Archives for 2009

The Function of Law [Romans]

Rm 4.15

In this message we consider what it is the law does – it hems us in so we must turn to God. We are working on this proposition as the central idea of the message: The Law brings the individual to the crisis of conviction from which there is no way of escape except the grace of God.

The Biblical Concept of Sin (2) [Basic Theology]

In this lesson we conclude our look at the words used in the Bible for sin. From this we discuss a working definition of sin with a few additional comments worked in.

Facing the King of Heaven [Guest]

Rory Johnson

Dan 4

Our pastor’s son concludes his sermons for this summer with a biographical sermon on Nebuchadnezzar and his progress in knowing and submitting to God. All men must yield to the majesty and holiness of God. We should learn from Nebuchadnezzar’s humiliation if we would escape similar lessons ourselves.

The Works of Salvation [Romans]

Rm 4.14

Today we take a bit of digression from our exposition to consider a topic suggested by a footnote in William R. Newell’s commentary on Romans. Our verse says that if law-works were able to save, faith would be emptied of value and the promise of God ‘put out of work’. Newell comments that God hates works and calls on us to consider instead the work of Christ on our behalf.

Our message today compares the works men offer with the work Christ has done and yet will do. All that men offer … ritual, church attendance, offerings, good deeds to other men … compared to what Christ offers … incarnation, vicarious atonement, exaltation and post-resurrection ministry of intercession, redemption and more, and the yet future consummation of all things … which do you think is more effective at eternally redeeming souls?

The Biblical Concept of Sin (1) [Basic Theology]

In this session we turn from the doctrine of men to the doctrine of sin. We begin with a look at the biblical words used to describe sin. We covered the vocabulary of the Old Testament for sin and half of the New Testament vocabulary. The many words used to describe sin in the Bible give us a clear picture of what sort of corruption all men suffer under.

What Should You do with God’s Word?

Rory Johnson

Pr 3.1-12

Our pastor’s son preached a message on how to treat the Bible as more than a book of religious information. We need to remember the Word in our hearts, trust the Word in our daily lives and respond to the Word by living it out by acting on its precepts and commandments.

Not Through Law [Romans]

Rm 4.13-16

Paul continues his proof of justification by faith by showing how law completely empties faith of any meaning and promise of any usefulness. Even more than that, if the inheritance of the world (the fullness of the promise to Abraham) can be attained by law, no one can attain it because the law only works wrath against such as us. Thank God salvation is by faith, that it might be all of grace and a sure guarantee for any one who believes in our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Testimony of God’s Mercy
    Rory Johnson

1 Tim 1.12-17

Our pastor’s son, Rory, is home for a few weeks after spending the summer as an intern at a church in Kansas. He is preaching the afternoon messages the Sundays he is home.

In this message, Rory looks at the testimony of the apostle Paul who experienced God’s mercy to be put in the ministry and in fact to be saved at all. The conclusion of the matter is all glory to God for his saving mercy and grace. His testimony is our example.