Confession on SermonAudio

This instructional sermon examines the theological relationship between the church and the state, arguing that while both are institutions ordained by God, they possess distinct spheres of authority. The speaker contends that the state's primary role is to maintain civil order and enforce the second table of the law through natural law, whereas the church is responsible for promoting religion and enforcing both tables of the law through spiritual discipline. By analyzing historical confessions and biblical texts, the lesson distinguishes between the temporal peace provided by the magistrate and the eternal righteousness offered by the church. The preacher emphasizes that Christians should submit to governing authorities, pray for them, and engage in the political process to promote moral good, while recognizing that the state does not have the authority to dictate matters of faith or conscience.

Leviticus Chapter 16 15 Then shall he kill the goat of the sin offering, that is for the people, and bring his blood within the vail, and do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it upon the mercy seat, and before the mercy seat: 16 And he shall make an atonement for the holy place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions in all their sins: and so shall he do for the tabernacle of the congregation, that remaineth among them in the midst of their uncleanness. 17 And there shall be no man in the tabernacle of the congregation when he goeth in to make an atonement in the holy place, until he come out, and have made an atonement for himself, and for his household, and for all the congregation of Israel. 18 And he shall go out unto the altar that is before the LORD, and make an atonement for it; and shall take of the blood of the bullock, and of the blood of the goat, and put it upon the horns of the altar round about. 19 And he shall sprinkle of the blood upon it with his finger seven times, and cleanse it, and hallow it from the uncleanness of the children of Israel. 20 And when he hath made an end of reconciling the holy place, and the tabernacle of the congregation, and the altar, he shall bring the live goat: 21 And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat, and shall send him away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness: 22 And the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited: and he sha

With John 1:1–18; 14:15–26 and with Articles 10-11 of the Belgic Confession, we focus on the Second and Third Persons of the Trinity. Pastor Martijn Heijboer preaches the true and eternal Godhead of Christ, the true and eternal Godhead of the Spirit, and the true and eternal comfort of Both.

The sermon explores the theological principle that God is the sovereign agent behind both the blessings and the hardships in a believer's life, emphasizing that afflictions are often just responses to unrepentant sin. Drawing from 2 Chronicles, Proverbs, and Daniel, the message argues that acknowledging God's hand in one's suffering is the necessary precursor to receiving His forgiveness and restoration. The preacher challenges the audience to reject pride and the tendency to blame external forces, urging them instead to humble themselves, confess their specific transgressions, and seek God's face. This act of acknowledgment aligns the individual with God's justice, allowing Him to direct their paths and restore what has been lost. The tone is convicting yet ultimately comforting, presenting repentance not as a burden but as the gateway to experiencing the goodness of the Lord and finding true peace.

This sermon explores the biblical distinction between worldly sorrow and godly repentance, using the contrasting fates of Judas and Peter to illustrate that true repentance involves a change of mind that turns one back to God. The central focus is an exegesis of Psalm 51, where King David's confession serves as a model for genuine repentance, characterized by a plea for mercy rather than justice, an honest acknowledgment of sin without excuse, and a desire for spiritual cleansing. The message emphasizes that sin originates in the corrupt heart and must be called by its true name, as God delights in truth and requires humility and contrition rather than mere ritual or self-justification. By examining David's request for renewal and restoration, the sermon highlights that only through confession can believers regain their joy and fellowship with God. Ultimately, the preacher asserts that when individuals deal seriously with their sin, God responds with gentleness, forgiveness, and the restoration of a right spirit.

When James 5:16 tells us that "the effective prayer of a righteous person can accomplish much" - we might think that it is talking about another person's praying. But James continues his instruction and show us how we can be the righteous person whose prayers will be powerful.

and Belgic Confession Article 13