underscores that God, far from being indifferent, delights in giving His children the Holy Spirit—the source of all spiritual blessing—when they ask, seek, and knock with faith and perseverance. The sermon connects theological understanding with practical devotion, asserting that genuine knowledge of God compels a life of prayer, and that a lack of prayer reveals a failure to truly value God's presence. Ultimately, the goal of prayer is not material gain but the glorification of God and the advancement of His kingdom through the Spirit's work in believers' lives.

The sermon concludes 1 John by affirming that believers can have confident assurance of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ, the true God and eternal life, grounded not in feelings or performance but in the objective testimony of Scripture and the internal marks of genuine faith. It emphasizes that this assurance enables a bold and confident prayer life, rooted in the promise that God hears prayers offered according to His will, even when answers are delayed or seemingly absent, as God's wisdom always prevails. The believer is called to intercede for fellow Christians struggling with sin, trusting that prayer can restore life, while recognizing that persistent, willful rejection of Christ—sin leading to death—is a rare exception, not a call to despair. Three foundational truths anchor this assurance: believers are protected by God from the evil one's ultimate power, they belong to God while the world lies under Satan's influence, and the Son of God has come to grant true understanding, enabling a personal, saving knowledge of the Father. The sermon closes with a call to remain vigilant against all forms of idolatry, both literal and hidden, urging believers to live in the security of their salvation by keeping their hearts fixed on Christ alone.

The parable of the Good Samaritan, far from being merely a call to social compassion, functions as a divine mirror exposing the impossibility of earning eternal life through human effort. Centered on a lawyer's attempt to justify himself by defining 'neighbor,' Jesus reveals that true neighborliness is not determined by identity or proximity, but by sacrificial mercy toward any person in need—especially those deemed unworthy, such as the despised Samaritan. The priest and Levite, representing religious authority, fail the test of love, demonstrating that mere knowledge of the law without obedience proves insufficient. In contrast, the Samaritan, despite being an outcast, embodies the law's true intent by showing mercy, thus fulfilling the command to love one's neighbor. Ultimately, the parable confronts the heart's failure to love God and neighbor perfectly, driving the listener to recognize their own helplessness—like the man beaten and left for dead—and to flee to Christ, the only true Good Samaritan who paid the price for salvation. Only through faith in His perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection can one become a genuine neighbor, reflecting God's grace in a broken world.

Micah's prophetic lament, rooted in divine grief over Judah's spiritual decay, reveals a God who mourns sin not with detached judgment but with holy sorrow, mirroring Christ's weeping over Jerusalem. Though the nation faces inevitable judgment—symbolized by a funeral procession through doomed cities—Micah's raw mourning, echoing David's grief over Saul, models covenant love: lamenting not in gloating, but in solidarity with God's people, even as their sin brings ruin. The passage exposes how trust in idols, military strength, or religious institutions has replaced faith in the Lord, leading to national collapse, yet it pivots to the ultimate hope: Jesus, who bore the incurable wound of sin on the cross, becoming the true bridegroom, conqueror, and refuge. His sacrificial death and resurrection transform lament into healing, turning exile into restoration and despair into enduring hope, calling believers to grieve with purpose, pointing others to the God who weeps with us and redeems us.

The sermon centers on the prophetic message of Micah, emphasizing that God's judgment, though directed at both Samaria and Jerusalem, ultimately calls all people—especially God's people—to repentance and faith. Rooted in the historical context of the divided monarchy and the looming threat of Assyria, Micah's words reveal how God uses cosmic imagery not merely to threaten destruction, but to expose the spiritual complacency of Judah, which trusted in the temple and its rituals rather than in God's holiness. The passage underscores that judgment begins with the household of God, challenging believers to examine their own hearts, recognize their sin, and turn from false security to genuine faith in Christ. Though the message is one of divine wrath, it points to the ultimate hope found in Jesus, who bore the judgment meant for sinners, offering eternal life to all who hear and believe. The sermon concludes with a call to respond in faith, trusting in Christ's atonement and looking forward to His return with confidence.

The Lord's Supper is a sacred covenant meal that proclaims the past, present, and future work of Christ, rooted in the Passover and fulfilled in His death and resurrection. Far from being a mere memorial or emotional exercise, it is a living proclamation of the gospel—where believers, by faith and through the Holy Spirit, spiritually feast on Christ's body and blood, receiving forgiveness, communion with God, and assurance of eternal life. The sacrament is not about human effort or ritualistic magic, but about God's grace: Christ's sacrifice for sin, His ongoing presence, and His promised return, all sealed in the bread and wine as a sign and seal of salvation. Proper participation requires self-examination, faith in Christ's finished work, and a heart united to Him and His church, not to earn grace but to receive it. Ultimately, communion is a foretaste of the marriage supper of the Lamb, where believers rejoice in the fullness of redemption, remembering not just what Christ did, but who He is and what He continues to do in and through His people.

The sermon centers on the final words of Jacob and Joseph, revealing a profound theology of hope rooted in God's faithfulness and sovereignty. Through their deathbed declarations, both men affirm their belief in God's promise to bring His people into the land of Canaan, with Jacob emphasizing burial in the ancestral tomb and Joseph entrusting his bones to future generations as a sign of the coming exodus. Their faith, matured in the midst of exile and hardship, looks beyond present suffering to a future fulfillment in which God will restore paradise. The sermon draws a powerful parallel to Christ's resurrection and return, showing that just as Joseph's coffin in Egypt symbolized waiting for divine deliverance, the empty tomb of Jesus guarantees the ultimate restoration of all things. Ultimately, the message calls believers to live by faith in the present, anchored in the certainty of God's promises, finding strength and comfort in the hope of a new heavens and a new earth where the tree of life will once again be accessible.

The sermon centers on Jacob's final blessings upon Joseph and his sons in Genesis 48, portraying a profound moment of faith and divine sovereignty at the close of Jacob's life. Through the symbolic adoption of Ephraim and Manasseh—favoring the younger over the elder—Jacob exemplifies God's elective grace, echoing the biblical truth that salvation is not based on human merit but on divine choice, as seen in the election of Jacob over Esau and the calling of the weak to shame the strong. The passage reveals how God's redemptive purposes unfold through seemingly ordinary events, pointing forward to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ, where God's presence remains constant through life's trials and even beyond death. Jacob's dying words, 'God will be with you,' become a timeless promise for believers, affirming that God's faithfulness endures in suffering, grief, and uncertainty, and culminates in the hope of eternal inheritance in the new heavens and new earth. The narrative calls the church to live with this hope, rejecting prosperity theology and embracing the reality that God is with His people not only in blessing but in every trial, until Christ returns.

This sermon compares Joseph's total control during Egypt's famine to divine salvation, emphasizing that his authority was divinely sanctioned, not tyranny, and highlighting the contrast with Christ's sacrificial redemptive work. Both involve surrender, but Christ's sacrifice is the ultimate gift of grace. The sermon urges believers to embrace suffering and surrender to Christ for true spiritual growth, recognizing God's sovereignty in both prosperity and hardship. It emphasizes the need for faithful loyalty to Jesus, who alone deserves ultimate allegiance, warning against equating human systems with divine purposes.

The sermon unfolds the covenantal trajectory of Scripture, revealing that God's redemptive plan is not merely about past forgiveness or present community, but ultimately about the future consummation of all things in the new heavens and new earth—a reality already inaugurated in Christ but not yet fully realized. Centered on Hebrews 2:5–10, it emphasizes that humanity, created in God's image and destined for glory, failed in Adam, but Jesus, the second Adam, fulfilled the covenant of grace by suffering and dying, thereby securing glory for all who belong to Him. This future hope is not a vague spiritual afterlife, but a renewed creation where death, sorrow, and sin are finally defeated, and God dwells with His people forever. The tension of 'already but not yet' defines the Christian life: we already share in the new creation through faith in Christ, yet we await the full revelation of that glory at His return. Thus, covenant theology is eschatology—pointing us from Eden to glory, and calling believers to live as citizens of the world to come, enduring present trials with confident hope in Christ's ultimate victory. json

The sermon centers on the divine providence of God as revealed in Joseph's reunion with his father Jacob and the subsequent settlement of Israel's family in Egypt, illustrating how God orchestrates even broken human relationships and painful histories into a beautiful, redemptive plan. Through the metaphor of a tapestry, it emphasizes that while life often appears chaotic and painful from a limited human perspective, God is weaving all events—suffering, triumph, and separation—into a coherent and glorious purpose, as affirmed in Romans 8:28. The emotional reunion between Joseph and Jacob, marked by weeping and joy, symbolizes the ultimate hope of Christian faith: the future face-to-face encounter with the risen Christ, who is both Savior and advocate. Joseph's wisdom in securing favor with Pharaoh for his family prefigures Christ's role as our eternal advocate and provider, ensuring that believers, though sojourners in a temporary world, are abundantly sustained and preserved for an eternal inheritance. The passage calls the audience to fix their eyes not on the fleeting, imperfect realities of this life, but on the unseen, eternal glory that God is preparing for those who love Him, trusting in His faithful provision and ultimate redemption.

The sermon explores the significance of baptism within the context of the new covenant, drawing from Peter's Pentecost sermon in Acts 2 to illuminate its profound meaning beyond a mere ritual. It argues that baptism functions as a visible sign and seal of covenant grace, representing engrafting into Christ, participation in the benefits of salvation—forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit—and engagement in a life dedicated to Christ. Ultimately, the message emphasizes that baptism is a lifelong reminder of God's promise and a call to live in light of one's identity as a member of the Christian community, united to Christ and empowered by His Spirit.

The sermon centers on the assurance of faith, arguing that confidence in Jesus Christ stems from the threefold testimony of God: water (Christ's baptism), blood (His sacrifice), and the Spirit. It emphasizes that these divine witnesses converge on the truth of Jesus as the Son of God, offering eternal life to those who believe, while warning against the consequence of rejecting this testimony. Ultimately, the message provides comfort and hope, particularly for those grappling with questions of faith and the eternal destiny of loved ones, grounding assurance in God's sovereign power and unwavering truth.

The sermon explores Jacob's journey to Egypt, highlighting his conditioned expectation of hardship and doubt stemming from past experiences with deception and loss. Despite these anxieties, Jacob demonstrates remarkable faith in responding to God's assurance, ultimately relinquishing his desires and trusting in divine providence to guide him and his family. The message underscores that true peace and contentment are found not in worldly pursuits but in surrendering to God's will, trusting in His faithfulness, and recognizing that He is present even amidst challenging circumstances, ultimately promising a future restoration and eternal blessing.

The sermon explores the profound significance of the Lord's Supper as the central act of the new covenant, tracing its roots through the covenants of the Old Testament and culminating in Christ's institution of the meal during the Passover. It emphasizes the Supper not merely as a remembrance of Christ's sacrifice, but as a tangible participation in His body and blood, a renewal of covenant bonds, and a foretaste of the ultimate marriage supper of the Lamb, calling believers to examine their faith and eagerly anticipate Christ's return while highlighting the invitation to all who seek belonging through Him.

The sermon explores themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and divine providence through the narrative of Joseph's reunion with his brothers and father. It highlights God's sovereign plan, demonstrated by Joseph's ability to forgive and the subsequent invitation from Pharaoh, ultimately leading to the family's relocation to Egypt. Drawing parallels with Jesus' ministry after the resurrection, the message emphasizes the church's role in extending grace and sharing the gospel, urging believers to actively proclaim the good news and offer assurance to those grappling with doubt and fear, mirroring Joseph's compassionate and discerning approach to his family's needs.

The sermon traces the biblical narrative of covenant, highlighting how God's plan from eternity culminated in Christ and now shapes the life of the church. It emphasizes that the church is not a product of human effort but a community created by God's grace, united to Christ, and defined by faithful preaching, disciplined care, and mutual responsibility. Drawing from passages like 1 Peter 1:9 and Exodus 19, the message underscores the church's identity as a chosen race, royal priesthood, and holy nation, called to proclaim God's excellencies and live in loving, covenantal relationships.

The sermon centers on the assurance of faith and its transformative power, emphasizing that genuine belief in Jesus Christ is not merely an initial decision but an ongoing source of strength, obedience, and victory. Drawing from 1 John, the message explores the interconnectedness of faith, love for God and fellow believers, and joyful obedience to His commands, all rooted in the miracle of the new birth. It highlights that this new birth is a gift from God, uniting believers to Christ and producing a life characterized by overcoming the world through faith, ultimately affirming that true faith is evidence of God's work within and a pathway to eternal life.

The sermon explores the concept of the covenant of redemption, emphasizing that God's plan for salvation predates all creation, unfolding from eternity past through the ages. It traces this plan through Old Testament covenants, culminating in the New Covenant established through Christ, who fulfilled every promise and unveiled a mystery previously veiled in shadows. The sermon highlights the triune God's eternal agreement – the Father's choice, the Son's sacrifice, and the Spirit's application – ultimately designed to secure redemption and guarantee believers' inheritance, all to the praise of God's glorious grace and sovereign purpose.

The sermon traces the unfolding of God's covenantal plan throughout Scripture, culminating in the new covenant established through Jesus Christ. It emphasizes that the new covenant isn't a departure from previous covenants, but rather their fulfillment, offering a superior mediator, better promises, and ultimately, a transformed relationship with God characterized by internal law, direct access, and complete forgiveness. The message urges listeners to embrace this covenant through faith, resisting the temptation to return to the old ways and instead living with confidence, intimacy, and hope in the promises secured by Christ's finished work.

The sermon explores the pivotal moment in Joseph's life when he reveals himself to his brothers, offering a powerful illustration of forgiveness and reconciliation. Drawing from Genesis 45, the message highlights Joseph's ability to transcend bitterness and offer grace, even in the face of past betrayal, emphasizing that God orchestrated these events for the preservation of life and the ultimate good. The narrative underscores the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty and providence, encouraging listeners to emulate Joseph's ability to extend forgiveness and embrace a God-centered perspective, mirroring the transformative love and grace offered through Jesus Christ.

The sermon traces the unfolding of God's covenant with David, demonstrating how it ultimately finds fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Beginning with the covenant of works and progressing through the covenants with Noah, Abraham, and Moses, the message highlights that God's plan was always centered on a Redeemer, culminating in the promise of a king from David's line. Through the resurrection, this promise is realized, offering forgiveness of sins and freedom from the law's condemnation to all who believe, establishing Jesus as the reigning king whose kingdom extends eternally.

The sermon explores the transformative power of divine love through the story of Judah's impassioned plea to Joseph, highlighting his willingness to substitute himself for his brother Benjamin to protect his father. Drawing parallels between Judah's actions and the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, the message emphasizes that genuine repentance involves not only confession of guilt but also a profound change of heart, mirroring Christ's substitutionary love and ultimately conforming believers into the image of God, demonstrating that God's grace can reshape even the most flawed individuals into vessels of love and devotion.

The sermon explores the Mosaic covenant at Sinai, clarifying that it was not a replacement for grace but a revelation of God's holiness and a means of exposing humanity's sin, ultimately pointing towards the need for a mediator. It emphasizes that the law, while authoritative, functioned as a guardian leading to Christ, not as a path to righteousness, and highlights the ongoing covenant faithfulness of God, fulfilled in Jesus, who offers freedom from the law's condemnation and establishes a new covenant of grace for all who believe.

The sermon explores the nature of testing and the importance of confession through the narrative of Joseph and his brothers. It highlights how Joseph, having experienced favoritism, tests his brothers to see if they have changed, ultimately revealing their willingness to confess their past wrongs and stand with their brother Benjamin. The message emphasizes that concealing sin leads to failure, while honest confession and forsaking of sin bring mercy and reconciliation, ultimately demonstrating God's use of unexpected circumstances, like a silver cup, to penetrate hearts and bring about forgiveness and covenant purposes.

The sermon explores the Abrahamic covenant as a foundational element of God's redemptive plan, tracing its significance from Genesis to the New Testament and highlighting its enduring relevance for believers today. Drawing from Galatians 3, the message emphasizes that justification comes not through works or adherence to the law, but through faith in God's promise, mirroring Abraham's unwavering trust. Ultimately, the sermon asserts that all who believe in Christ are heirs to Abraham's blessing, united with him as part of a global community defined by grace and faith, demonstrating that the gospel was present in the Old Testament as a promise of salvation through Christ.

The sermon explores Jacob's desperate situation and his eventual willingness to send Benjamin to Egypt, driven by the famine and Judah's persuasive leadership. It highlights Joseph's strategic manipulation of his brothers, designed to awaken their guilt and ultimately lead to reconciliation, demonstrating God's providential hand guiding events. The narrative underscores the themes of forgiveness, grace, and the recognition of God's sovereignty, illustrating how even in moments of apparent hardship, God's kindness and mercy are at work, offering a path toward repentance and a deeper understanding of divine purpose.

The sermon explores the theological framework of covenant, tracing a line from Adam's broken covenant of works to Noah's preservation through the flood and ultimately to Christ's redemptive work. Drawing parallels between the ark and Christ, the message emphasizes God's unwavering faithfulness and grace, demonstrating how He preserves the world, not merely for comfort, but to create space for repentance and the fulfillment of His promise to crush the serpent. The scoffers' doubt regarding Christ's return is challenged by recalling God's covenant with Noah, highlighting that while judgment is certain, God's patience offers an ongoing invitation to faith and salvation through Jesus.

The wonder of our God who initiates, and binds himself to us though, covenants.