(1Pe 1:1-3) That God’s mercy is great toward us is proven by the fact that He designed a backup plan to save us if messed up the original plan. 1.1. (1-2a) = According to Peter, God’s plan to save people like us (to “elect” “exiles” like us – people previously w/o God’s mercy – i.e. […]
God’s House
God’s house is identified with the church under the New Covenant. 1.1. (Isa 2:1-3) = Among other things, these verses tell us that in a time future to Isaiah (“the latter days”), there will again be a “house of the LORD (or God)”. What will make it distinct from the previous ones is that: 1) […]
The Church and Her Leadership
The government of the church is not a democracy (controlled by her members). Rather it is a theocracy (controlled by Jesus). Her mission and laws are therefore established by Jesus. However, the execution of His mission, interpretation and enforcement of His laws, He has entrusted to His elders. The elders serve as Jesus’ commanding officers […]
What You May Not Know About the Church and Its Members
The diversity that exists among the members of the church is a good thing. Church members are allowed to have big disagreements. Members cannot hold the rest of the church hostage by their choices. Every member is responsible to make every other member one of our closest friends. Note: This sermon was recorded during the […]
Understanding the Sacraments
Understanding the Sacraments 1. There are two sacraments prescribed by Christ for the New Covenant community (i.e. the church): baptism and the Lord’s Table (Mat 28:19; Luk 22:19-20). 2. Sacraments are covenant signs which carry supernatural significance in that God gives what the sign signifies when observed by His covenant communities (Bap […]
Navigating the Waters of Re-Baptism
Navigating The Waters Of Re-Baptism (Eph 4:4-6) In the 16 years of this church’s existence, I have performed far more re-baptisms than initial (or first-time) baptisms. And what we wb doing today (at the end of our service) is another example of this. All the individuals who wb receiving the sacrament of baptism have been […]
The Difference Between a Weak Christian and a False Christian
1. The Difference Between a Weak Christian and a False Christian The following and the essential elements for both becoming and continuing to be a Christian: 1.1. Submission to Christ as Lord before Savior. (Jud 1:5; 2Co10 w/ Heb 13:8; Mat 8:5-10) 1.2. Agreement to Christ’s marriage covenant. (Christ only saves through covenant) 1.2.1. All […]
Why You Want the Church to Possess Authority
Why You Want The Church To Possess Authority Many people today balk at the thought of the church possessing any spiritual authority[1]. This is particularly true among Evangelicals. A church that possesses any level of spiritual authority is, in their minds a dangerous idea. This historically though, was not always true. As a matter of […]
My Version of A Christmas Carol – The Final Act Part 1
For two weeks now, I have been sharing with you My version of A Christmas Carol and that is my intention again this morning; to continue my story (or your story as we shall see) as my gift to you this Christmas—a gift to get you thinking about what really matters. The differences between my […]
How Churches Fail In Their Response To Revealed Sin
Revealed sin (def.) = Sin that has become known to the elders or congregation by way of confession or other means. 1. By being afraid of the stigma associated with revealed sin (Job 31:33-34). 2. By forgetting this is the sign of a vibrant and valid ministry (Act 19:19-20; Mat 21:32; Joh 15:1-2; Rev 3:19; […]
Galatians 4 – Part 10
Galatians 4 – Part 9
Galatians 4 – Part 8
The Sin of Apostasy
The Church 101 – Part 3
The Church 101 – Part 2
7. (She is) the New Jerusalem/Re-constituted Israel and therefore the key to God answering our prayers, receiving His provision in this life and becoming recipients of the life to come. 8. (She is) how we love Christ and why we will be judged based on our loyalty to her. 9. (She is) the voice of […]
The Church 101 – Part 1
Welcome to Denver Reformed Church: We are not Evangelical. We are Biblical, Historical, Reformed.
1. Biblical, Historical, Reformed in our view of God and self: Sovereign Loving God + Happy Doulos. 2. Biblical, Historical, Reformed in our view of the Church: Christ’s Authority + Table
The Authority of God’s Pastor – Part 2
Titus 2:15-3:1 Though completely unbiblical, the popular position today in relation to this issue (the authority of the pastor) is that he has no authority. The combination of pastor and authority – it is believed, leads only to abuse (“Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely” – John Dalberg-Acton). As a result, the […]
The Covenant Community of the Church – Part 2
NOTE: This sermon was recorded during the annual church camping trip and as a result the audio quality is not quite as good as our normal quality.