"The Same Yesterday and Today and Forever" -- Hebrews 13:1-16

Here's the audio from this morning's sermon:

Click Here

Audio from Ken Samples' Academy Lecture (2/17/12)

Here's the audio from Ken Samples' latest academy lecture: “Are you a Renaissance Christian? – Intelligent Reading”

Click Here

This Week's White Horse Inn

Salt & Light

What does Jesus mean when he tells his disciples that they are the “salt of the earth,” and “the light of the world”? And what are the implications of this for our lives today? Does this text justify the assertion that Christians should not primarily attempt to preach to others, but rather should simply “be the gospel,” by living transformed lives of faithfulness and compassion in this generation? The hosts address these questions and more as they continue to unpack the Sermon on the Mount.

Click Here

Almost Makes Me Want to Be a Lutheran . . . Almost . . .

"The Rock Was Christ" -- 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

The Sixteenth in a Series of Sermons on 1 Corinthians

The issue facing many in the Corinthian congregation is a serious one.  Can we profess our faith in Christ, go to church on Sunday, but still part participate in pagan practices or ceremonies outside of church life?  How do we as Christians interact with pagan religions and pagan ceremonies?  What are we to learn from the account of Israel’s time in the wilderness, when YHWH was visibly present with his people, provided them with his word and means of grace, and yet the Israelites grumbled about God’s prohibition against their participation in pagan ceremonies?  In what way is Israel an example to us?

We now make our way into chapter 10–the heart of Paul’s discussion of idolatry.  Paul has already spoken of his great concern for the weak in this congregation, those people who cannot separate the eating of meat from idolatry, and who think that if they eat meat which has been used in a pagan sacrifice, they are somehow endorsing or participating in the same paganism they are striving to leave behind.  As we have seen, Paul has gone to great lengths to defend his apostolic office and to make clear that he practices what he preaches.  Paul has even voluntarily given up that to which he is entitled for the sake of the gospel.  It is Paul’s purpose to become all things to all men for the sake of the gospel, so by all means, some might come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.  

In typical Pauline fashion, Paul now introduces an illustration from redemptive history to bolster this point about the damage done when the people of God continue to engage in idolatrous practices–turning from the true and living God to worship and serve created things, all the while professing faith in Christ.  Throughout the Old Testament, Israel experienced countless blessings from God (including spiritual baptism, spiritual food and drink) only to have fallen into idolatry even when YHWH was visibly present among the people.  The result–that generation of Israelites stumbled badly and did not obtain the promised inheritance.  Countless Israelites died in the wilderness of the Sinai.  Against the backdrop of Israel’s own history, Paul’s point is crystal clear.  If, like Israel, the Corinthians continue to make peace with idolatry, they too may suffer the same fate and come under God’s judgment.

To read the rest of this sermon, Click Here

Basics of the Reformed Faith -- The Order of Salvation

Here's the next installment in my series on basic Reformed doctrine on the Westminster Seminary California blog:

Click Here

Smells Like . . . Victory

According to ESPN, the New York Yankees will be releasing two "official" fragrances later this month.  One for "him" and one for "her."  My wife will cringe on that prospect, thinking I've found her next birthday present.  Click Here

One reason I love the Yankees is their stress on tradition, and their ability to pull-off big events and team celebrations (the most recent being Jorge Posada's retirement).  Always first-rate.

But this time, they've stepped in it.  What is an "official" Yankees' fragrance?  Does it smell like money?  Like Thurman Munson's old locker?  Like a baseball glove?  Or even a combination of cigar smoke, beer, and hot dogs?--a beloved stadium smell long ingrained in my childhood memory.

Just when the Red Sox are falling apart, the Yanks are flush with cash, have a deep roster with lots of young pitching, they pull this.  The results will be predictable.  Even loyal fans like me think this is a bit over the top.

Even worse, it is only a matter of time before someone who knows and loves me, buys me a bottle, but replaces the content with some sort of hunting lure (like deer urine) or some smelly fish bait featured in a Larry the Cable Guy skit.  Please don't . . .

This Week at Christ Reformed Church (February 13-19)

Sunday Morning (2/19):  We are continuing our series on the Book of Hebrews and we will be covering Hebrews 13:1-16.  We are focusing this week upon the exhortations in the closing section of this letter.

Sunday Afternoon:  We are covering Lord's Day 32 of our catechism (Q & A 86-87) which deals with the place of good works.  Our afternoon service begins @ 1:15 p.m.

For previous sermons in this series, go here:  Sermons on Hebrews

Annual Congregational Meeting (2/19):  9:00 a.m., we will elect officers (elders and deacons) and discuss the state of the church.  Members are expected to attend.  Visitors are invited.

Wednesday Night Bible Study (2/15):  I am continuing my series on the sacraments, and this week we'll wrap up our discussion of John the Baptist.  Bible study begins at 7:00 p.m.

The Academy (2/17):  The lecture begins at 7:30 p.m. We are resuming our series on Michael Horton's theology text, The Christian Faith.  We'll be picking up where we left off last time, Chapter Two--The Character of Theology.

Ken Samples continues his new series this Friday, "Are You A Renaissance Christian?"  Ken's lecture begins at 7:30 p.m.

For more information and directions, check out the Christ Reformed website:  Christ Reformed Church

Audio from Ken Samples' Academy Lecture (2/10/12)

Here's the audio from Ken Samples' Friday night academy lecture, "Are you a Renaissance Christian?”

Click Here

“Jesus, the Mediator of a New Covenant” -- Hebrews 12:18-29

Here's the audio from Sunday's sermon:  Click Here