Jim Osman examines loving church discipline as a biblical act rooted in Matthew 18:15-20 and 1 Corinthians 5. He presents it as obedience to Christ, a pursuit of the sinner’s restoration, and a guard for church purity. This sermon highlights loving church discipline as a forsaken yet essential practice, blending sobering truth with redemptive hope for the church.

In a world shadowed by sin and guilt, Psalm 32 offers a way out—a path marked by forgiveness and restoration. David Forsyth draws from his own experiences and King David's profound reflections to illuminate the six signposts that guide believers from the darkness of sin into the light of God’s forgiveness and joy.

The Six Signposts Out of Darkness

1. Escape Is Possible
   David begins by asserting that forgiveness and freedom from sin are attainable. Quoting verses 1-2, he emphasizes the blessedness of a forgiven life. Forgiveness is rooted in God's mercy, made possible through Christ's atoning sacrifice. True happiness is found when sins are forgiven and peace with God is restored.
2. Guilt Is Wretched
   The burden of unconfessed sin is heavy. Drawing from verses 3-4, David describes how guilt affects the body and soul. Like King David, who endured God's heavy hand before confessing, guilt is a painful but necessary nudge back to God.
3. Confession Is Essential
   Verse 5 reveals the power of confession. To escape sin's misery, one must voluntarily and humbly acknowledge it before God. Confession brings release, as seen in the parable of the prodigal son and echoed in 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us."
4. God Is Near
   Verses 6-7 remind us that God is always present, ready to rescue and preserve those who call on Him. Despite fear or shame, we are assured that He will not cast us away but will surround us with songs of deliverance.
5. Resistance Is Foolish
   Verses 8-10 caution against stubbornness, likening it to the irrationality of a mule that requires forceful guidance. The path of wisdom is marked by prompt repentance and trust in God’s loving-kindness, avoiding the needless suffering caused by resistance.

Good King Josiah, one of Judah's most righteous rulers, exemplifies faith and reform throughout his life, as recorded in 2 Kings 22–23. Despite a lineage of wickedness, he ascended the throne at age eight and sought the Lord wholeheartedly, rediscovering the Book of the Law and implementing sweeping reforms. Josiah eradicated idolatry, renewed the covenant, and celebrated a historic Passover, reflecting his deep conviction and submission to Scripture. His story underscores timeless lessons on leadership, repentance, and the enduring sovereignty of God, even amidst personal and national challenges.

Jeff Miller explores how servant leadership differs radically from worldly power structures in God's kingdom. Through Mark 10:35-45, he reveals Jesus' counter-cultural teaching that true greatness comes through sacrificial service to others. By examining Christ's ultimate example of servant leadership in God's kingdom, believers learn that the path to greatness requires becoming servants and slaves to all.

Christ's birth, though humble, was the arrival of the long-awaited Davidic King promised in Scripture. The angel Gabriel told Mary her son would be called the Son of the Most High and receive the throne of his father, David, to reign forever. His birth fulfilled Old Testament prophecies of a coming eternal King. The birth of the King inaugurated the kingdom he would establish through his death and resurrection.

In Jeremiah 23:1-8, God makes promises that reveal His love for His people. Despite Israel's apostasy and the failure of their kings, God promises to provide a shepherd king from David's line who will care for and rule over His people in the land. This shepherd king is none other than Jesus Christ, the righteous branch, who fulfills these prophecies. He is the Lord our righteousness, who secures salvation for all who trust in Him by His perfect life and death. The birth of Christ is the provision of God's love - a Savior, Shepherd, and King.

Jeff Miller explores Jesus' encounter with Simon Peter in Luke 5:1-11, focusing on catching fish and men. He examines how Jesus' miraculous catch of fish leads to Peter's conversion and calling as a disciple. Miller highlights the progression from Peter's reluctant obedience to his illumination, conviction, and ultimate commitment to follow Jesus. The sermon emphasizes how catching fish and men exemplifies Jesus' authority and transformative power.

Paul called upon Timothy to be unashamed of Christ, the gospel, and Paul's imprisonment for the sake of the gospel. The passage describes three reasons to be unashamed. An exposition of 2 Timothy 1:8-12). This message was preached for our baptism service.

Jim Osman examines the significance of communion in 1 Corinthians 11:18-34, emphasizing its role as a divine institution and a memorial meal that symbolizes the unity of believers. He highlights how the Corinthian church’s misuse of the Lord’s Supper reflected deeper issues of division and selfishness. The focus is on understanding communion’s true purpose and ensuring its observance worthily. The communion significance is essential for the church’s unity and reflection on Christ’s sacrifice.

Jim Osman emphasizes the critical role of elders in protecting the church from false teachers. Drawing from Acts 20:28-32, he explains how Paul warned the Ephesian elders about the ever-present danger of “savage wolves” infiltrating the flock. Osman underscores that guarding the flock is a solemn duty, essential for maintaining the purity and unity of the church. He calls for vigilance, sound doctrine, and unwavering dedication to this spiritual protection.