Core Seminars - Living as a Church - Class 11 - Giving & Service: Sacrifice for the Sake of Unity
CGC Church Service Livestream - Sunday School
CGC Church Service Livestream
Sunday School: Living as the Church
Take the Cross or Lose the Soul
CGC Church Service Livestream
Church Leadership: Submission for the Sake of Unity
God's Righteousness Revealed in the Gospel
The Stolen Inheritance: A Reformation Sunday Sermon
Discontentment within the Church: A Test of Unity
Class 6: Church Fellowship
CGC Church Sunday School Livestream
The House of Prayer For All Nations
CGC Church Service Livestream
Sunday School: Living as the Church
The Star of David and the Son of David
To Serve or Be Served?: That is the Question.
CGC Church Service Livestream
CGC Church Service Livestream
The Dividing Line: Heaven and Hell According to Jesus
Living as the Church and Gospel Partnership
Dwelling Upon the Prosperity of the Wicked: A Cautionary Tale
CGC Church Service Livestream
Bucket Theology: Redemption Applied
Doctrine of Redemption Applied
Bend Your Ear To Hear His Word
Doctrine of The Person and Work of Christ
Doctrine of man, sin, covenant
THE POWER OF AN INDESTRUCTIBLE LIFE
Hebrews 7
The Doctrine of Providence (continued)
Doctrine of Providence (continued)
When Feelings Don't Care About Facts
When Feelings Don't Care About Facts
Doctrine of God, Creation, and Providence
Doctrine of God, Creation, and Providence
WHO IS IN AND WHO IS OUT?
WHO IS IN AND WHO IS OUT?
Who is In and Who is Out?
Who is In and Who is Out?
Introduction; Doctrine of God and Creation
Introduction: Religion, Revelation, and Scripture
Introduction: Religion, Revelation, and Scripture
Fitting Feelings for Faithful Friends
Fitting Feelings for Faithful Friends
Come and Worship the Creator, King, and Judge
Come and Worship the Creator, King, and Judge
Elijah's Spiritual Depression and God's Sovereign Love
Elijah's Spiritual Depression and God's Sovereign Love
Dirty Hands. Clean Hearts.
Dirty Hands. Clean Hearts.
Jesus Against the Impossible
Jesus Against the Impossible
The First Great Commission?
Mental Health and the Church - The Christian
The First Great Commission?
Christ Dishonored in Society
Christ Dishonored in Society
Jesus Against Demonic Forces
Jesus Against Demonic Forces
The Maleficent Seven: Envy
The Maleficent Seven: Envy
Questions and answers with the elders
Questions and answers with the elders
Sunday School: Charles Simeon
Sunday School: Charles Simeon
Sunday School: Charles Simeon
Sunday School: Charles Simeon
Who Will Roll Away the Stone for Us?
Who Will Roll Away the Stone for Us?
The Goodness of Good Friday
The Goodness of Good Friday
The New Center of Gravity
A New Vision for Life: Loving & Serving, not Fearing & Needing
Work in Different Stages of Life
The New Center of Gravity
Work in Different Stages of Life
A New Vision for Life: Loving & Serving, not Fearing & Needing
The Bible's Answer to Self-esteem
The Bible's Answer to Self-esteem
Fear of Exposure, Rejection, Harm
Fear of Exposure, Rejection, Harm
Ethics: Case Studies for the Modern Workplace
Ethics: Case Studies for the Modern Workplace
Ethics: Case Studies for the Modern Workplace
Ethics: Case Studies for the Modern Workplace
Three Both–ands: Grace and Good Works
Three Both–ands: Grace and Good Works
Gender: Being Who You Are in the Workplace
The Disruptive Demands of Jesus
Gender: Being Who You Are in the Workplace
The Disruptive Demands of Jesus
Jesus' Advice for Times of Persecution
Jesus' Advice for Times of Persecution
Revival: Revival and its Deadly "ism"
Breakout Session: Local Witness
Breakout Session: Cross-Cultural Witness
Public Witness: Testifying to the Truth
Sending: Spreading the Gospel
Preaching: Heralding the Gospel
Revival: Revival and its Deadly "ism"
Preaching: Heralding the Gospel
Sending: Spreading the Gospel
Public Witness: Testifying to the Truth
Breakout Session: Local Witness
Breakout Session: Cross-Cultural Witness
Gospel: What is the Good News?
Conversion: The Necessary Change
Gospel: What is the Good News?
Conversion: The Necessary Change
Jesus' Work Changes Our Work
Behold and Be Still: The Presence of God and the Peace He Gives
Jesus' Work Changes Our Work
Behold and Be Still: The Presence of God and the Peace He Gives
A Biblical Theology of Work
A Biblical Theology of Work
Holy Courage for a New Year
Holy Courage for a New Year
The True Bread From Heaven
The True Bread From Heaven
Matthew 1:18-25, Christmas Eve Service, 2022
Matthew 1:18-25, Christmas Eve Service, 2022
Born in the Likeness of Men: 6 Stanzas of Salvation
Born in the Likeness of Men: 6 Stanzas of Salvation
Hope at the End of the Line
Hope at the End of the Line
A King for Those in Darkness and Distress
A King for Those in Darkness and Distress
The Two Kingdoms vs Transformationalism
Passing the Test: The Virgin Shall Conceive
Passing the Test: The Virgin Shall Conceive
The Two Kingdoms vs Transformationalism
Reformation Today: Evangelizing Roman Catholics
Reformation Today: Evangelizing Roman Catholics
Taking Every Thought Captive
Taking Every Thought Captive
Not of This World: The Kingdom of Christ and the Politics of Man
Not of This World: The Kingdom of Christ and the Politics of Man
Not of This World: The Kingdom of Christ and the Politics of Man
Not of This World: The Kingdom of Christ and the Politics of Man
The Joy of Reconciled Enemies
The Joy of Reconciled Enemies
The Joy of Reconciled Enemies
The Joy of Reconciled Enemies
The Maleficent Seven: Pride
Men's Breakfast Series: The Maleficent Seven
The Maleficent Seven: Pride
Men's Breakfast Series: The Maleficent Seven
The Devil in Chains and the Triumph of the Lamb
CGC Church Service Livestream
The Devil in Chains and the Triumph of the Lamb
CGC Church Service Livestream
Can't Jesus Be True For You, But Not For Me?
Expecting the Unexpected: Jesus' View of the End
Can't Jesus Be True For You, But Not For Me?
Expecting the Unexpected: Jesus' View of the End
Core Convictions for Apologetics and Evangelism
Core Convictions for Apologetics and Evangelism
Introduction to apologetics
The Weapons of Our Warfare
The Weapons of Our Warfare
Introduction to apologetics
Honouring the LORD from our Wealth
CGC Church Service Livestream
Honouring the LORD from our Wealth
CGC Church Service Livestream
The Unseeable God Made Known
The Unseeable God Made Known
Remembering Justification
The Greatest Prayer Ever Made (Part Two)
The Greatest Prayer Ever Made (Part One)
Do the Good and Silence the Bad
Father of Mercies and God of All Comfort
Good Root: How Jesus is the Source of Everything Good
Global Christianity - Russia
Global Christianity - Canada
Jesus Christ Is The Same Yesterday And Today And Forever
The Global History of the Church
Salvation Belongs to the Lord
Christian Responses to the Plague
Are You Better Than Them?
Ecclesiological Distinctives in the Early and Medieval Church
Comfort Of A Different Kind
The Last Adam: The Man of Heaven
The Last Adam and the Last Enemy
The Resilience of the Christian
The Resilience of the Christian Church
The Resilience of the Christian Home
The Fracturing of the Church
The Real Acts 29: Persecution and Christian Witness in the Negative Graeco-Roman World
The Importance of Church History for Doing Theology Today
Which House Builder are You?
The Character of God in the Coming of Christ
Biblical Theology - Abrahamic and Mosaic Covenants
The LORD Bless you and Keep You
The Body Image of the Church
Digging Old Wells: A Reformation Sermon
More than a Memory: The Lord’s supper in the life of the church
Communion, Lord's Supper, remembrance, covenant
Foundations of Biblical womanhood #2
Do All for the Glory of God
Behold: A declaration of the Incarnation
Foundations of Biblical womanhood #1
Dead to Rights: The Defense and Discipline of Personal Freedom
Priorities in the Polluted Public Square
Priorities in the Polluted Public Square
Taming the Tongue: The Mark Of Christian Maturity
TAMING THE TONGUE: THE MARK OF CHRISTIAN MATURITY
Beholding and Becoming Like Christ
Obey, Stay, and Pray: The Gracious Power of a Godly Spouse
Behold Christ our Mediator
Clean, Clothed and Called: Baptized into Christ
The Shepherd Gathers His Scattered Sheep
Proverbs and Prayer - Proverbs 15:28
Thursday Noontime Chapel
The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment
The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment
Proverbs and Prayer - Proverbs 29:16
Joyful, Gentle, Prayerful
Proverbs and Prayer - Proverbs 15:3
Thursday Noontime Chapel
Christ’s Counsel for Anxious and Agitated Activists
Christ’s Counsel for Anxious and Agitated Activists
Proverbs and Prayer - Proverbs 17:17
Thursday Noontime Chapel
Proverbs and Prayer - Proverbs 18:10
Thursday Noontime Chapel
Suffering Smyrna: Courageous and Faithful
Suffering Smyrna: Courageous and Faithful
Proverbs and Prayer - Proverbs 3:9-10
Thursday Noontime Chapel
Clean House: Why the Church Must Purge Sexual Immorality
Proverbs and Prayer - Proverbs 3
Thursday Noontime Chapel
Don't Lose Your First Love
Proverbs and Prayer - Proverbs 10:28
Thursday Noontime Chapel
Proverbs and Prayer - Proverbs 2
Thursday Noontime Chapel
Humble and Mounted on a Colt
Humble and Mounted on a Colt
Proverbs and Prayer - Proverbs 1:19
Thursday Noontime Chapel
Man of Sorrows: The Suffering Slavery of Jesus
Proverbs and Prayer - Proverbs 1:20-33
Thursday Noontime Chapel
Is There Hope for Failures? Jesus is Enough
Proverbs and Prayer - Proverbs 1:8-19
Thursday Noontime Chapel
‘Not Going Beyond What is Written’: A Spiritual Father Corrects Pride
Proverbs and Prayer - Proverbs 3:7
Thursday Noontime Chapel
Proverbs and Prayer - Proverbs 1:7
Thursday Noontime Chapel
The Ministry Measuring Stick
A Time To Build: Offering Your Work As Worship
The Secret and Hidden Wisdom of God
Session 3 - Christus Victor
Session 4 - Letters to Young Men: Overcoming the Evil One
Session 5 - Joining Christ's Victory Parade
Session 1 - More Than Conquerors
Session 2 - Overcoming Faith
GOD MEANT IT FOR GOOD: LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF JOSEPH (PART II) - Family
Lessons from the Life of Joseph (Part 1)
EVERY CHRISTIAN'S RESOLUTION: KNOWING CHRIST CRUCIFIED
CLARIFYING OUR CALLING AND RENEWING OUR CONFIDENCE
Is Anything Too Hard For The Lord?
THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS
GOD CHOSE WHAT IS FOOLISH, WEAK, LOW AND DESPISED
Preaching Christ Crucified
Remember This: A Confused Church is still a Church
It's Not Fair! Do You Really Understand Grace?
Parable of the Workers
When The Great Horde Marches On
The Most Important Things We Need to See: A Throne, a Scroll, a Lion, a Lamb
The Most Important Things We Need to See: A Throne, a Scroll, a Lion, a Lamb
Disciplines Of Grace - Prayer
The Righteous Reformation: How to be right when we're so wrong
NOT TO ABOLISH, BUT TO FULFILL: Jesus and the 10 Commandments
All Kinds of Covetousness: The Tenth Commandment Then and Now
All Kinds of Covetousness: The Tenth Commandment Then and Npw
The Sanctity of Truth: The Ninth Commandment
Steal No More: The Eight Commandment
No Covenant. No Communion: The Seventh Commandment
The Goodness and Blessing of Unity
The Goodness and Blessing of Unity
Remembering, Reveling, and Rejoicing in the LORD
That it may be well with you
The House That God Builds
The House That God Builds
The Pilgrim’s Progress in 3D
The Sanctity of Life: The Sixth Commandment
The Sanctity of Life: The Sixth Commandment
Family Duties: The Fifth Commandment
Special Chapel Message - Concluding Chapel Message
How do you end the greatest letter ever written? In this concluding study, the 54th message on the book of Romans we'll find out.
Special Chapel Service - Rom. 16
Co-Workers and Converts
Special Chapel Service - Rom. 15
Shared Hope
Hearing the Word of Holy Rest: The Fourth Commandment
Special Chapel Service - Rom. 14
How do we relate to other people in the church who have different convictions about cases of conscience?
Special Chapel Service - Rom. 13
Special Chapel Service - Rom. 12
No False Identification: The Third Commandment
No False Identification: The Third Commandment
Special Chapel Service - Rom. 11:11-24
The Kindness and Severity of God
Special Chapel Service - Rom. 11:1-10
Not Making For Yourself: The Second Commandment
Not Making For Yourself: The Second Commandment
Special Chapel Service: Rom. 10:14-21
Special Chapel Service: Rom. 10:5-13
The End of Self Justification
Special Chapel Service: Rom. 10:1-4
No Other Gods: The First Commandment
Special Chapel Service - Rom. 9:6-33
Special Chapel Service - Rom. 9:1-5
Special Chapel Service - Rom. 8:33-39
Special Chapel Service - Rom. 8:31-32
Special Chapel Service - Rom. 8:30
The Guarantee of Glory
Special Chapel Service - Rom. 8:28-29
Special Chapel Service - Rom. 8:28
Special Chapel Service - Rom. 8:26-27
The Spirit Helps The Weak
Special Chapel Service - Rom. 8:18-25
The Groaning of Creation and New Creation
Special Chapel Service - Rom. 8:18
Special Chapel Service - Rom. 8:12-17
The Spirit of Adoption
Special Chapel Service - Rom. 8:12-13
Are we obligated to keep on sinning after we believe in Jesus Christ?
Special Chapel Service - Rom. 8:1-11
No Condemnation
Special Chapel Service - Rom. 7:21-25
Inside Out
Special Chapel Service - Rom. 7:13-20
The Confused Self
Love To Enemies And Grace To You
Session 4 - Faithfulness in the Work of Her Hands
Session 3 - A Faithful Walk in Motherhood (Panel Discussion)
Session 1 - A Faithful Walk in Marriage
Session 2 - A Faithful Walk in Suffering
Special Chapel Service - Rom. 7:1-6
The New Way of the Spirit
Special Chapel Service - Rom. 6:15-23
The Sanctified Service of the Slave
Special Chapel Service - Rom. 6:5-14
Five images of union with Christ.
Jesus Tells a Tale of Woe
Special Chapel Service - Rom. 5:15-21
The Reign of Grace - Part 2
Special Chapel Service - Rom. 5:12-14
The Reign of Grace - Part I: How is Adam connected to Jesus Christ? What is typology? Part one looks at the reign of sin as a result of Adam's "transgression".
Special Chapel Service - Rom. 5:6-11
The King's Own Love
What Does Jesus Think of You?
Special Chapel Service - Rom. 5:1-5
Peace with God, suffering that cultivates hope, and some Robert Murray M'Cheyne at the end.
Special Chapel Service - Rom. 4:13-25
Special Chapel Service - Rom. 4:1-12
The Accounting of God
Special Chapel Service - Rom. 3:27-31
Do you boast in your religious experience, or your religious background or your tribe?
What the Risen Savior Said
Easter Sunday Service
Special Chapel Service - Rom. 3:21-26
Good Friday Service
Special Chapel Service - Rom. 3:9-20
The Whole World is Accountable to God
Special Chapel Service - Rom. 3:1-8
Defeater Beliefs
Special Chapel Service - Rom. 2:12-29
Hope or Hypocrisy?
The Triumph, Tears and Timing of Jesus
Palm Sunday Service
Special Chapel Service - Rom. 2:1-11
Special Chapel Service - Rom. 1:24-32
Special Chapel Service - Rom. 1:18-23
How People Suppress the Truth
Special Chapel Service - Rom. 1:18
Special Chapel Service - Rom. 1:16-17
5 Reformations
Special Chapel Service - Rom. 1:16-17
Nine Wrong Views of Justification and One Correct View of Justification
Special Chapel Service - Rom. 1:16-17
The Revelation of the Gospel
The Parable of Misplaced Security
Special Chapel Service - Rom. 1:7
The Beloved Saints of God
Special Chapel Service - Rom. 1:5-7
The Obedience of Faith
Special Chapel Service - Rom. 1:1-4
The Powerful Gospel of Jesus Christ
Special Chapel Service - Rom. 1:1
Background to the Greatest Letter Ever Written
Preparing for the Great War
God Spoke. Don't be Cocky!
The Prophecy of the Messiah and the Seventy Weeks - Daniel 9
The Prophecy of the Messiah and the Seventy Weeks
The Power of Prophecy to Predict and Prepare-Daniel 8
Calvary Grace Sermon
The Power of Prophecy to Predict and Prepare
Calvary Grace Sermon
Session 6 - Communion with God
Session 5 - Christ in You
Session 4 - God's Supreme Gift
Session 1 - You in Christ
Session 2 - Sexuality and Union with Christ: The Whole Christ for the Whole Person
God, The Universe, and Little Old Me
Why You Can Trust the Bible
The Lying Serpent and the Coming Saviour
God Verses The Blasphemy Party
God Verses The Blasphemy Party
God Versus The Blasphemy Party
God Versus The Blasphemy Party
A Warning to the Awakened
A Warning to the Awakened
Who is the God Who Will Deliver You?
Who is the God Who Will Deliver You?
How to Equip Members to Counsel
Slaying the Meandering Monster
What is Church-based Counseling?
Leading Little Ones to See Jesus
How Could God Let This Happen?
The Legacy of Friends, Enemies, and Frenemies
The Legacy of the Finish Line
Perils of The Listener's Itch
Perils of The Listener's Itch
Christianity and Sexuality
Sexuality, Gender & Christian Witness
Christianity and Transgenderism
Sexuality, Gender & Christian Witness
Sexuality, Gender & Christian Witness - Extended Q&A
Sexuality, Gender & Christian Witness
Christian Character (3 of 3)
The Beatitudes
Pleading with God for the joy of the nations and the honor of His Name
Pleading with God for the joy of the nations and the honor of His Name
Christian Character (2 of 3)
Christian Character (1 of 3)
Christian Character
A Godly Legacy Versus Persecution
Jesus Speaks: Suffering and Satisfaction
Jesus Speaks: Abandonment
Confronted With the Risen Christ
Confronted With the Risen Christ
Session 2 Structure - Chuck Newkirk
Session 1 Staying on the Line - Brandon Levering
Session 3 Context - Brandon Levering
Session 7 Exposition 2 Chuck Newkirk
Session 5 Introduction 4 - Chuck Newkirk
Session 4 Exposition 1 - Clint Humfrey
Session 8 Melodic Line - Chuck Newkirk
Session 9 Exposition 3 - Brandon Levering
Session 6 Text and Framework - Brandon Levering
Finally, Brothers, Pray For Us
When Jesus was near death he prayed for the forgiveness of sinners. Is there any greater need in our lost world today than the forgiveness of sin and guilt?
Marriage, The Gospel, and the Glory of God
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones once made this true statement, "We must consider marriage in terms of the doctrine of the atonement." Marriage is, at its heart, doctrinal. So when we see the connection between marriage, the gospel, and the glory of God, the roles of husband and wife take on far higher meaning and have far more powerful motivation.
What Jesus Says About Manhood, Womanhood, and Marriage
3 - Great Spoil - The Spirituality of the Word
2 - Faith and Love - A Religion of the Heart
4 - Walking With Giants - Q&A
Pre-Conference: 1 - Puritan Family
Pre-Conference: Learning From Puritan Women - The Priority of Scripture
1 - My Beloved - The Surpassing Beauty of Jesus
Pre-Conference: Anne Bradstreet - An Example of Spiritual Motherhood
Pre-Conference: 2 - Puritan Pioneer Training: Pastoral Priorities at Harvard
You Will Be My Martyrs: Perseverance of the Saints
The Golden Chain: Irresistible Grace
I Lay My Life Down For the Sheep: Limited Atonement
The Parable of the Potter: Unconditional Election
Engraved on our Altars: Total Depravity
What is Calvinism? What does it mean for God to be sovereign over us? Why should we care? In this first sermon in the series we will explore a foundational doctrine that produces humility in all those who confess it, the first petal of the TULIP: Total Depravityt
A Pre-Christmas Warning about Unbelief
Philippians 4:14-23 - Gospel Partnership
The Twist In The Tale Of The Prodigal Son
The Secret of Contentment
How do you know you are alive?
How do you tell the difference between something that is living and something that is not? In other words, what is the essence of something that is alive? When it comes to spiritual life, what do you look for in making an assessment of whether there is new life in the believer?
In the chaos of our fallen world, Christians are to think and act in well ordered ways, following the orderly rule of their Lord, Jesus Christ.
Contending For the Faith: Lessons in Jude
The exhortation in Jude 3 " to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints" is still relevant 2000 years later. And as in Jude's day some of the contentions have to do with professing Christians within the church. Therefore, this epistle provides us with some vital lessons.
God's Protective Peace Against Anxiety
Living as Citizens of the City of God
As people talk about immigration, nationalities, and borders, many forget that a passport to the city of God is the most important possession anyone can have. Only disciples of Jesus Christ are welcomed within the gates of that city.
A certain buzz word gaining influence in our society today is stigma. Stigma is understood as a feeling of shame that is associated with a particular circumstance. In previous generations there was a stigma attached with needing help. Evidence for this evaluation lies in the slogan, "God helps those who help themselves." What's more, the rising development of books in the category of "self help." A positive feature in contemporary society is the attempt at breaking down the stigma associated with needing help. The weakness is that the help on offer either leaves God out of the equation or presents God in a way that is inconsistent with Scripture. On Sunday morning we will be reminded of how God's Word breaks the stigma attached with needing help and offers real help for our lives.
God's Eternal Power, the Brevity of Life, and the Need for a Heart of Wisdom
This Sunday as we look at Psalm 90, we'll take time to consider the power of God's anger, why it is that we die, and the need for a heart of wisdom. Along the way we will explore the surprising reality that we can have joy in the midst of the trials and afflictions of life as we turn our hearts towards God.
Our Only Hope for Justice
In a world filled with unfairness and wicked leadership, how can we find justice? In Psalm 82, Asaph shows us how we can know what true justice is, why it is so absent here on earth, what the concequences will be for evil rulers and judges, and what we are to do in the face of injustice.
The Solution to Spiritual Depression
After the horrors of two world wars, Martyn Lloyd-Jones described the experience of many people in his congregation as a spiritual depression. As a medical doctor, he made a diagnosis and offered a cure. Both diagnosis and cure are found in Psalm 42. This psalm's solution to spiritual depression has helped saints throughout the centuries.
The world is in pursuit of happiness yet cannot seem to find it. But as we enter the book of Psalms we are given wisdom in the description of the truly happy man and where and how he finds his delight.
Persevering in the Christian Life
For all his greatness as a man of God Paul knew he was a man of dust, with a nature and passions and needs like us. He feels his loneliness, his physical discomfort and his mental boredom: his need for the company of friends, for the warmth of a cloak, and for the spiritual stimulation of theological books. So his last words are very personal words from which we can find some valuable wisdom to help us persevere in the Christian life.
The Primacy of Preaching in the Local Church
The Apostle Paul’s last words to Timothy setting forth his church growth strategy: “Preach the Word!”. Which means the primacy of preaching and the centrality of God’s Word are critical to the future of Christianity and the life of a healthy church.
When there has been a spiritual renewal we are tempted to take it easy. Isn’t it the case in your life? In Philippians, Paul urged a mature church to keep pressing on. Don’t sit back. Don't coast. Don't drift. If Christ owns you, seize the prize and hold true. It's a message which our church needs to hear today: press on.
Constrained by the Love of Christ
What is your motivation in pursuing holiness? Anything other than what the apostle Paul instructs the Corinthian church will leave you tired, discouraged and burned out.
Could there be, in an ancient poem by an anonymous, long-dead singer about a temple destroyed now for two millennia, a way of hope for desperate, thirsty, insecure, and impoverished travellers through the dangers and anxieties of life in a messed-up world? Psalm 84 not only records one worshiper’s passionate poem of longing to be in God’s presence but also points forward to an even better, and eternal, dwelling for pilgrims in every age.
Why are you here? What should be the aim of every Christian believer? Addressing a divided and confused church, Paul reminds them--and us--what the measure and aim of Christian maturity actually is.
One day we will die and we will see the Lord. The way we live now has direct bearing on our enjoyment of that day.
The Holy Spirit: Forgotten or Less Known?
It is often said that the Holy Spirit is the forgotten member of the Holy Trinity. But perhaps it is better to say that he is the least known. And many Christians are missing out on deeper communion with God and kingdom usefulness because of this. However, Jesus says to his disciples, “You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you” (John 14:17b).
The Cure For A Troubled Heart
The problem of a “troubled heart” is common. Fear, anxiety and concern about certain present circumstances and the future consequences are something that is not unfamiliar to any of us. So what’s the cure for a troubled heart? Jesus tells us.
To Live is Christ, To Die is Gain
A Blessed Loss of Confidence
It is a blessing to lose all confidence in pedigree, position and power. In their place must be Christ. To gain him is better than all of the false confidence that the world esteems.
Honour Such Men: Rejoicing with Pastors of Proven Worth and Sacrificial Service
If you follow social media, you could get the impression that pastors are mostly charlatans, predators, narcissists or dictators. But according to Scripture, faithful pastors are gifts given to the church by God for its good. Paul reminds the Philippians of two faithful pastors and encourages them to "honour such men." How can Paul's view of faithful pastors in the 1st century be adopted by the church in the 21st century?
The Word of Life for the Joy of the Church
The challenge for mature Christian believers is that they can tend to rely on their developed theological knowledge, but fail to apply it consistently. They can easily grumble when things don’t fit their convenience or dispute over things that don’t matter. Paul reminds the Philippians that holding fast to the word of life is the key to having counter-cultural unity and joy.
Working Out What God is Working In
Every false religion offers hopeless ladders on crumbling walls. If you were to trace most of the bad teaching in the church, most of it would come back to a misunderstanding of Phil 2:12-13. When the pursuit of piety is not grounded in the promise of God, it brings glory to sinful people alone, and not to God. Where is your promise? Where is your pursuit? When these are rightly ordered, God is pleased
God’s Son, Born of a Woman
How does a list of names from thousands of years ago provide any comfort, or encouragement, or practical lessons for wise living? What on earth do biblical genealogies have to do with you and your life? Though many modern Christians struggle to see the value of biblical genealogies, Luke, in his Gospel, presents Jesus’ lineage as something that’s not only vital to know, but that will change the lives of his readers forever.
How does a list of names from thousands of years ago provide any comfort, or encouragement, or practical lessons for wise living? What on earth do biblical genealogies have to do with you and your life? Though many modern Christians struggle to see the value of biblical genealogies, Matthew, in his Gospel, presents Jesus’ lineage as something that’s not only vital to know, but that will change the lives of his readers forever.
The Exaltation of Jesus Christ
The history defining event of the resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord compels us to surrender to his victory, submit to his rights and celebrate him with all glory and honor.
Two Entries to Jerusalem Compared
Guest Dr. Voddie Baucham's message at Calvary Grace Church
Persevering In Spiritual Disciplines
Faithfulness In Suffering
The Self-Humbling of Jesus Christ
In a world where people are bent on exploiting every possible platform for personal advancement the thought of anyone refusing that seems otherworldly. That’s why the self-humbling of Jesus Christ is such a great mystery: He is God Incarnate. Come and explore this mystery as we hear from Philippians 2:6-8.
All people are summoned to look to Jesus Christ for salvation. The believer doesn’t stop looking to Jesus either. In this introduction to Philippians 2:5-11, Paul encourages us to consider Jesus-- the call to gospel thinking.
Practical Essentials for a Happy Church
With so many churches suffering from dysfunction, and even good churches finding it hard not to splinter into pieces, it is good to remember what Paul told the Philippians in this passage. These are practical essentials for a happy church built on gratuity, unity and humility.
A Rallying Cry for Gospel Revolution
The sins and sorrows of the world can seem overwhelming at times. We can think that they will never end. But by God’s grace he has saved a merry band of gospel revolutionaries. They conquer in weakness by faith in their Saviour. Paul rallies gospel revolutionaries to stand firm on the message of Jesus Christ, heralding the establishment of his coming kingdom. Are you a part of this revolutionary movement?
To Live is Christ - Part Two
In Philippians 1:21-26 we are reminded that the great joy of the Christian is to honour God, by serving those whom God loves. Are you living for the "progress and joy in the faith" of others?
Exodus 14 is unpacked with Pastor Paul Martin
Question and Answer with Paul Martin
Q&A with our Guest speaker Paul Martin and Clint Humfrey
Jonathan Edwards & Religious Affections in Personal Devotions
Delighting in the Salvation of the Lost in Missions
Delighting in God - Session 3
Sarah Edwards & Delighting in God through Spiritual Motherhood
Delighting in God - Session 2
Delighting in God - Session 1
To Live Is Christ [Part 1]
In a time of dread about the future, we need to be reminded of the goodness of God and the sureness of his promises. When we hold on to his promises, we have a buoyant expectancy that says, 'to live is Christ and to die is gain'. In the first of a two part series, we'll see the promise of the believer's resurrection as a source of great expectation today.
Are you tired of trying to be zealous for good works? Are spiritual acts of obedience overwhelming you? Perhaps you are like me and need to be reminded of the grace of God found in the gospel. Have you ever thought of where this grace comes from? How does it work? Find out as we turn in our Bibles to Titus 2:11-14.
In light of the beginning of a new year, believers should be challenged to not abandon the best for the good, and to see what God sees as necessary.
The call of the church in every age is to spiritually discern the activity of the enemy, a demonic parody of the Trinity, as he seeks to deceive and destroy believers.This calls for wisdom.
Jesus told his disciples, "I will build my church" (Matt. 16:18). How does Jesus build churches? And how do people respond to him when he does so? In Acts 17:1-14, we see how the Spirit of Christ used the Apostle Paul and how people reacted to his ministry. And as we approach another New Year, this passage presents a crucial "resolution" that everyone needs to make.
Many people are looking for a sign, which means that they are lost. Others are lost yet don't think they need a sign. In the gift of the gospel a sign has been given. The sign is Jesus Christ. The shepherds were told that the baby in a manger was a sign that God had provided a glorious Saviour. And it is only this sign from the manger to the cross that directs and delivers from our lostness.
People may go through Christmas with the general idea that it is a season of peace and goodwill, of love and Joy. It is a season of family and gift giving. Every year you hear people ponder the meaning of Christmas. For the believer, however, there is nothing general or vague about Christmas. For the believer it is staggeringly personal.
At Christmas we celebrate Christ’s first advent. But sinful and suffering Christians must have their hopes set on his second advent, where all of history find its focal point in the person of Jesus. There will be a great divide, but for the church the end is just the beginning.
It's been said that truly some may preach Christ better, but they can't preach a better Christ. If this is the case then God can work through imperfect instruments. Someone can be saved through faith in Christ, in spite of the ministry motives of the minister. But how should Christians view each others' ministries? And what does it mean to rejoice in the face of rivalry. Paul tells us in this passage given for our instruction.
Why Did This Happen?: How God Uses Affliction to Advance the Gospel
During the Advent season, people are in a reflective, year-in-review attitude. Some are filled thanksgiving, others are filled with regret. But what if our circumstances didn't reflect what was really going on in God's purposes? That is the point Paul makes in his letter to the young Greek Christians. God was able to use Paul's restricted movement in prison, to advance the mission of Jesus further than it have ever gone before. Is it possible that God is wanting you to ask, "Why did this happen?" so that you can see God's good purposes behind it?
Everything God has ever done has ultimately been for his glory and the fame of his name - especially in his actions towards his people. Therefore, this must be the central motivation for the Christian in all things.
The Affections and Apologetics of the Gospel
What are the things that influence you? What are the things that you are willing to stand up for? It is the things that are most important that will affect us, and we will defend them with all of our passion. In Paul's letter to the Philippian church, he prayerfully reminds them of how the grace of God has affected them causing their love for Jesus to grow, along with their desire to defend his gospel. Are you passionately taking a stand?
Gratitude For God and His Gospel Partners
What do you say to a good church that could be better? The letter to the Philippians says it. This is not a church with major doctrinal dysfunction, like Galatia. It not a church harbouring immorality like Corinth. It’s a gospel advancing church. Although it still has some issues, Paul shows his gratitude to God for this church. Are you thankful for your church?
What is a servant of Jesus? The idea can be surprisingly difficult to pin down. Is it to be a reclusive monk or nun? Or is it to be an over-worked people-pleaser always ready to be someone else’s doormat? Paul instructs us in the kind of servanthood that Christians should model, by pointing us to our master, Jesus Christ.
The Reformation of the Gospel
From the sixteenth century to the twenty first, there has been a protest against false gospels that deny the finished work of Jesus Christ. As Protestants we reject false gospels, whether Roman Catholic or otherwise. Today we must be vigilant to reform our faith in the gospel, so that we are believing what is true.
The Reformation of Worship - John 1:1
Today there continues to be a lot of talk about worship in the church. Often it is refers to the musical style that a church has. But worship is more basically about the object of our devotion. Whom shall we worship? Now, as in every age of the church, we need a reformation of worship, so that we worship the true God and worship him acceptably.
The Reformation of Authority
The Protestant Reformation was a struggle of authorities. The authority of Scripture was pitted against the authority of the pope and councils of the church of Rome. Today we are in a crisis of authority as well. Where does the authority in your life come from? Is it from sola Scriptura (Scripture alone) as the Reformers taught? Or is it from somewhere else?
The Reformation of Desire
As Christians, if we want real reformation, it must start with the things we really want even the things we crave. We must seek Christ so that he would reform us as we put off the old self and put on the new self. In Colossians 3, Paul leads us in seeking this reformation--- a reformation of desire.
If Medieval Roman Catholicism was dominated by images, our Modern world is filled with them also. In the contemporary church we need a new gospel-driven reformation that will reform our desires for images too. We need to be radical in removing immoral lusts from our lives. We need to reform our desires according to Christ's command.
The Transforming Power of the Ministry of the Spirit
How does transformation happen in the believer's life? Are we saved by the gospel to move on to supposedly bigger and better ways for sanctification? Or does transformation happen by simply looking to ourselves and our own ingenuity for fighting sin. As we look at chapter 3 of 2 Corinthians, we'll find that the answer to those questions is powerfully refreshing and encouraging.
The Mission of Grace and Peace
Is this life all there is? Or is there something beyond us that gives meaning to our brief life now? In the ancient letter of Paul to the fledgling church at Philippi, he encourages them to know Jesus Christ in such a way that it gives meaning to their lives and more. To live is Christ and to die is gain. Only life in Christ produces the rarest commodity in the world: joy.
Rejoicing in the Reviving Mercy of God
It is a false understanding of joy to think that you can only have it when things are going well in your life. In fact, joy is known most often in times of great difficulty. Are you going through a hard season? Then remember along with Habakkuk’s prayer that the hope of God’s mercy can revive you, strengthen you and save you.
The Scorn of God Against the Proud
God derisively mocked the Babylonians after he did it to Israel. In Habakkuk chapter 2, the prophet is told of five putdowns which God mocked Babylon with. If our God is scoffing at the nations and their idols in our day too, then why should we conform to their impotent and passing ways? The meek may be a minority, but they should be confident in God.
The Just Shall Live By Faith
We can expect things to work out in the same way that they always have. We say, “same old, same old.” But God calls us to trust in him alone. That means looking to him in expectancy to see what he will do. Because God is God he is free to do the unexpected. So we must silently listen and watch to see his glorious gospel plans unfold.
Watching & Waiting For God
Many people say they don’t believe in God because they see all that is wrong in the world. Sadly they give up instead of seeking God. The prophecy of Habakkuk is a reminder that even when things look bad, God is able to do unexpected things which show his great glory. What we are called to do is watch and wait in faith alone.
The Christian life is one of self denial and self mortification. It is not for us to lift ourselves up, it is for the Lord and he will exalt us indeed. This kind of life is something the world finds foolish. While they seek to make themselves significant, our significance is found in another.
An Unlikely Attitude: Love Your Enemies
The gospel of grace is unlike the world in who it targets and how it transforms. Christ alone is sufficient for the best of men or the worst of sinners because the cross is a leveler for all. Apprehending the forgiveness God offers is the key to salvation and to counter cultural love.
The gospel of grace is unlike the world in who it targets and how it transforms. Christ alone is sufficient for the best of men or the worst of sinners because the cross is a leveler for all. Apprehending the forgiveness God offers is the key to salvation and to counter cultural love.
The Parable of the Talents
What are you doing with your life? If you’re a Millenial or in a Mid-Life Crisis you may have asked yourself this question. Maybe a concerned parent or friend dropped that bomb on you. But if we know that our life is not our own, but belongs to Christ, bought with a price, then we can wisely steward the talents that God has given to us. More than that, we’ll recognize the generosity, rights and happiness of our Lord God.
Why Doesn't Everybody Believe? Jesus & the Parable of the Sower
As we struggle with discerning hypocrisy and credibility in the church, we are often puzzled. Why doesn’t everyone believe? People can hear the same sermon, or read the same bible, yet one believes and another does not. Why is this so? Jesus’ parable of the sower and the soils will tell us why.
Going Viral: Jesus & His Unlikely Kingdom
When Cecilia Wessel took the picture of her husband mowing the grass in front of a tornado, nobody would have known that the photo would go viral. Like a mustard seed it started out insignificant but became shockingly huge. Jesus kingdom is even more viral. It came in humble circumstances like a mustard seed, yet it will demand that “every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord.”
A Table In The House of The Lord
Why did God tell his people to build him a golden table? And how can this possibly matter to you today, with all your problems? Exodus 25 and Leviticus 24 aren't just dusty, irrelevant historical trivia, but even now offer a feast to a desperately hungry world.
Jesus and the Siege of Satan’s Kingdom
In a dark world it can seem as if evil prevails. Or it seems like we are living in a Marvel comic when evil is only defeated until the next sequel. But the kingdom of Jesus Christ has broken into the present, to bind the strong man Satan and lay siege to his kingdom.
Of Weddings and Wine: Pictures of New Life in Christ
When Jesus came on the scene he upset the status quo. But his intention wasn't to promote anarchy or discard authority. He came to bring a new way of life, the life of his kingdom. The scandal of this new life was that it was filled with an ordered freedom and no longer submitted to man-made religion. Like the scenes of a wedding party, the new life of the kingdom is filled with celebration in Jesus Christ alone.
Lamp Under a Basket? The Disciples’ Witness For The Dark World
In a world of darkness and shame is it appropriate to keep the blessing of gospel enlightenment for ourselves and not others? Should we enjoy the benefit of salvation in Christ and become hoarders of blessing rather than sharers? Jesus’ illustration of the lamp and the basket reminds us of what our purpose in life really is.
The Revived Heart: Soul Irrigation By The Holy Spirit
How many water bottles have you thrown away? No matter how many we consume, we can't ever seem to satisfy our thirst. How much more is the thirst of our souls. All around us there are promises offered that will supposedly satisfy us. But we are thirsty at this modern feast. Jesus came to offer something that would truly satisfy, himself. With the promise of faith in him comes a soul satisfying irrigation of our souls producing great fruitfulness. It is the soul irrigation of the Holy Spirit. Come, all who are thirsty!
The Revived City: Attention to God's Word in Mass Awakening
Distraction is the mark of our age. We are distracted by the digital demands on our attention with every notification, ringtone, ping and pop-up. In all of our distraction we miss the gravity of God's will for us, which he has revealed in his Word. But when someone hears that Word and heeds it, they pay attention to it like nothing else matters in the world. When at the same time a mass of people are attentive to the Word, rather than the world, we call that an awakening, a revival of attention to Word of God in the gospel of Christ. May it be so in our dark, distracted city.
The Reviving Beauty of Hope
Into the realism of our difficult world, people are in need of hope. Like the Israelites who were threatened with exile, our view of life before our eyes can seem bleak. ‘Now hope that is seen is not hope’ as Paul said. Yet this prophecy, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, offers us a reviving hope. It is the beauty of hope for the hopeless no more.
Revived Life: When New Birth Beats Old Death
The great question of revival is put before us because as a human race, we are 'dead in trespasses and sins'. The old question is put to us by God, "Can these bones live?" Can new birth beat old death? And can God do it? So we are challenged today with the call to believe. Do we believe God is able to bring life to what is dead? The message of Ezekiel reminds us of the hope of the gospel of life over death.
The good news which the Christian faith broadcasts informs us that there is hope for those who are hopeless. This revolutionary message is grounded in the fact that God revives the lowly and gives comfort to the beaten down. Because of our sin, we are all under the oppression of a metaphysical principle of sin that enflamed by a spiritual enemy, Satan. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, the Messiah, we can find hope in him. Through the Spirit of the Son, God revives the lowly and oppressed. Nothing else can give you peace like he can.
All of us might wish for a euphoric spiritual experience. But we can have a hard time obeying what God has already said. Too often, we prefer to keep our regular, secret sins. So, revival in our lives sounds exciting, but reformation sounds painful. Thankfully the experience of reformation and revival frequently go together. As we look at the life of the young king Josiah, we will see that often God blesses real reformation with the retrieval of truth and a revival of believing, loving obedience.
A Plea for the Presence of God
In seasons of revival God intensifies his regular working among his people. This is what happened when the omnipresent God made himself manifest in a special way to his people in the days of Moses. He prayed to God that if God's special presence didn't go with the people they had no wish to move forward. It should be the prayer of the church today--- a plea for the reviving presence of God.
Do you Believe This? Jesus & Resurrection Hope
Are you feeling hopeless these days? Social media is anti-social. Relationships are brittle and prickly. So much is hostile and dark. Our cynicism expands as things we used to hope in become broken and false: traditions, communities, leaders and friends. Into this disintegrating world, there is true hope. But it only comes through death and resurrection. And that hope is embodied in Jesus Christ, who guaranteed that hope through His own Easter experience for us.
Prayer & The Presence of God
A perennial question among Christians is this: "If God is sovereign, why pray?" In this last message from our series in 1 Thessalonians, we will see Paul's exhortations to pray that are grounded in God's active, personal and ever-present sovereignty. If God is present in his sovereignty, will you pray that he would act in your life through this message for his glory?
Prophecy for Today: Holding Fast the Word Against the Cultured Despisers
In the social upheaval which we face, it seems that whatever is good, beautiful and true is being despised and rejected. However, the Word of God has the power to make and keep promises that will outlast the current despisers. Such a Word puts pressure on them, but on those who believe in Christ, that Word will purify people as they hold fast what is good.
The Holy Spirit can be grieved and his work can be quenched. The Holy Spirit aims to glorify the Son and to make us holy. How do we quench this work?
Five Truths About Godly Gratitude
Godly gratitude is powerful. In this Lord's Day message, we will look at five truths about godly gratitude that will reorient us to give thanks to God, which is what we are made for.
One of the great daily essentials of the Christian's life and joy is prayer. As well as having good doctrine, if we are to see a reformation in the church we must also see reformation in prayer.
God's Plan for Peace in the Church
Churches splitting and pastors failing remind us of what happens when we forsake God's plan for peace in the church. In the first century, the apostle Paul was so concerned about the new church in Northern Greece that he outlined this plan for them. It is a simple plan which holds promise for creating peace in our church even today. God's plan is the abiding call for pastor appreciation, peacemaking and person-to-person ministry.
Four Parts of Christian Confidence
John the Baptist: The Great Reflector
Guest Pastor Steve Bray will be preaching a message from John 1:19-28
Emasculated Men, Moabites, Emissions, and the Mercy of Christ
Hard Laws the the Glories of the New Covenant
Show Them No Mercy! Is God Guilty of Genocide?
Q&A with Clint Humfrey and Ryan Fullerton
Living Under Grace: The Pastor's Identity in Christ
Gracious Authority: Pastor's Stewardship of Great Responsibility
Panel Discussion: Wisdom for avoiding Legalism and License in the Pulpit
Living Under Grace: The Pastor's Wife and Identity in Christ
The Word of Grace: Equipping Women to Know the Word
The Brilliance of Believers at the World's End
The times and seasons of today are uncertain. We need reminders like Paul gave to the Greeks, that Christians shouldn’t live in fear of sudden destruction or the Day of the Lord. Believers don’t need to fear the Day because we are children of the day. Our brilliant radiance comes, not from ourselves, but from Jesus Christ, the Light shining in the darkness.
Christ is coming! What does that mean for those who have died in Christ and those who will be alive at his return? How does a Christian grieve with hope in the face of death and how does one deal with the death of non-believers?
Concerning Brotherly Love
Love is not simply one virtue amongst many in the Christian life; it is the preeminent thing. However, it is worked out in surprisingly ordinary ways.
Behold! A Throne in Heaven
As we reflect upon 2016 and anticipate a new year, we ought to look up to the One who rules over from the throne in Heaven. Whatever happens in our world, country or our individual lives, we are safe and secure when we are in Christ. God will reset our perspective on life and eternity as we worship our Triune God.
We talk of a merry, joyful and peaceful Christmas. But really we live in a world of darkness and conflict. So what, or rather who, is anyone's only hope?