Grace Protestant Reformed Church

The sermon centers on the profound theological question of why human nature is so deeply corrupted, tracing this depravity not to God's creation but to the fall of Adam and Eve, as revealed in Genesis 3 and affirmed in the Heidelberg Catechism. It argues that God created humanity in perfect righteousness, holiness, and true knowledge—after His image—yet the disobedience of our first parents, instigated by Satan's temptation to doubt God's Word, resulted in the fall. This event, far from being God's fault, reveals the tragic reality that sin originates in human pride and rebellion. The preacher emphasizes that rejecting the biblical doctrines of creation and the fall undermines the very foundation of Christian faith, leading people to blame society, parents, or culture rather than acknowledging personal responsibility. Ultimately, the spiritual profit lies in recognizing that our sinfulness is our own, which drives us to Christ for both pardon and power, transforming our lives from blame-shifting to humble dependence on God. Heidelberg Catechism Lord's Day 3: Q&A 6, 7 1. Vehement Denial 2. Scriptural Answer 3. Spiritual Profit

The sermon centers on Stephen's 'irresistible word' in Acts 6:10, highlighting how his speech—marked by divine wisdom and spiritual power—could not be opposed. Drawing from the historical context of Stephen's ministry as a deacon and miracle-worker, the preacher emphasizes that his defense in Acts 7, rooted in Old Testament history and Christ-centered truth, was effective because it was empowered by the Holy Spirit. Theologically, this reflects the enduring reality that Christ continues His work through believers, as seen in the book of Acts, where the Spirit equips the faithful to proclaim the gospel with authority. The sermon applies this truth to all believers, urging them to be confident, unapologetic, and bold in defending the faith, knowing that the truth of Christ, when spoken in Spirit and truth, cannot ultimately be resisted. 1. The Occasion 2. The Meaning 3. The Application

The sermon centers on Romans 9, exploring the sovereign and particular nature of God's covenant promises. It affirms that salvation is not determined by lineage, upbringing, or covenantal sign, but by God's sovereign election—'the children of the promise'—as seen in Isaac over Ishmael and Jacob over Esau. The preacher emphasizes that God's justice is not compromised by His election, and calls the congregation to humility, diligent prayer, and faithful witness, rejecting both conditional covenant views and hyper-Calvinistic passivity. The practical implications include recognizing that not all baptized children are saved, avoiding pride in one's own faith, guarding against the 'carnal seed' in the church, and fervently praying for the salvation of one's children. 1. To Whom? (Particular Promises) 2. Why? (Gracious Election) 3. So What? (Important Implications)

Nehemiah 5 presents a profound crisis of faith and justice within God's people, as economic exploitation threaten to tear apart the community rebuilding Jerusalem's walls. The sermon highlights how the poor, burdened by famine, debt, and oppressive taxes, are being exploited by their own wealthy brethren through usury and the enslavement of their children—violating God's law, forgetting their redemptive history, and failing to love their neighbors as themselves. In response, Nehemiah confronts the leaders with righteous anger, calls for public repentance, demands full restitution, and uses a solemn oath to enforce accountability, restoring both justice and unity. The passage culminates in a powerful example of leadership rooted in the fear of God, as Nehemiah himself refuses to exploit his position, modeling selfless service and sacrificial love that mirrors Christ's own humility. Ultimately, the sermon challenges the congregation to examine their own hearts: where is the fear of the Lord in their lives, and how are they loving their neighbors as themselves? 1. The Problem 2. The Response 3. The Example

Romans 7:7 Heidelberg Catechism Lord's Day 2 The sermon centers on the essential role of God's law in revealing human misery as the necessary foundation for genuine gospel comfort, drawing from Isaiah 58 and Romans 3 and 7 to show that the law exposes not only outward sins but the inward corruption of the heart—our natural propensity to hate God and neighbor. It emphasizes that true comfort in Christ cannot be experienced without first acknowledging one's deep spiritual condition through the law's penetrating measure, which functions like a multi-tool, diagnosing every dimension of sin, both in action and in disposition. The preacher warns against two extremes: neglecting the law's convicting work, and reducing Christian life to perpetual guilt without grace, both of which undermine the gospel's fullness. Instead, the law's purpose is to drive people to Christ, where the Spirit renews the heart, enabling authentic gratitude and love, making the Christian life one of humble dependence, mercy, and continual repentance. This process—knowing sin, receiving deliverance, and living in thankfulness—is the three-legged stool of true Christian comfort, and it must be maintained daily through the law's faithful, trumpet-like proclamation. 1. Necessary to Measure 2. Difficult to Learn 3. Profitable Results

The sermon emphasizes that true religion is demonstrated not through mere knowledge or belief, but through practical action rooted in faith. It highlights the importance of visiting the fatherless and widows, and keeping oneself unspotted from the world as tangible expressions of love for both God and neighbor. The message cautions against self-deception and underscores that genuine faith inevitably leads to a life of service and separation from worldly influences, ultimately revealing a life of covenant fellowship with God. 1. What It Is 2. Why It Is 3. How It Is

Heidelberg Catechism Lord's Day 1 The sermon emphasizes the importance of comprehensive and faithful preaching, drawing from Acts 20 and Heidelberg Catechism Lord's Day 1 to underscore the responsibility of ministers to declare the entirety of God's counsel without reservation. It highlights the value of systematic instruction, rooted in Scripture, to provide comfort and assurance to believers, emphasizing the church's heritage of confessing faith and the ongoing need for elders to oversee the flock and ensure the faithful proclamation of the gospel, ultimately calling for a renewed commitment to understanding and applying the teachings of the Heidelberg Catechism as a vital expression of Christian faith. 1. The Meaning of It 2. The Objections to It 3. Our Calling with Respect to It

Romans 7:1-3 The sermon centers on Jesus' teaching regarding marriage, divorce, and remarriage, emphasizing the sanctity of the marital bond as a reflection of Christ's relationship with the church. Drawing from Matthew 19, Romans 7, and 1 Corinthians 7, the message defends a strict interpretation where divorce is permitted only in cases of fornication, and remarriage is forbidden while the original spouse lives, advocating for a disciplined adherence to this teaching as a precious treasure and a testament to God's grace, even when it demands personal sacrifice and challenges prevailing cultural norms. 1. Teaching It 2. Defending It 3. Receiving It

The sermon explores Jacob's journey toward confronting his brother Esau, highlighting the interplay of faith and fear within a flawed individual. Drawing from Genesis 32, it emphasizes God's provision and encouragement through the appearance of angelic hosts, reminding Jacob—and the listener—of divine promises and unwavering presence. The narrative underscores the importance of prayer and humble dependence on God amidst challenging circumstances, acknowledging the ongoing struggle between trust and human schemes, ultimately affirming that God's grace and faithfulness remain constant, even in the face of adversity and uncertainty. 1. Strong Encouragement 2. Pleading Cries 3. Continued Struggle

The sermon explores a miraculous healing, highlighting the sovereignty and personal touch of the divine through a man born blind. It emphasizes that suffering is not always a punishment for sin but can be a means by which God's work is manifested, and underscores the importance of faith and obedience in receiving grace. The narrative connects the healing to the symbolism of the Pool of Siloam, portraying Jesus as the "sent one" and the source of living water, ultimately calling listeners to believe in Christ, embrace transformation, and share the light of the world with others, recognizing that knowing Jesus inevitably leads to a changed life. 1. Anointed and Sent 2. Healed at Siloam 3. Coming Seeing

The sermon explores the significance of the Lord's Prayer, examining its presentation in both Matthew and Luke to highlight the importance of confident prayer. It emphasizes that while physical needs and spiritual struggles are real, true faith lies in trusting God's will and recognizing that unanswered prayers can ultimately serve His glory. Textual criticism is discussed to explain the differing versions of the prayer, ultimately reinforcing the belief that God preserves His Word and that prayer should conclude with a declaration of faith and a commitment to God's sovereignty, acknowledging that His kingdom, power, and glory are paramount. 1. The Father's Comforting Instruction 2. The Believer's Great Struggles 3. The Son's Blessed Doxology

The sermon explores the ongoing spiritual conflict between God and Satan, depicted through the imagery of a woman and a dragon in Revelation 12, emphasizing that the church faces relentless attacks but is ultimately protected by divine power. It identifies deception and persecution as the devil's primary methods, countered by the gospel's truth and the church's faithful adherence to God's commands. The message encourages believers to recognize the reality of this spiritual battle, find confidence in God's protection, and cultivate a loving commitment to the church as a place of spiritual nurture and safety, ultimately reminding the congregation that God's victory is assured. 1. The Dragon's Fury 2. The Church's Protection 3. The Lessons Learned

The sermon explores the nature of temptation and the Christian's responsibility to resist it, drawing heavily from Matthew 4 and the Heidelberg Catechism. It emphasizes that temptation is a deceptive tool employed by the devil to make sin appear appealing and obedience unappealing, highlighting the importance of constant vigilance and prayer to avoid falling prey to its influence. The message underscores God's sovereignty in allowing trials, not to punish, but to cultivate humility and dependence on His grace, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of sin's destructive power and a fervent plea for deliverance from both its guilt and its pervasive influence, ultimately seeking to live a Christ-like life. 1. Temptation and the Devil 2. Temptation and God 3. Temptation and Our Prayers

The sermon emphasizes the necessity of spiritual strength and vigilance in the face of a relentless spiritual battle against forces beyond the physical realm. Drawing from Ephesians 6, it underscores the importance of donning the "whole armor of God," particularly the shield of faith, to extinguish the "fiery darts" of the enemy. The message clarifies that faith is not merely intellectual assent but a living, active trust in God and Jesus Christ, enabling believers to discern truth, resist temptation, and persevere through adversity, ultimately leading to spiritual victory and protection. 1. What It Is 2. How It Functions 3. How It Is Taken Up

The sermon centers on the profound blessing of forgiveness, drawing from Psalm 32 and the Heidelberg Catechism's explanation of the Lord's Prayer. It emphasizes that true happiness and joy stem from recognizing one's status as a poor sinner with an unpayable debt, a debt ultimately satisfied by Christ's sacrifice. The message underscores the importance of both confessing sins and extending forgiveness to others, mirroring God's grace, and highlights that receiving forgiveness requires a firm resolution to forgive, ultimately leading to restored relationships and a deeper understanding of spiritual dependence on God's mercy. 1. For What We Ask 2. The Way We Receive It 3. Our Ability to Ask

The sermon emphasizes that love, or charity, is the most essential element in Christian life and ministry, surpassing even the use of spiritual gifts like prophecy or miraculous healing. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 13, it argues that without love, even the most impressive displays of spiritual ability are ultimately meaningless and profitless. The message highlights that true love, patterned after God's unconditional love demonstrated through Jesus Christ, seeks the welfare of others, is sacrificial, and is the foundation for genuine fellowship and edification within the church, calling believers to actively pursue and cultivate this love as the defining characteristic of their faith. 1. What Is Love 2. How Love Is Important 3. To What This Calls Us

The sermon emphasizes contentment as the key to navigating earthly concerns, particularly financial ones, and living in accordance with God's will. Drawing from 1 Timothy 6 and the Heidelberg Catechism, the message cautions against the pursuit of wealth, highlighting that true gain lies in godliness and a stable heart, regardless of outward circumstances. It encourages believers to pray for daily bread, understanding this to encompass all necessary provisions, and to flee the temptations of covetousness, overwork, and a desire for status, ultimately laying hold of eternal life through righteousness, faith, and love. 1. Contentment Felt 2. Contentment Lived 3. Contentment Prayed For

The sermon emphasizes the vital importance of faithfully passing down apostolic doctrine to subsequent generations, particularly through the training and commissioning of ministers. Drawing from 2 Timothy 2:2, it underscores the responsibility of the church and its leaders to identify, equip, and encourage men to embrace the demanding work of ministry, recognizing a critical shortage of qualified individuals. The message highlights the enduring nature of this task, connecting the present need to the historical continuity of the church and affirming the commitment to preserving and propagating the gospel for the salvation of others, while also urging the congregation to actively support the seminary and pray for the Lord to raise up faithful men. 1. The Command 2. The Purpose

The sermon emphasizes trusting God as the ultimate provider, urging listeners to lay up treasures in heaven rather than accumulating earthly possessions, as true security lies in divine care, not material wealth. Drawing from Matthew 6 and the Heidelberg Catechism, the message cautions against equating blessing with possessions and encourages a life of diligent work, generous giving, and freedom from worry, rooted in the understanding that God's sovereignty and grace are paramount, and that seeking first the kingdom of God will ensure all other needs are met. 1. An Attitude 2. A Life 3. A Carefulness

The sermon explores the transformative encounter between Jacob and God at Peniel, emphasizing the necessity of wrestling with divine sovereignty to achieve spiritual maturity. Drawing from Genesis 32 and Hosea 12, it highlights Jacob's initial reliance on his own strength and ingenuity, contrasted with the ultimate need for brokenness and dependence on God's grace. The narrative underscores that true blessing arises not from self-sufficiency, but from a desperate clinging to God's promises, a posture of faith that allows for divine shaping and ultimately leads to a deeper understanding of God's character and purpose, exemplified by the renaming of Jacob to Israel, signifying a life marked by striving with God and prevailing through unwavering faith. 1. The Match 2. The Victory 3. The Blessing