Christ Reformed Presbyterian Church-PCA

The empty tomb is one of the best attested historical facts from the ancient world. Matthew offers two reports to explain it. The narrative reveals to us the four possible responses we might have to the empty tomb.

This Palm Sunday we come to the question underlying the responses of Jesus' disciples to him as he approaches the cross.

If Timothy is to continue in what he has learned he must consume the Scriptures. Because the Scriptures are life transforming food, we too must eat this book. We will consider how to do this.

We return to this text and look at the role that life examples have for spiritual growth and maturity. This sermon has large implications both for parenting and for the entire congregation.

Timothy is the person that Paul is passing the torch of gospel ministry to as his death approaches. Paul urges Timothy to continue in his life purpose. There are two motivations given here to do that. We will explore the foundational one in this sermon.

Paul continues to give Timothy advice about how to respond to those who would harm God's church. He begins with a long list of the traits of people that are growing in the lives of people both inside and outside of the church. This is what Jesus said would happen, even though it is distressing- we should not be surprised. This is one of the indications that we live in the last days.

Everyone has both a physical diet and a spiritual one. Sometimes is it said, -You are what you eat.- This is true for both diets. This part of the letter underscores that the health of a church and each of us depends on a steady diet of the Word of Truth, the pattern of sound words where Christ and his gospel is proclaimed in public worship.

Paul writing from death row challenges his co-worker to endurance in following Christ and transmitting the gospel to the next generations. His words are both encouraging and sobering.

This is Paul's last letter written shortly before his execution. The theme of the letter is Guarding the Gospel, which is Paul's great burden as his ministry comes to an end. This book speaks to us at many levels as individuals, as a church, and especially in the handoff of the church to its next pastor.

Peter and the disciples, with partial sight, correctly confess that Jesus is the Christ. But they are partially blind, as they do not understand his mission. A Messiah who suffers and dies is a contradiction to Peter. Surprisingly, to follow Jesus is countercultural as we must be crucified too.

Peter relates to Mark how it is that his eyes were opened to see Jesus' identity. This portion of Mark brings us to the middle and the highpoint of understanding for the disciples.

This account is one of only three that does not appear in any of the other gospels. Why is it special- What does it mean for us- We will explore these questions and see its import for our lives.

Jesus heads into Gentile country and enters a house secretly. There is a woman who wants him to free her daughter from the power of Satan. From their conversation, we learn what it is about her faith that impresses Jesus.

Eight days after Jesus is born, the Law of Moses prescribed that a child be circumcised. Mary and Joseph go the temple and there they encounter two old people who have been waiting in hope for God to act. They show us what it is to hope as we live between the first and second comings of Christ Jesus.

Luke chronicles the very private visit of Mary to Elizabeth. Here we see the wonderful concern of God for Mary who is an unwed mother in a time and place where this was unacceptable. Also, we can learn how to find true and lasting joy.

We see the coming of God the Son in the person of Jesus brings a troubling dilemma into Joseph's life. Here we encounter both the tenderness of God and his plan to redeem us as he works out his purposes in Joseph's life and our own as well.

The angel Gabriel is sent to two godly Israelites with the news of God opening a new chapter of activity. Their stories which introduce the backstory of the Incarnation of the Son of God enable us to see how we can enter into the Advent season.

The Pharisees confront Jesus about the failure of his disciples to wash their hands before eating as the traditions of the elders require. This is not about hygiene but something fundamental in relating to the holy transcendent God of scripture. This leads to Jesus challenging their understanding of the source of human impurity and the way that their traditions obscure the intent of the law of God.