Paul warns Christians not to be taken captive by a “Christian” message which doesn’t preach the fully Biblical Christ who is true God and a fully sufficient savior. http://media.urclearning.org/audio/JS_Col_2_8-23.mp3

Listen Now:

This list contains an extensive though not exhaustive representation of the range of the gifts that have been given to the church for its edification. Included in this summary are word gifts and action gifts, some of which are extraordinary and others ordinary. http://media.urclearning.org/audio/JS_1_Cor_12_28-31.mp3

Listen Now:

Paul compares the church to a living human body in order to underscore the necessity of diversity of gifts in the church. The purpose of the extended analogy is to reinforce the point that since gifts are like body parts, one is gift is not to be exalted above the other, since the parts of [...]

Listen Now:

To side with baby Jesus was to side with God, to reject Him was to reject God. No matter, as Jesus was divinely protected in order to this time obediently re-live the history of the nation of Israel and its prominent leaders and bring glory to the universe. Hosea 11 Matthew 2:13-23

Listen Now:

“King” Herod and the unbelieving Jewish rulers show us how and why people reject Christ. The mysterious eastern magi are surprisingly brought to Jesus as examples of His grace to us Gentiles, and of lives devoted to Him. Matthew 2: 1-12

Listen Now:

The sixth commandment requires not only that you must not kill but also that you must preserve life. Scripture Lesson: Genesis 8:20-9:17 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.sixthcommandment03-14-10.mp3

Listen Now:

Confidence and comfort in this life is found not in the world but in the very Word of Christ. Old Testament Text: Isaiah 13:1-13 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.confidence03-14-10.mp3

Listen Now:

To honor authority on earth is to honor God. Scripture Lesson: 1 Peter 2 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.fifthcommandment02-28-10.mp3

Listen Now:

Often, the filling of the Spirit is erroneously identified with the baptism of the Spirit. The consequence of this false identification is that believers are pressured into speaking in tongues to prove that they are Spirit-filled (since charismatics incorrectly think that the baptism of the Spirit is normally attested by speaking in tongues). In this [...]

Listen Now:

Baptism of the Holy Spirit is often incorrectly identified as a second spiritual blessing, authenticated by speaking tongues, which comes upon Christians who urgently seek it through prayer and moral preparation. This understanding is thoroughly unbiblical, and this sermon exposes some of the proponents of this position along with the errors in their argument, and [...]

Listen Now:

In order not to be misled by false teaching and apocalyptic signs in the last days, trust the God of time and history. Old Testament Lesson: Daniel 2:17-23 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.thelastdays02-28-10.mp3

Listen Now:

On the glorious occasion of the baptism of two children in our church, we considered the basic law-and-gospel meaning of baptism. Acts 2:36-39

Listen Now:

Jesus’ conception and birth was magnificent, unusual, miraculous, and extraordinary. It’s no wonder, since His birth is a destiny-of-the-universe-altering event. Isaiah 7:1-16; 8:1-10; 9:2, 6-7 Matthew 1:16-24

Listen Now:

Jesus’ temptation ordeal in the wilderness was His triumphant re-living of both Eve and Adam’s Garden of Eden failure, and the Israelites’ wilderness wandering failure. Jesus’ obedience here was His one summary act of obedience (Romans 5:18) by which He reversed the curse and earned righteousness for His elect. Matthew 4:1-11

Listen Now:

The motivating factor for attending church each Lord’s Day is the Gospel. Scripture Lessons: Exodus 20:8-11; Deuteronmy 5:12-15 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.forthcommandment02-21-10.mp3

Listen Now:

The people of God, during the Old Testament era and today, are always under the threat of bad leadership. The most dangerous form of leadership comes from those who are deceived – they are sincere but wrong. In fact, the New Testament argues that the great tribulation in the latter days (the time period from [...]

Listen Now:

This sermon treats the third commandment. Scripture Lesson: Exodus 3 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.godsname02-14-10.mp3

Listen Now:

Secularism is overcome by the truth of the resurrection. Old Testament Lesson: Psalm 110 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.materialeternal02-14-10.mp3

Listen Now:

Nine spiritual gifts, divided into two categories, action gifts and revelatory gifts, form Paul’s exposition of some of the extraordinary gifts designed to both confirm and communicate divine special revelation in the apostolic era. These gifts are called extraordinary since they were given to the church for a unique, brief, and temporary time during the [...]

Listen Now:

Let’s see what the Bible has to say about preaching. Sorry, Bible reading is not enough. Scripture Lesson: 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.preaching02-07-10.mp3

Listen Now:

As a member of the Kingdom of God Christ calls you to submit to the state as a member of the kingdom of man. But this is not an ultimate submission for sometimes you need to disobey the state. You must obey God rather than man. Old Testament Lesson: Daniel 4:34-37 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.submit02-07-10.mp3

Listen Now:

As a general overview of the kinds of spiritual gifts, Paul explains the Trinity supplies the spiritual gifts by means of a sovereign distribution. http://media.urclearning.org/audio/JS_1_Cor_12_4-6.mp3

Listen Now:

Liturgy simply means “service.” Liturgy used in the context of the church refers to the order and content of the worship service. A biblical liturgy helps the church to worsthip God rightly. Scripture Lesson: Isaiah 6:1-7 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.liturgy01-31-10.mp3

Listen Now:

The normal Christian life does not consist of new and exciting adventures around every bend but rather consists of constant repentance and faith. Old Testament Text: Isaiah 5:1-7 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.repentanceandfaith01-31-10.mp3

Listen Now:

Undoubtedly, what Christians most commonly associate with 1st Corinthians, is Paul’s lenghty discussion of spiritual gifts. This sermon kicks off our study through this significant portion of scripture. Our aim will be to cover the text and teach Reformed Christians how to think about the extraordinary spiritual gifts in order that they might know what [...]

Listen Now:

The Corinthian’s practice of the Lord’s Supper was so distorted that Paul says what they celebrated was not the Supper of the Lord (11:20). From the words of the institution of the Supper, Paul draws out three conclusions which are designed to correct the Corinthian distortions and which also serve as a guide for the [...]

Listen Now:

For the temporary age when the extraordinary revelatory gifts were poured out upon men and women alike, Paul commands women to cover their heads when praying or prophesying in the public assembly. However, once the extraordinary revelatory gifts passed away, so did the requirement for women to wear a head covering in public worship. The [...]

Listen Now:

This passage offers Pauline guidance on how Christians are to conduct themselves in the public square where faith and life intersect. http://media.urclearning.org/audio/JS_1_Cor_10_23-end.mp3

Listen Now:

Paul warns the Corinthians not to partake of meat sacrificed to idols, in an idols temple, because it involves a real communion with demons. http://media.urclearning.org/audio/JS_1_Cor_10_14-22.mp3

Listen Now:

Matthew uses the sacred Old Testament genealogical list to introduce the monumental event of Jesus, the Great and Universal King, being born into the world. [please note: I meant to say "squelch our enthusiasm" instead of "quench our enthusiasm" right near the beginning of the sermon]. 2 Samuel 7:11-16 Matthew 1:1-17 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/AMK_Matt_1_1-17.mp3

Listen Now:

This closing bookend of Book 1 of the Psalms connects clearly to Psalms 1 and 2. We must align ourselves with Jesus in His weakness, because the Lord restores, sustains, and blesses both Jesus and all who are found in Him. Psalm 41 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/AMK_PS_41.mp3

Listen Now:

All churches must make the necessary distinctions between elements, circumstances and forms – here’s why… Scripture Lesson: Acts 2:37-47 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.thebigthree01-17-10.mp3

Listen Now:

Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem is ironically triumphant, for Jesus comes in humility to suffer and die but His suffering and death will lead ulimately to triumph. Old Testament Text: Zechariah 9:1-17 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.triumphant01-17-10.mp3

Listen Now:

You may worship God only as He has commanded because worship, by definition, is an action performed according to His instruction. Scripture Lesson: Isaiah 66:1-4 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.regulativeprinciple01-10-10.mp3

Listen Now:

It is your calling to be lowly servants because Jesus Christ has been your lowly servant on the cross. Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 53 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.humbleservice01-10-10.mp3

Listen Now:

The second commandment requires that you worship God rightly and not according to human convention. Scripture Lesson: Exodus 32:1-14 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.rightworship01-03-10.mp3

Listen Now:

Your entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven is based not on who you are or what you have done but on God’s grace. Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 27:1-6 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.gracevswages01-03-10.mp3

Listen Now:

In this sermon we examine the first commandment in the context of the other 10 commnandments, see what it requires and see how it is fulfilled in Christ. Scripture Lesson: Isaiah 44:9-20 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.firstcommandment12-27-09.mp3

Listen Now:

Eternal life is received only by those who are poor in spirit. Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 65:17-25 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.richandpoor12-27-09.mp3

Listen Now:

It seems to many today that the story of Christmas is just a story. But John’s prolouge to his Gospel makes is very plain that Christ’s incarnation was very real. That historical event occured for the salvation of God’s elect. Old Testament Text: Exodus 34:1-9 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.storyandincarnation12-20-09.mp3

Listen Now:

This passage is not just about marriage and divorce. Underlying the discussion about marriage and divorce inititated by the Pharisees is something more sinister, which leads to the cross. Old Testament Text: Jeremiah 3:1-18 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.spiritualdivorce12-13-09.mp3

Listen Now:

Because you have been forgiven much you are able to forgive others who have sinned against you. Old Testament Text: Genesis 50:15-21 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.forgiveness12-06-09.mp3

Listen Now:

The ministry of church discipline demonstrates the way in which God loves you. Old Testament Text: Jer. 23:1-6 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.lovingdiscipline11-29-09.mp3

Listen Now:

The Heidelberg Catechism argues that a Christian is converted over the whole of his or her life. Of course this is something much different from what Evangelicals mean when they talk about conversion. Scripture Lesson: Ephesians 4:17-24 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.conversion11-29-09.mp3

Listen Now:

Why must Christians do good works? This Lord’s Day gives the answer. Scripture Lesson: Romans 12:1-2 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.gratitude11-22-09.mp3

Listen Now:

People use Jesus and His Kingdom to acheive their own goals and ideals but Jesus came exclusively to die for sinners. Old Testament Text: Deut. 32:1-43 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.whyjesuscame11-22-09.mp3

Listen Now:

The true visible church on earth has the authority to open and close the Kingdom of Heaven through preaching and discipline. Scripture Lesson: Matthew 16:13-20 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.whoissaved11-15-09.mp3

Listen Now:

Faith is strengthened as you understand that the Father brought heaven to earth for a moment to reveal that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Son of Man. Old Testament Lesson: Psalm 23 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.strengtheningfaith11-15-09.mp3

Listen Now:

The church is given the responsibilty and authority to fence the Lord’s Table. Scripture Lesson: 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.admissiontothetable11-08-09.mp3

Listen Now:

In order to follow Jesus you must accept the crucified Christ and die to yourself. Old Testament Text: Genesis 12:1-9 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.deathtoself11-08-09.mp3

Listen Now:

The is the second of three sermons on the Lord’s Supper. In this sermon we cover the historical views of the Lord’s Supper and look at Matthew 26. Scripture Lesson: Matthew 26:17-30 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.lordssupper211-01-09.mp3

Listen Now:

Most Evangelicals put an emphasis on their decision to “accept Jesus into their heart.” This emphasis includes the belief that they can give themselves assurance of their salvation. Essentially they believe that they broker their salvation. But Jesus argues in this passage that the church brokers salvation. Therefore, comfort of salvation and the assurance therefore, [...]

Listen Now:

Life experiences often teach valuable lessons. In David’s case, on the one hand, he learned that hiding sin from God led to physical and emotional pain, and a lack of spiritual joy, and on the other, he learned that confessing sin openly before God led to assurance of justification and true happiness. These life-lessons are [...]

Listen Now:

Paul cites a series of examples from the wilderness period in Israel’s history which serve negatively to warn saints to not gratify sinful lusts. He concludes his admonition in v13 with a note of encouragement for those who struggle with sin. http://media.urclearning.org/audio/JS_1_Cor_10_6-13.mp3

Listen Now:

As Paul turns back to his admonition about meat sacrificed to idols, he warns the Corinthians, from the history of Israel, that Christians ought not presume upon their baptism and participation in the means of grace if they don’t fight sin and persevere in faith. http://media.urclearning.org/audio/JS_1_Cor_10_1-11.mp3

Listen Now:

Participation in the Lord’s Supper causes Christian growth. Scripture Lesson: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; 1 Corinthians 10:16,17 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.lordssupper110-25-09.mp3

Listen Now:

The expansive love of Christ is seen in the context of human sin and misery. Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 49:1-6 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.theloveofchrist10-25-09.mp3

Listen Now:

In a day and age when everyone gets a participation ribbon, Paul reframes our thinking about competition and says there is only one aim: win! Using a couple of different athletic metaphors Paul describes the kind of perseverance, discipline, and aim that is required in order not fall short of final salvation. http://media.urclearning.org/audio/JS_1_Cor_9_24-27.mp3

Listen Now:

In this sermon we argue the unity of the Old and New Testaments. Both Testaments speak to the Covenant of Grace and their respective signs of this covenant. When we examine the theology of both the Old and New Testaments with respect to the signs of the Covenant we cannot and shall not deny infant [...]

Listen Now:

Your heart is bad, sick and wicked. That’s what the Bible says of all people – even Christians! The only way to have peace with God and the only way your heart will change is through Jesus Christ. That’s why His precious blood was shed for you. First God justifies you declaring you righteous and [...]

Listen Now:

Baptism signifies and seals the promise of being washed with the blood and Spirit of Jesus Christ. Scripture Lessons: 1 Peter 3:18-22, Romans 6:1-5 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.baptism10-04-09.mp3

Listen Now:

Many believe that the worse thing that can happen is for a person to lose his job, home, health and/or life. But there is something much worse that can happen. The story of Jesus walking on the water is about this and about how to avoid the worse thing. Old Testament Text: Job 9:1-10 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.whatisworse10-04-09.mp3

Listen Now:

In bringing the first section of this chapter to a conclusion, Paul explains why he does not exercise the liberty of taking a paycheck for his ministerial labors. The claim Paul advances is that his pay is preaching without compensation, so that no one will be able to remove his ground for boasting. It [...]

Listen Now:

People “get” preaching. They can listen to it and hear the Law convicting them of their sins and the Gospel proclaming eternal life in Christ. But many people don’t “get” the Sacraments. They seem so mysterious – and so they are – but the Heidelberg explains what the Scriptures do reveal about them. Scripture Lesson: 1 [...]

Listen Now:

Understanding the abundance of salvation in Christ will deepen your appreciation for it. Old Testament Lesson: Exodus 15:22-17:7 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.abundantprovisions09-27-09.mp3

Listen Now:

God rewards those who deny any merit to themselves for salvation and rather trust in the merit Jesus Christ. Scripture Lesson: Matthew 25:31-46 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.rewards09-20-09.mp3

Listen Now:

Because of the humble ministry of Jesus and John the Baptist you are saved from your sins and have received the Kingdom of Heaven with its call to humility. Old Testament Text: Isaiah 53 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.rejection09-20-09.mp3

Listen Now:

With two separate arguments, Paul defends the claim that he is entitled to financial compensation for ministerial labor. By establishing his right to be paid, Paul demonstrates that sometimes it is wise, and beneficial to others, to deny certain privileges to self in order to be a blessing to others. http://media.urclearning.org/audio/JS_1_Cor_9_4-14.mp3

Listen Now:

What if Christ were to catch you in a great and heinous sin when He returned? Even though you belong to a true church and have true faith do you believe you would still go to heaven? Your answer to this question will demonstrate whether you understand the doctrine of justification or not. Scripture Lesson: 2 [...]

Listen Now:

Understanding that the Kingdom of Heaven grows slowly over time in an imperceptible way and that there will be a final judgment of the wicked allows you to be patient and willing to give all to the Kingdom of Heaven. Old Testament Text: Psalm 78:1-4 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.growth09-13-09.mp3

Listen Now:

As we come to chapter 9, it might seem that Paul has temporarily dropped the topic of meat offered to idols. In reality, Paul has not drifted off topic, he is simply addressing the same general topic from a different angle. This text marks the beginning of Paul?s argument for sacrificing personal liberty for the [...]

Listen Now:

Paul admonishes the Corinthians to moderate the use of their liberty in Christ. “Strong” Christians must be aware that “weaker brothers,” on account of their past, are sometimes constrained by their conscience not to engage in certain actions which may be lawful. In such cases, the “strong” must refrain from actions which may embolden the [...]

Listen Now:

The Heidelberg Catechism in Lord’s Day 22 sums up the comfort you have in the face of death: your body will be raised to life. Scripture Lesson: 1 Corinthians 15:35-58 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.resurrectionandlife09-06-09.mp3

Listen Now:

All people have hard hearts and don’t want anything to do with God. But in the elect God has changed hearts of stone into hearts of flesh, which the Word of God penetrates. Old Testament Text: Isaiah 6:1-13 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.effectiveword09-06-09.mp3

Listen Now:

The church has fallen on hard times. The church is capitulating to the desires of people and failing in her mandate to do Word, Sacraments and Discipline. In this sermon we relook at the Great Commission, which is Christ’s mandate to make disciples through the Word, Sacraments and Discipline. Scripture Lesson: Matthew 28:16 – 20 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.thechurch08-30-09.mp3

Listen Now:

Jesus’ life, death and resurrection are more than sufficient evidence for you to follow Him out of gratitude for the Gospel. Old Testament Text: Jonah, 1,2 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.followingjesus08-30-09.mp3

Listen Now:

In chapters 8-10 Paul takes on the issue of meat offered to idols, which the Corinthians have asked him about, and which is causing a measure of spiritual harm to some in the church. At the outset of his instruction, Paul reminds them of great foundational Christian truths and admonishes them to live in [...]

Listen Now:

Paul addresses a Corinthian question about the advisability of marriage under current circumstances of distress. Paul responds with five principles, which he calls “his opinion,” to provide them some guidelines to help navigate the issue responsibly. http://media.urclearning.org/audio/JS_1_Cor_7_25-40.mp3

Listen Now:

Transitioning from the topic of marriage to the topic of vocation, Paul maintains the theme he has been pursuing from verse one. In this passage, Paul warns against hastily abandoning one vocation in hopes of finding another which is more spiritual. Instead, each Christian is to discern God’s call upon their life and serve God [...]

Listen Now:

The Holy Spirit comforts you by making you a partaker of Christ, teaching you and abiding with you forever. Scripture Lesson: John 14:1-31 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.comfortoftheholyspirit08-23-09.mp3

Listen Now:

In Christ you have assurance that you will not commit sins that are beyond forgiveness. Old Testament Text: Psalm 135 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.unforgivablesins08-23-09.mp3

Listen Now:

Christ has ascended to heaven. Now what is the next step in His exaltation? It is His reign and future return. Scripture Lesson: Ephesians 4:1-16 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.reignofchrist08-16-09.mp3

Listen Now:

How do you know if God loves you? You know God loves you because He fulfilled your spiritual needs in Christ’s humble ministry on earth. Old Testament Text: Isaiah 42:1-9 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.theloveofgod08-16-09.mp3

Listen Now:

This sermon covers three points: First, what it means for Christ to ascend into heaven, second how the doctrine of the two natures of Christ relate to the ascension and third, what benefits you receive from Christ’s ascension into heaven. Scripture Lesson: Acts 1:1-11 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.ascensionofchrist08-09-09.mp3

Listen Now:

A misunderstanding of the Law leads to damnation; a proper understanding of the Law will lead to salvation in Christ. Old Testament Lesson: Hosea 6:4-7 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.legalism08-09-09.mp3

Listen Now:

Paul applies the Lord’s instruction to Christian married couples as well as addresses the problem of mixed marriages. Finally he concludes with one example of when it is lawful for a believer to divorce and remarry. http://media.urclearning.org/audio/JS_1_Cor_7_10-16.mp3

Listen Now:

As Paul begins to respond to questions the Corinthians posed to him, he addresses one of their slogans, ?it is better for a man not to touch a woman? which reflects their belief that celibacy is a more spiritually superior condition than marriage. Paul refutes that, arguing that marriage has been given by God to [...]

Listen Now:

The resurrection of Christ is evidence of your justification, the power of sanctification and the pledge of your glorification. Scripture Lesson: 1 Corinthians 15:1-28 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.resurrection08-02-09.mp3

Listen Now:

Belief in God’s decree and salvation will result in humility, rest in Christ and the willingness to follow Christ and His Law. Old Testament Lesson: Job 40:6-14 http://media.urclearning.org/audio/tm.restinchrist08-02-09.mp3

Listen Now:

Male sexual promiscuity was so prominent in Corinth that even some of the Corinthian believers viewed as similar to eating a meal to keep the body nourished. Paul explains the profound spiritual implications of sex and commands Christians to flee all sex outside of marriage. http://media.urclearning.org/audio/JS_1_Cor_6_12-20.mp3

Listen Now:

Brother was going against brother in Corinthian law courts and the result was the poor among the Corinthian Christians were left destitute. In response to this situation, Paul forbid all lawsuits between Christians brothers, commending a form of Christian mediation instead. http://media.urclearning.org/audio/JS_1_Cor_6_1-11.mp3

Listen Now:

Embedded in Paul?s clarification about associating with immoral people, is the missionary strategy employed by Jesus and his apostles. In order for the church to make a real impact for Christ, they must have personal contact with unbelievers. This message uses two concrete examples from the life of Christ, how the church must apply this [...]

Listen Now:

Church discipline is no mere option according to Paul. The danger of sin is that if it goes unchecked it will not only damage the straying sinner, it will also corrupt the whole church body. http://media.urclearning.org/audio/JS_1_Cor_5.mp3

Listen Now:

The center of Paul?s thought is found in v16 in his command to Christians to imitate his attitude and his way of life. In so doing, Christians will adorn a gospel humility and simultaneously cut down sinful pride. http://media.urclearning.org/audio/JS_1_Cor_4_6-21.mp3

Listen Now:

Paul explains that ministers are servants, not high profile personalities. Their duty is to serve the saints with the word, the mystery which is about Jesus Christ and him crucified. http://media.urclearning.org/audio/JS_1_Cor_4_1-5.mp3

Listen Now:

Paradox is sometimes used by crafty writers to challenge readers to deeper insights by placing apparently contradictory truths side by side. Paul uses paradox to communicate the duty of Christians to submit their thinking to scripture, rather than to intellectual fads. http://media.urclearning.org/audio/JS_1_Cor_3_18-23.mp3

Listen Now: