God is sovereign in all aspects of our lives. He is master of our relationships, both at home and work. Ultimately Christ should be reflected in everything we do.

Paul has just been saying everything works together for good to those who love God, but the Israelites think that they are the people of God. They have been scattered. They have been displaced from the land. A large percentage of them were killed during the Babylonian captivity, so the Jews hearing Paul would say "how can this be?" All things are not working together for good for us. Paul's response after this passage is because the Israel that you are thinking of is not the true Israel. Not all of Israel is of Israel. To set up that statement, he says that he would honestly be separated from Christ if it would cause his brethren according to the flesh to be joined with him. He knows and accepts that God's plan is better, but he mourns according to his wisdom. They had seen the glory of God. They had received the law. They had been assigned to do service to God and been given many promises, but they still rejected Him. But it was not a failure of the word of God, because that was the plan of God from the beginning.

This sermon explores the nobility of the pastoral office by examining 1 Timothy 3:1, which describes desiring the role of bishop as desiring a good work. The speaker argues that this position is excellent because it involves overseeing the precious Bride of Christ, labouring faithfully in Scripture, and sharing God's blessing to the congregation. By clarifying that 'bishop' and 'elder' refer to the same biblical role, the message emphasizes that the value lies in the sacred responsibility rather than personal status or authority. The preacher urges men to evaluate their calling based on a love for the church and the Word, warning against seeking power for its own sake. Ultimately, the sermon encourages believers to pray for leaders and recognize the ministry as an important means of blessing the body of Christ.

Omaha Reformed Church believes that proclaiming the Gospel of Christ is our singular task. We believe the Holy Spirit works faith in the hearts and lives of God's people by the preaching of the Holy Gospel. This Lord's Day we will continue our study of 2 Samuel. We will continue this morning by considering Chapters 7,8, 9. Today's passage illustrates all the things God had done and was doing for David. God would make David's name famous, compared with many of the great men of the earth. What we will see as our series continues is that God watches over and preserves David in the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. His life and failures validates the fact that as believers we are both counted as righteous and as sinners. Any and all of us are saved only because of God's grace and mercy. God's Word Read and Applied Scripture: 2 Samuel 7:8-11; 8:1-18 Sermon: The Ways God Made David's Name Great Points: I. God Made David King over All His People II. God Gave David Many Victories in Battle III. God Prospered David in All that He Did

The sermon emphasizes that the gospel consists solely of Jesus Christ and His finished work, rejecting any addition of human works or obedience to salvation. It distinguishes between justification by faith alone and the subsequent fruit of sanctification, warning against confusing the two which leads to spiritual misery. The preacher argues that adding requirements like baptism or good deeds to the gospel distorts the message of free grace and turns good news into bad news. Believers are encouraged to rest in Christ's imputed righteousness rather than their own performance, trusting that holiness flows naturally from a right relationship with Him. Ultimately, the message calls Christians to proclaim the unadulterated truth without shame, knowing that salvation is entirely God's mercy received through faith.

Israel Conquered the City According to God's Orders • The Wall Fell: At the shout, God brought the walls down. The pastor referenced archaeologist Joel Kramer, whose findings suggest the top wall crumbled down over the lower retaining wall, creating a natural ramp for the Israelite soldiers to charge directly into the city. God's catastrophic work enabled Israel's final task. • The City Was Destroyed: The city, its people, and its goods were utterly destroyed and burned, as commanded. The only exceptions were Rahab and her family, and the precious metals set aside for the Lord's treasury. Archaeological evidence of burned grain indicates the attack was near harvest time (confirming the timing in Joshua 3) and that the Israelites obeyed God by not taking plunder for themselves. • The Judgment on Mankind: The total destruction of all people—young and old—demonstrates the severe consequences for anything or anyone that God places "under the ban." This was a holy reckoning, not reckless ruin.

This morning we are going to move into the next sub-section of the Sermon on the Mount where Jesus is going to call out five "hypocritical behaviors" that were occurring amongst the religious Jews of the culture. These were behaviors that were performed for others to see. Jesus instructs His audience, and by application, us, that we are living for an Audience of One! Why I am doing what I am doing should be a constant question of self-evaluation in any ministry, service, or good work I engage in.

Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20-21)

The sermon explores the doctrine of God's providence through the life of Joseph, demonstrating how divine sovereignty orchestrates events for His glory and the believer's good. It emphasizes that true faith involves trusting God's character rather than circumstances, even amidst severe hardship and injustice. The preacher highlights perseverance as the evidence of genuine belief, showing how trials refine character and prepare individuals for greater service. By examining Joseph's journey from slavery to leadership, the message illustrates that God works all things together for good according to His purpose. Ultimately, believers are called to maintain faithfulness and fear of God, recognizing that human responsibility coexists with divine control.

Beloved in the Lord Jesus: Some people question why good things, the things they desire, aren't happening for them in their lives. They then begin to wonder if God were missing…and they complain…and start to doubt. But there are 2 things to consider when things don't work out the way you want: a. God is sovereign and always does what is best for his children, at the right time and in the right way. b. God is often pleased to use means to accomplish his sovereign will, so you and others have a part to play in God's sovereign will. This 2nd point we will emphasize today. Today, you will see Jacob's wives worked, Jacob worked, God worked to achieve God's sovereign will. Our headings are: 1. God Used Jacob's Wives 2. God Used Jacob's Legs 3. God Used His Own Power Our goals are: That you will thank God he sovereignly works for your good, and that he is also pleased to use you and those around you to work to build his kingdom.