Ecclesiastes 1:1-11

Ecclesiastes reads as if it were written for our own time, which may account for the widespread appeal of its imagery and language. Its message is timeless, of course, but it seems especially relevant to our experiences today.

Ecclesiastes Introduction (12:9-11)

It will be helpful to begin a study of Ecclesiastes with a passage that introduces us to the author, his method, and his message. Even more important will be for us to think about how we are to receive this book of wisdom as both hearers and doers of the Word.

Psalm 25

God's relationship with his people is founded on his covenant with them. Unlike human religions that are dependent upon human intentions and efforts, the covenant of redemption is based upon the promises of God to himself and his people. This transforms the way we approach God in prayer, a fact that is reflected in Psalm 25. 

Revelation 19:11-16

The fourth-century Christian Eusebius of Caesarea wrote of Christ as Prophet, Priest, and King, and Reformed leaders made frequent use of this structure. The previous two sermons focused on Jesus as Prophet and Priest; his text focuses upon Jesus Christ as King of kings and Lord of lords.

Leviticus 9

Many passages from the Old Testament narratives of the nation Israel seem so foreign to us that they are hard to interpret. Two helpful interpretive tools are to discover the historical and literary setting and to look for images and ideas that point to Christ. 

Deuteronomy 18:15-22

Because God's word of promise is central to the covenants he cuts, it is no surprise that the role of prophet is important in the covenant God makes with Israel. The prophets serve God and his people in history, while also pointing to Jesus Christ, the ultimate prophet

Genesis 22:1-19

God's eternal purpose to bring into being creatures in his image to share his glory is made a reality in time and space through the promises made and kept by the Trinity. These promises were not casual comments easily carried out, but were carefully thought out commitments kept at immense personal cost. They are covenants made in blood.

Luke 4:1-15

In the account of Jesus' temptation, we can discern him as the Second Adam, the One who will conquer temptation as the First Adam did not. Not only does this episode reveal Jesus as righteous redeemer, but it also provides us with a pattern for resisting temptation ourselves.

Isaiah 42:1-9

All the historical covenants instituted by God are progressive manifestations of the eternal covenant of redemption. These historical, or earthly covenants, begin at creation with a covenant made with the human race as a whole, but they narrow in scope as we approach God’s revelation of himself and his redemptive work in Jesus Christ, which is the fullest and final revelation of God’s covenant of redemption. Isaiah 42 provides us with a prophetic view of Christ as the fulfillment of God's covenant promises

John 18:33-19:16a

In his words to Pilate, Jesus provides us with clear teaching on the nature of his kingdom and the place of human government under the sovereign rule of God. It is important that we understand what it means for Jesus to be king and the implications of his kingship for our thinking about the earthly governments under which we live.

Psalm 98

On this Lord's Day, our church began using a tracker organ newly installed in our meetinghouse, so it seemed appropriate to consider Psalm 98 for its teaching on worship. (Our former organ, an electronic instrument, was in need of such extensive repairs that we decided to replace it with an older tracker (mechanical action) organ that we purchased used.)

Hebrews 10:11-25

This is the fourth in a series of sermons on the biblical concept of covenant. The first three sermons aimed at learning what the Bible teaches concerning God's sovereignty in the covenants he makes, the agreement of the Trinity in the covenant of redemption, and God's purpose of calling into being a covenant people for himself. This sermon considers a passage that helps us to understand what God's covenant of redemption means for his covenant people.

First Peter 2:1-12

In the two preceding sermons, we considered the sovereignty of God in his making of covenants and the covenant of redemption that he made as the Triune God in eternity. This sermon focuses on the fruit of that covenant of redemption: the creation of a covenant people for himself.

Acts 2:22-36

The covenant of redemption, while not specifically named in Scripture, is clearly evident throughout the Bible by implication. This covenant, entered into by the Triune God in eternity is, in fact, foundational to all the covenants God makes with his creation.

Genesis 9:8-17

This Genesis text serves as an excellent introduction to the biblical concept of covenant that is central to an understanding of God's redemptive plan that unfolds in human history.

First Peter 1:3-5

Peter opens this letter with a wonderful declaration of praise which at the same time provides us with a marvelous statement of God's mercy toward his people that has moved him to accomplish our salvation.

Romans 16:21-27

The Epistle to the Romans closes with a magnificent doxology. It is most appropriate that this wonderful exposition of the gospel ends with praise!

Romans 16:17-20

Paul, usually thought of as a theologian par excellence, had a pastor's heart, and we see in his letters his concern for the Church, and specifically for the local churches to which he writes. That certainly applies to this heartfelt passage from Romans.

Romans 16:1-16

This recounting of greetings, typical of letters of Paul's day, is unique in revealing to us insights into the composition of the Church of that day and also insights into Paul's own heart. These in turn provide us today with teaching that helps us to think rightly about the Church.

Exodus 11:4-8; 12:1-13

Abel stepped in to give me one more Sunday out of the pulpit following my knee replacement surgery. Since this was a Communion Sunday, his message reminded us of the Passover background to the Lord's Supper, and how the gospel is presented to us in this Sacrament.