Sojourners need something stable to help them along in their travels. Christian sojourners have the gift of elders. Christ calls and equips these men to be Shepherd His own flock, the church. This message was preached on the occasion of ordaining our first elder at Madison Reformed Church.

Exod. 1:15–22 

Dan. 3:8–18 

Matt. 5:38–42 

Rev. 13:1–10  

Should Christians only ever obey civil authorities, or are there times when we must disobey? Scripture gives us very useful categories for understanding when we must or may disobey the governing authorities. In this message, and with the help of the Protestant tradition, we explore the biblical conditions and reasoning for engaging in civil disobedience.

Persecution is like a "fiery trial," and according to the Apostle Peter, we should rejoice when it comes. Why and how? In this message, learn three corrections to our natural reactions to suffering: to not be surprised, but rejoice; to not suffer as a sinner, but as a Christian; and to not confuse our judgment with the judgment of the wicked.

Gen. 47:1–12 

Ezra 7:21–27 

John 18:33–36 

Acts 26:19–32  

The basic responsibilities of civil government are to punish law-breakers and protect the innocent. But what is its relationship to the Church? Although there's room for difference of opinion, Scripture guides us to a handful of common elements.

When Jesus brings us into a union with Himself, He also breaks our union with Christ. That means that we have to be willing to the patterns and habits of sin behind us, even if it means facing the ridicule of whose who don't believe. In this message, we learn the void that saying no to sin creates in our lives, and how to fill it with the gifts God has given to us—namely, vibrant life in the church.

Gen. 9:1–7 

1 Sam. 8:10–18 

Matt. 22:15–22 

Rom. 13:1–7 

Although Christians are free to have a variety of views about politics and policies, the Bible's basic teaching on the role of civil government is clear. In this message, we discover two of the most important functions our governing authorities have, and what the response of Christian citizens should be.

A down payment of course is when you make a first large payment on some big item like a house or property, paying the rest when the time comes. This idea is here in 2 Corinthians 5:5, except that God is the buyer, and the Holy Spirit is His down payment. In this Pentecost message, we look into one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit secured for us on that great day. It is the gift of a guarantee. Christ has died and been raised in a new body. And now the Spirit has been put down as collateral—as it were—to guarantee that you too will be raised with a new body. And because of that, we’re able to cope with the threat and fears of death that all of us live with as mortal people in this age.

Isa. 1:12–20 

1 Cor. 11:17–34 

What is self-examination? Some Christians are so unfamiliar with it that they never do it. Others feel they've only done it if they feel spiritually discouraged. But self-examination is an aid to assurance, not a weapon to destroy it. In this message, we explore the call to self-examination and how it prepares us to receive Christ's body and blood.

What does Christ's suffering, the Holy Spirit, Noah's ark, the flood, spirits in prison, and baptism have to do with us? In this message from 1 Peter 3, we explore these various topics and how they relate to Peter's bigger goal to help Christians persevere when they're suffering unjustly.

Deut. 8:1–10 

Ezek. 45:13–17 

John 6:52–59 

1 Cor. 11:17–34 

Sacred meals are all over Scripture. God invites His people to eat in His presence. In the Lord's Supper, we have a sacred meal in which Christ Himself is offered to those who receive Him by faith. In this message, we explore the past, present, and future benefits of this wonderful sacrament.