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Numbers 8:1-4 | Preoccupation
The golden lampstand in the Tabernacle symbolized the presence of God. Its light reflected the wonders of God, something worthy to be preoccupied with. The problem is, Christians are often preoccupied with the wrong things to their disappointment and frustration. In this sermon we discuss why God and His Christ are far more compelling than [...]…
Numbers 7 | More Blessing
The biblical pattern of blessing is this: God blesses His people, His people respond out of gratitude, which leads to more blessings. Of course we must be clear what blessing is. New Testament Lesson: Romans 12:1-2 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.moreblessing05-12-13.mp3…
Belgic Confession, article 35, part 2 | Fencing the Lord’s Table
The historic practice of most churches has been to “fence” the Lord’s Supper. That is, the minister must offer an invitation to partake of the Lord’s Supper only to those who are worthy. The worthy are those Christians, wretched sinners that they are, identified as belonging to true churches. All of this must be explained [...]…
Belgic Confession, article 35 | The Lord’s Supper
This sermon is about what the Lord’s Supper is. Surprisingly many people just think it’s a memorial. It’s actually much more than that. Scripture Lesson: Matthew 26:17-30 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.thelordssupper05-05-13.mp3…
Numbers 6:22-27 | Blessed
Many people today use the word “blessed.” Typically the word is used to describe something good that happens like the acquisition of a new shiny gadget. This is not really what the Bible is talking about when the word “blessed” is used. It has a far deeper meaning. New Testament Lesson: Galatians 3:7-14 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.blessed05-15-13.mp3…
Numbers 6 | The devoted life
Lot’s of Evangelicals today talk about being “sold out” to Jesus. They mean that true Christians need to be totally devoted to Jesus. But is that possible? Let’s see as we look at the Old Testament vow of the Nazarite. New Testament Lesson: Matthew 10:28-39 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.thedevotedlife04-28-13.mp3…
Belgic Confession, article 34 | Baptism
Baptism is a sign and seal of the washing away of sins by the blood and Spirit of Christ. It is also a means of grace that God uses to help you to grow in your faith throughout your life. Scripture Lesson: 1 Peter 3:18-22 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.baptism04-21-13.mp3 …
Belgic Confession, article 34 | Infant Baptism
There is a minority in Christendom that argues that infants should not be baptized. This is odd and not biblical considering that baptism is a sign of the covenant of grace, which replaces circumcision, the sign of the covenant of grace in the Old Testament. Infants and children of believers have ALWAYS been included in [...]…
Belgic Confession, article 33 | The Sacraments
The sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are undervalued in many Evangelical churches today. Most of these churches accord mere symbolic value to them. However, the Bible teaches that the sacraments are means of grace in which Christians are strengthened in their faith. In this sermon we cover how the sacraments are means of [...]…
Numbers 4:1-49 | What is most valuable
There are many things to prioritize in our busy lives. In our sin we tend to make the mundane things of life like our hand held devices more important than ultimate realities like God. According to Numbers chapter 4 Israel learned a powerful lesson about this sin – the sin of not according proper value [...]…
Belgic Confession, article 30 | Church Government
There must be true authority in the church for there to be proper order in the church. Scripture Lessons: Isaiah 9:6-7; Ephesians 1:20-23; 4:10-16; 5:22-32 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.churchgovernment03-24-13.mp3…
Belgic Confession, article 29 | The Marks of true churches
There are churches on just about every corner of most towns in America. Which ones are true and which are false? These are distinctions that all professing Christians must make. In this sermon we tell you how. Scripture Lesson: Exodus 4:18-31 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.marksofthechurch03-17-13.mp3…
Belgic Confession, Article 28 | The Communion of Saints
The “Communion of Saints” is the union all Christians share together with Jesus Christ. Because of this union there are wonderful benefits and obligations that apply to all Christians in the church. Yet this has been lost on many who approach the church as a place to consume religion. Scripture Lesson: Ephesians 4:1-6 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.communionofsaints02-24-13.mp3…
Leviticus 27 | Vows
If you’re like most Americans, you’ve made vows to others and/or to God but you have broken them. Read the Bible and you’ll see that you are in good company. This is one of the reasons God makes provisions for vow breakers in Leviticus chapter 27. From this passage you can hear the Gospel powerfully. [...]…
Leviticus 25 | Rest and Release
The Sabbath years and Jubilee years of rest and release point forward to Christ’s work of atonement on the cross, which grants release from sins now and final rest in the New Heavens and Earth. New Testament Lesson: Luke 4:14 – 21 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.restandrelease02-03-13.mp3…
Belgic Confession, Article 28 | The True Visible Church
What does the Belgic Confession mean that there is no salvation outside of the true visible church? This can be understood in the context of Christ’s teaching on the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Scripture Lesson: Matthew 16:13-19 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.truevisiblechurch02-10-13.mp3…
Leviticus 26 | Good works
People on the street believe that if they do enough good works, they will go to heaven. This is something they actually pick up from what the Bible teaches: good works are required to enter heaven. But what about faith in Christ alone aside from works to get into heaven? We must hear about what [...]…
Belgic Confession, article 26 | Christ’s Intercession
Roman Catholics and Evangelicals have their ideas about prayer: In general, their ideas have major errors. In this sermon we examine what the Bible actually says. Scripture Lesson: Hebrews 9 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.christsintercession01-13-13.mp3…
Belgic Confession, article 25 | How the Old Testament Law applies today
You cannot understand the Bible rightly unless you understand what a covenant is and what the different covenants of the Scriptures are. In this sermon we will examine what a biblical covenant is as well as what some of the major covenants are. Then we’ll be in a position to understand how the Old Testament [...]…
Advent Sermon 1 | Unexpected Fulfillment
God promises to help His struggling people by giving them what they truly need in Jesus Christ but it’s unexpected. Scripture Texts: Psalm 146; Isaiah 35; James 5:7-10; Matthew 11:2-11 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.unexpectedfulfillment12-16-12.mp3…
Belgic Confession, article 21 | The Satisfaction of Christ
In contrast to theological liberalism we believe this: A God with wrath brought man with sin into a kingdom with judgment through the ministrations of Christ with a cross. Scripture Lesson: Hebrews 9:1-14 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.satisfactionofchrist11-18-12.mp3…
Leviticus 16 | Day of Atonement
The sacrifices on the Day of Atonement are fulfilled by the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, which allows the people of God to draw near to God’s presence. New Testament Text: Hebrews 10:19-25 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.dayofatonement11-18-12.mp3…
Leviticus 11 | Holiness
The purpose of the food laws in the Old Testament was to remind Israel to be holy; that purpose is fulfilled today when believers live holy lives out of gratitude for the Gospel. New Testament Lesson: 1 Peter 1:13-25 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.holiness11-11-12.mp3…
Leviticus 3 | Thanksgiving and Grace
Believers should want to participate in the Lord’s Supper because it is a means of expressing thanksgiving for salvation and receiving the grace of Christ, which is foreshadowed by the Old Testament peace offering. New Testament Lesson: 1 Corinthians 11:23-34 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.thanksgivingandgrace10-14-12.mp3…
Belgic Confession, article 15 | Original Sin
The sole work of God to save man is preserved when you understand that the damning effects of the imputation of Adam’s sin was counteracted by the imputation of Christ’s righteousness through faith in Christ. Scripture Lesson: Romans 5:12-21 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.originalsin10-07-12.mp3 …
Belgic Confession, article 13 | Providence
The doctrine of providence, broadly speaking, refers to God’s control over the universe, over all the particulars of your life. The question is – in what way is God in control? Further, what does this doctrine mean as we think about the free actions of men? Scripture Lesson: Psalm 139 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.providence09-16-12.mp3…
Galatians 3:1-29 | Introduction to the Pentateuch
Biblical illiteracy seems to be at an all time high. And even if people know the Bible few can put it together in a coherent fashion. This sermon introduces the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible, which are essential to understand for a proper view of the entire Bible. Old Testament Lesson: Genesis [...]…
Belgic Confession 12 | Angels and Demons
Every Christian is necessarily engaged in a spiritual battle. What to do? In this sermon we discuss the problems with living in the last days and what Paul says to do. Scripture Lesson: Ephesians 6:10-20 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.angelsanddemons09–02-12.mp3…
Psalm 100 | Why Worship God
Even though the Scriptures state clearly that all people must worship God, most don’t want to. Psalm 100 provides compelling reasons why anyone would want to worship God. New Testament Text: John 10:1-21 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.whyworshipgod08-26-12.mp3…
2 Corinthians 12:11-13:14 | Restoration
No one likes church discipline. In fact, most churches today don’t even practice it though it is an explicit command in the Bible. Church discipline is needed because Christians will wander and Christ has chosen to bring them back through the means of the church caring for its own. Church discipline is all about the [...]…
2 Corinthians 12:1-10 | Word not Experience
In their distress and in their lack of faith, Christians are naturally drawn to extraordinary experiences for comfort but God calls Christians to embrace the difficulties of life and to rest in Christ through the Word preached. Old Testament Text: Genesis 2:4-25 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.wordnotexperience08-12-12.mp3…
Belgic Confession, article 10 | The Deity of the Son
In this sermon we cover the biblical evidence for the eternal deity of the Son of God. We’ll especially look at what “only begotten” means. Scripture Lesson: John 1:1-18 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.deityoftheson08-05-12.mp3…
Belgic Confession, article 9 | The Trinity, part 2
Continuing the series…in this sermon we treat more Scriptural texts for the Trinity and look at some of the Trinitarian heresies. Scripture Lesson: 1 Corinthians 8:4-6 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.thetrinitypart207-29-12.mp3…
Ephesians 1:3-14 | The Trinity, part 1
The Athanasian Creed, which most churches hold to, states that it is necessary to believe in the Trinity for salvation. Indeed, the Scriptures reveal this doctrine. In this sermon we begin to look at the biblical evidence for this doctrine. Scripture Lesson: Ephesians 1:3-14 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.thetrinitypart107-22-12.mp3…
2 Corinthians 8:1-15 | Generous Giving
People hate to hear biblical teaching on giving. Sometimes this attitude is present because churches have brow beat people about giving. Paul doesn’t do that – he compels the church to give out of gratitude for the Gospel. Old Testament Lesson: Exodus 16:13-30 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.generousgiving07-01-12.mp3…
2 Timothy 3:1-4:8 | About Holy Scripture
Lately, there have been Reformed and Presbyterian folk that have apostatized (fallen away from Christ). Part of the issue has been a wrong view of the Scriptures and how they are the source of authority in the church. In this sermon we begin to discuss what the nature of the Scriptures is and this serves [...]…
Psalm 19 | Belgic Confession, article 2, Of the Knowledge of God
Psalm 19 and the Belgic Confession, article 2 both explain that God has revealed Himself in two ways: in the creation and the Word of God. Scripture Lesson: Psalm 19 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.knowledgeofgod06-10-12.mp3…
2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1 | Separate Yourselves
Christians are to associate with non-Christians as they live in the world. But Christians are not to be of the world, which means that they must separate themselves from non-Christians when their behavior becomes idolatrous. Paul’s exhortations here include the implication that Christians may not decide to marry non-Christians. Old Testament Texts: Ezekiel 20:40-44; 37:26-28 [...]…
2 Corinthians 6:1-13 | Don’t receive God’s grace in vain
Christians live for Christ by listening and heeding the apostolic ministry of the church not receiving the grace of God in vain. Old Testament Text: Isaiah 49:1-13 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.graceinvain03-06-12.mp3…
2 Corinthians 5:16-21 | Christians Need the Gospel Too
Most churches today don’t preach the Gospel. They may tell you that you can accept Jesus into your heart but that is not the Gospel. The Gospel is the good news ABOUT Jesus Christ and His work. These churches typically think that Christians know the Gospel so they can move onto other things. Nonsense. Paul [...]…
Isaiah 45:1-8 | Introduction to the Belgic Confession
In this sermon we introduce the Belgic Confession of Faith and discuss three of God’s attributes: Oneness, simplicity and spirituality. Scripture Lesson: Isaiah 45:1-8 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.belgicintro05-20-12.mp3…
2 Corinthians 5:11-15 | Living for Christ
We naturally live for ourselves, which is sinful and miserable. Paul in this passage tells you how to stop this and live for Christ. Old Testament Lesson: Job 28:20-28 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.livingforchrist05-20-12.mp3…
2 Corinthians 5:1-10 | Final judgment for Christians
Most Christians are confused about faith and works in this life and how they have a bearing in the final judgment. If you are confused about faith and works and confused about the Gospel then there is no comfort now or on the Final Day. Old Testament Text: Daniel 7 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.judgmentforchristians05-13-12.mp3…
Deut. 6:4-9; Proverbs 1:1-7; Eph. 6:1-4
According to the latest research with respect to what youth believe across denominations, if parents don’t catechize their kids then the kids will hold to a belief system called “Moralistic Therapeutic Deism.” If you don’t think that sounds good, you’re right. This sermon will cover why parents MUST catechize their kids and how. Scripture Lesson: [...]…
Acts 2:38-39 | Covenant Kids
This sermon treats the subject of how we should consider our infants and very young children before they actually profess faith in Christ. Hint: we don’t treat them like the Baptists treat their infants and very young children before they profess faith in Christ. This has everything to do with understanding the Covenant of Grace. [...]…
2 Corinthians 5:1-10 | Proper Desire
Because they are saved from their sins, true Christians desire to be in heaven with God in their resurrected bodies and strive to please God until that happens. Old Testament Text: Psalm 62 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.properdesire05-06-12.mp3…
Ephesians 5:15-6:9 | Raising Christian kids
The statistics on how well our kids will turn out as Christians are grim. One statistic states that three out four of our youth will ditch the faith at some point – three out of four! What do we do? Paul has plenty to say on this. Scripture Lesson: Ephesians 5:15-6:9 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.raisingkids04-29-12.mp3 …
Genesis 2:18-25 | Marriage part 2
Sex. Our culture is dripping with it. But the culture, in general, is stupid about sex. In this sermon we set things right. But you’ll be surprised by what the Bible actually says about sex. Really. Scripture Lesson: Genesis 2:18-25 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.marriage04-22-12.mp3…
Genesis 2:18-25 | Marriage, part 1
Genesis 2:18-25 records the first marriage between the first man and woman. Many overlook the significance of this first marriage. In this sermon we examine the significance of marriage. Once this is understood you will be more committed to your own marriage. Scripture Lesson: Genesis 2:18-25 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.marriagepart04-15-12.mp3…
1 Corinthians 15:12-19 | Why was Christ raised?
Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:17 that “if Christ has not been raised, your faith if futile and you are still in your sins.” What is Paul saying? He seems to be saying that Christ’s crucifixion by itself was not sufficient to take away sins. How does Christ’s resurrection relate to the atonement? In this [...]…
Matthew 28:1-15 | The resurrection changes everything
There are two wildly different reactions to the resurrection of Christ in Matthew’s Gospel. When one group rejects Christ and the significance of His resurrection they prove that they have put all stock in this life. When the other group receives Christ and His resurrection they prove that the Word of God has changed their [...]…
Romans 12:1-2 | Introduction to Marriage and Family
Christians basically know how to have a good marriage and how to raise Christian children. But many Christians don’t have a good marriage and don’t raise their children as Christians. What’s the problem? It’s not really a lack of knowledge. It’s that Christians, by nature, hate God and their neighbor and therefore don’t want to [...]…
2 Corinthians 3:1-18 | From glory to glory
Christians, even though redeemed, still struggle with being hardened toward God; it is only the ministry of Christ and His Spirit, which can soften the heart toward God. Old Testament Lesson: Exodus 34:29-35 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.fromglorytoglory01-04-12.mp3…
2 Corinthians 1:12-2:17 | Gospel Suffering
The church’s ministry, contrary to popular opinion, is NOT characterized by power and glory but by weakness and suffering. But that doesn’t mean that church is boring or a downer; no, it means supreme comfort, joy and satisfaction. Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 55:6-11 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.gospelsuffering03-11-12.mp3…
2 Corinthians 1:3-11 | Comfort in Suffering
The American church is tepid, boring and flat because it doesn’t sacrifice for anything. The Evangelical mega-church realizes this and produces endless programs for stimulation, which just continues to make it irrelevant. Paul argues in this passage that as Christ suffered and received comfort, so did Paul suffer and received comfort and so does the [...]…
Canons of Dort, Head 5, articles 7,8 | God Preserves
Many Churches today emphasize what Christians must do. Christians, to be sure, have responsibilities but they never operate in a vacuum. This is especially true when Christians fall into heinous sins. Christians must repent and turn to God but that happens only when God works repentance in them. Scripture Lesson: Romans 8:26-30 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.godpreserves02-26-12.mp3…
2 Corinthians 1:1-2 | The Need for Churches
In this introduction to 2 Corinthians we’ll understand that true churches are needed to draw God’s people to Himself and to cause them to grow in their faith. Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 49:8-10 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.theneedforchurches02-26-12.mp3…
Canons of Dort, Heads 3 & 4, articles 14 & 15
Often, in evangelistic presentations today, the Gospel is presented as something you can choose to accept or reject. That is, the facts of the Gospel are presented as something for a person to weigh on their own and then, if they act on faith, they can accept it (or if they don’t act on faith, [...]…
Canons of Dort, heads 3 & 4, article 7 | Some Nations
Two questions: First, why is the Gospel exclusive to the nation of Israel before it is preached more broadly to all nations? Second, why does it seem that the Gospel only goes to some nations today and not all nations? In this sermon we will answer these two questions. Scripture Lesson: Ephesians 1:3-14 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.somenations12-11-11.mp3…
Isaiah 43:22 – 44:23 | God is better than idols
What do Christians think about most often? Is it God and His Word? No, it’s stuff, money, sex and power; in short, idols. Idolatry is far more dangerous than we could every imagine because it can mar the image of God in man. Only God can destroy the idols in your life and restore the [...]…
Canons of Dort, Head 2, articles 5-7 | Preach?
This sermon addresses the false charge that the Reformed doctrine of limited atonement means the church does not proclaim the Gospel to the world. Scripture Lesson: John 3:16-21 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.preach11-06-11.mp3…
Canons of Dort, Head 1, articles 17 & 18 | Infant Death
How do Christian parents handle the death of their infant? The Canons of Dort, summarizing the Scriptures, make it clear that parents “ought not to doubt the election and salvation of their children whom it pleases God to call out of this life in their infancy.” This sermon will also address how Christian parents should [...]…
Canons of Dort, Head 1:15-16 | Reprobation
The doctrine of Reprobation is the other side of the doctrine of election. Many misunderstand this doctrine but we examine it in light of Paul’s teaching in Romans chapter 9. Scripture Lesson: Romans 9:1-29 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.reprobation10-02-11.mp3…
Isaiah 25 | No More Death
The church responds correctly to God’s activity in history (including His promises) by praising Him and patiently enduring persecution and suffering. New Testament Lesson: Luke 14:12-33 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.nomoredeath10-02-11.mp3…
Canons of Dort, Head 1:12-14 | Assurance of election
Once people study the doctrine of election they may begin to doubt their own election. The Canons of Dort reveal what the Scriptures have to say about finding assurance of election. Scripture Lesson: John 10:22-30 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.assuranceofelection09-25-11.mp3…
Isaiah 22 | The need for leaders
Assurance of salvation and gratitude to live the Christian life comes through faith in Jesus Christ as God’s true sacrificial leader in the past and present leader through the ministry of the church. New Testament Lesson: Revelation 3:7 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.needforleaders09-18-11.mp3…
Matthew 28:16-20; Ephesians 4,5,6 | Why be catechized?
The Scriptures command that all Christians learn doctrine or what is taught in the Scriptures. The process of learning doctrine is called “catechesis.” This sermon includes an exposition of the commands to learn doctrine and what duties parents have to catechize their children. Scripture lessons: Matthew 28:16-20; Ephesians 4:11-16; 5:22, 25; 6:1-4 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.whybecatechized08-28-11.mp3…
Isaiah 6 | Holiness
Most people have a very low view of God. In fact, most people are bored by God. But Isaiah 6 reveals the holiness of God, which both terrifies and comforts. New Testament Lesson: Matthew 13:10-17 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.holiness08-28-11.mp3…
Genesis 49:29-50:26 | End of Suffering
God’s people face two major problems in this life: suffering and death, which are conquered when God delivers His people through Christ. Scripture Lesson: Genesis 49:29-50:26 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.endofsuffering08-21-11.mp3…
Isaiah 2:1-4:6 | Heaven not on earth
When you try to have heaven on earth you end up with hell on earth; the joy of heaven may be experienced now only in part through Christ, the full joy of heaven must wait until the final end. New Testament Lesson: Revelation 21:22-27 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.heavennotonearth08-21-11.mp3…
Isaiah 1:1-31: Judgment and Salvation
Christians will struggle with sin over and over again until they die but peace, rest and comfort and sanctification will result from the Gospel of Jesus Christ. New Testament Text: 1 John 1:5 – 2:2 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.judgmentandsalvation08-14-11.mp3…
Genesis 45:16-46:34 | Joseph is alive
The word about Joseph being alive and the promises of God compel Jacob (Israel), with his family, to go down into Egypt so that their lives will be preserved. Scripture Lesson: Genesis 45:16-46:34 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.josephisalive06-26-11.mp3…
James 5:7-11 | Hurry Up And Wait!
One unassailable truth, Jesus Christ will certainly return in glory, calls for a particular kind of Christian living, a life of urgent waiting for Jesus. By establishing our hearts in faith and shunning a life consumed with the trivial, James teaches that…
James 4:13-17 | Plans Disclose The Heart
Often, the mundane, ordinary, everyday things of life can tell an awful lot about what is in a Christian’s heart. James rebukes the practical atheism of believers who live each day as if God did not actually exist. http://media.urclearning.org/audio/JS_Ja…
James 4:11-12 | Don’t Act Like A Lawgiver
Sometimes Christians imagine that gossip is the sin of the sanctified. Maybe it is not “right” some reason, but its just a harmless little sin, and besides, Christians could be doing a lot worse things. It turns out that gossip is far from a trivial littl…
James 4:6-10 | God Is Opposed To The Proud
Below the surface of greed lurks the devil in the heart. Instead of pursuing exaltation through worldly arrogance which is demonic, James admonishes believers to cultivate an attitude of humility. http://media.urclearning.org/audio/JS_James_4_6-10.MP3…
James 4:1-5 | You Don’t Have Because You Don’t Ask
Forming a cozy relationship with the world leads to idolizing its wares. James explains that conflict is generated when selfish Christians place their idols above God and pursue instant gratification rather than patiently trusting in the Lord for dail pro…
James 3:13-18 | Wisdom From Above
Two kinds of wisdom shape human action: wisdom from above or wisdom from below. Earthly wisdom destroys relationships and leads to all kinds of evil, while heavenly wisdom holds relationships together and cultivates a righteous life. http://media.urclearn…
James 3:2-6 | The Very World Of Iniquity
They say that sometimes good things come in small packages, but James warns that if we don’t get a handle on our tongue, this small thing can easily be turned into an instrument of spiritual destruction. http://media.urclearning.org/audio/JS_James%203_2-6…
James 3:1 | So You Want To Teach?
Teaching and preaching sound doctrine is vital to the health of the church and the edification of the saints. To ensure that teaching and preaching fulfills its God ordained function, scripture sets high standards for anyone who aspires to teach or preach…
James 2:14-26 | Real Faith Works
This is a passage which has been much debated since the rise of the Protestant movement beginning the 16th century Reformation and has been recently revisited by contemporary evangelicals and sadly even some so-called confessionally Reformed types who thi…
James 1:19-21 | Profiting from the Word
It is easy to say all the right things about God’s word: it’s inspired, it’s inerrant, it’s fallible, and so on. What is harder, is to know how to both read and hear the word of God in such a way that it produces real spiritual fruit in our lives. In this…
James 1:16-18 | A Good Gift-Giving God
God doesn’t cause us to sin, He creates a new nature in us by sovereign grace so that we will be delivered from enslavement to sin. James points sinful excuse-makers and blame-shifters to the new birth as a token illustrating the immutable goodness of God…
James 1:9-11 | Beware of Being a Morning Glory Christian
Riches fade like wild flowers on a hot day, so James warns believers not to base their sense of self-worth or evaluate the Father’s love based upon such fleeting realities. Instead of focusing on our checkbook, James admonishes both rich and poor to look…
Genesis 35 | Worship at the altar
In this chapter Jacob fulfills his vow to return to the Promised Land. When he returns he builds an altar and worships Yawheh. There is much to learn about this action. Scripture Lesson: Genesis 35 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.worshipaltar04-10-1…
1 Corinthians 12:1-11 | Spiritual gifts
Paul instructs the church about spiritual gifts that should not divide them but unify them since they come from the one true God and are distributed for the good of the community. Old Testament Lesson: Joel 2:28-32 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.sp…
1 Corinthians 11:17-34 | The Lord’s Supper
Those in the church are to partake of the Lord’s Supper reverently as they recognize the spiritual presence of the true body and blood of Jesus Christ. Old Testament Lesson: Deuteronomy 16:1-8 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.thelordssupper03-2…
1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1 | Free to do what you want
Christians are free to do what they want as long as they can glorify God in the activity; the exception to this rule would be an activity that is carried out in the context of false religion. Old Testament Text: Psalm 24 http://media.urclearning.org/audio…
1 Corinthians 10:14-22 | You are what you worship
In order to flee idolatry, flee to Christ through faith as you participate in the body and the blood of Christ in the Lord’s Supper. http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.youarewhatyouworship03-06-11.mp3 Old Testament Lesson: Deuteronomy 32:1-14…
1 Corinthians 10:1-13 | God Preserves
Your evil desires threaten to pull you away from God; your only hope of not falling from faith is the faithfulness of God to preserve you. Old Testament Texts: Exodus 13:17-22; 14:21,22; 16:13-15; 17;1-7; 32;1-6; Numbers 25:1-9; 21: 4-9; 14:1-12 http://me…