A New "Riddleblog" on the Way!

When I started blogging back in November of 2005, I established the Riddleblog on Squarespace.  Squarespace has updated its software several times, but eventually introduced an entirely new version (7.0), which left those of us still using version 5.0 hopelessly behind. 

Since I am retiring from my pastoral duties at Christ Reformed Church at year end, this is a good time to move to the most recent version of Squarespace.  This requires virtually a new blog created from scratch.  I am far along in this process.  It will work much better than the current Riddleblog with smartphones and tablets.

So, here's the plan.

1).  When I make the move to the new blog (in the next several months), I'll direct you to the new site with a new domain name.  This means you will have to update your links to access the new content.

2).  But I will maintain the current Riddleblog until I am able to move all the content over to the new blog.  Over the course of 15 years, I've accumulated much material and many resources, and far too many broken links.  There is much to move and update.  It will take me some time to accomplish this.  So the current Riddleblog will be around for a while.

3).  I will update my social media accounts at the same time I make the move.  My Facebook page (the Riddleblog) will remain, but I will add a Riddleblog Twitter account along with a personal Instagram page.  I have two grandchildren on the way and, of course, will want to show them off.

I also have plans for a totally new venture, but I will wait to spill the beans on that later--stay tuned.

This Week at Christ Reformed Church (November 2-8)

Sunday, November 8:  Worship services will be held in the sanctuary at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.  The first service will be live-streamed.  As we continue our series on the Book of Romans, we take up Paul's discussion of Jesus as the stone of stumbling (in Romans 9:25-10:3). 

Catechism Service:  Our Catechism Service is @ 1:15 p.m., in the sanctuary.  Rev. Lenzner will be teaching.

Wednesday, November 4 @ 7:30 p.m.  In our "Reading the Bible with Paul" series, we come to 1 Corinthians 10:1-11, and Paul's discussion of Israel's example.

Reservations are required each week so that we may prepare the sanctuary and maintain social-distancing.  To RSVP, go the Christ Reformed Church website (http://www.christreformed.org/) and follow the instructions for making a reservation.

Attendance at each service will be limited due to social distancing requirements.  Masks are required for all attendees.  If you have any Covid-19 like symptoms, or feel ill, please remain home and watch the live stream.

"Is There Injustice on God's Part?" -- Romans 9:6-24

Here's the audio from this morning's sermon on the Book of Romans.

Video:  "Is There Injustice on God's Part?" -- Romans 9:6-24

Audio:  "Is There Injustice on God's Part?" -- Romans 9:6-24

Christ Reformed's Twenty-Fifth Anniversary -- Some Thoughts

The Christ Reformed family celebrated our twenty-fifth anniversary this past Lord's Day (which was also Reformation Sunday).  Mike Horton joined us for the big occasion--he co-founded Christ Reformed with me in 1995, and did most of the preaching for the first year of our existence until he began his post-doctoral work at Yale.  You can find a brief history of Christ Reformed and some pictures here (Christ Reformed Beginnings, More Blasts from the Past).

Like any other church, we've seen our fair share of ups and downs, tragedies and death, and gut wrenching decisions.  But at the end of twenty-five years (and especially since I am two months short of my retirement), looking back, I am so very thankful that God has brought our congregation so many wonderful blessings.  I cannot even begin to list them all, nor will I try.  To paraphrase John 21:25, "not all the council and consistory minutes in the world could record the wonderful and amazing things God has done in our midst."

Our church family has witnessed scores of baptisms (infant and adult converts), conversions, and professions of faith from our covenant children and adults.  We have seen several dozen weddings, far fewer funerals (thankfully), and I am now baptizing the children of those whom I baptized when they were children, then witnessed their professions of faith, then conducted their weddings, and now I see them presenting their own children for baptism.  Wow, what a blessing.  We have been privileged to witness God's kingdom active in our midst!

Some pastors have described theirs as a lonely calling, filled with long hours, tears, heartbreak, and hardship.  I've experienced some of that (especially the long hours), but I have been spared from much.  I've also made many dear friends (of the deep and abiding kind), I've served with so many faithful co-laborers (fellow ministers and elders), and Christ Reformed has so many members who have used their spiritual gifts in the service of others, who have supported Christ Reformed financially, and with their sweat equity.  And then there are the greatest among us--those who have prayed for and served one another with genuine Christian love and sacrifice.

So, at the end of twenty-five years, I stand in awe at the mercies of God and my heart is full.  I look forward to witnessing and enjoying God's future blessings upon Christ Reformed Church because God is faithful to his people.

Reading the Bible with Paul: How Paul Interprets the Old Testament -- Galatians 4:21-31 (3) (4)

Here's the audio from the last two Wednesday night Bible Studies:

October 21:  "Reading the Bible with Paul" -- Galatians 4:21-31 (3)

October 28:  "Reading the Bible with Paul" -- Galatians 4:21-31 (4)

This Week at Christ Reformed Church (October 26-November 1)

Sunday, November 1:  Worship services will be held in the sanctuary at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.  The first service will be live-streamed.  We return to our series on the Book of Romans.  We will tackle Paul's discussion of Jacob and Esau from Romans 9:6-24. 

Catechism Service:  Our Catechism Service is @ 1:15 p.m., in the sanctuary.  Rev. Lenzner will be teaching.

Wednesday, October 28 @ 7:30 p.m.  Our series is entitled "Reading the Bible with Paul."  We will wrap up our look at Galatians 4:21-31.

Reservations are required each week so that we may prepare the sanctuary and maintain social-distancing.  To RSVP, go the Christ Reformed Church website (http://www.christreformed.org/) and follow the instructions for making a reservation.

Attendance at each service will be limited due to social distancing requirements.  Masks are required for all attendees.  If you have any Covid-19 like symptoms, or feel ill, please remain home and watch the live stream.

"With You There Is Forgiveness" -- Psalm 130

Here's the audio from this morning's sermon from Psalm 130, on the occasion of Reformation Sunday and C-Ref's 25th Anniversary.

Video:  "With You There is Forgiveness" -- Psalm 130

Audio:  "With You There Is Forgiveness" -- Psalm 130

This Week at Christ Reformed Church (October 19-25). Our 25th Anniversary and Reformation Sunday!

(The picture above is from our first Sunday in the Anaheim SDA, 22 years ago)

Sunday, October 25:  Worship services will be held in the sanctuary at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.  The first service will be live-streamed.  On Reformation Sunday, we turn to Psalm 130 to discuss Solo Christus.

Catechism Service:  Our Catechism service resumes @ 1:15 p.m., in the sanctuary.  Rev. Lenzner will be teaching.

Wednesday, October 21 @ 7:30 p.m.  Our series is entitled "Reading the Bible with Paul."  We are continuing to consider Galatians 4:21-31.

Reservations are required each week so that we may prepare the sanctuary and maintain social-distancing.  To RSVP, go the Christ Reformed Church website (http://www.christreformed.org/) and follow the instructions for making a reservation.

Attendance at each service will be limited due to social distancing requirements.  Masks are required for all attendees.  If you have any Covid-19 like symptoms, or feel ill, please remain home and watch the live stream.

"It Is Not as Though the Word of God Has Failed" -- Romans 9:1-6

Here are the audio and video links from this morning's service, my sermon on Paul's anguish over Israel's unbelief

Video:  "It Is Not as Though the Word of God Has Failed" -- Romans 9:1-6 

Audio:  "It Is Not as Though the Word of God has Failed" -- Romans 9:1-6

Reading the Bible with Paul: How Paul Interprets the Old Testament -- Galatians 4:21-31 (2)

Here's the audio from the Wednesday Night Bible Study:  Reading the Bible with Paul: Galatians 4:21-31