Reformed & Expository Preaching

In Luke 5:27-39, Jesus asks Levi (Matthew) to follow him, eats with tax collectors and sinners. He tells the Pharisees he came for sinners, not the righteous. Jesus talks about fasting, using parables to say new wine goes in new wineskins and people don't fast with the groom around. This is a passage that is making clear why Christ has to come to redeem. We are left with the question: is Christ the Messiah or a fraud?

Paul refers to some children as clean, rather than unclean. Is baptism the cleansing bath? Does baptism make the child clean, or does Paul refer to something more fundamental and traditional? Why does Paul use Old Testament terms like clean and unclean?

We might fall into a routine and forget about Christ, losing sight of His importance. Sardis trusted in their fortress. They assumed they were safe because of their fortress. However, the city fell two times because they were too complacent to check their fortress. The church in Sardis is urged to wake up and pursue Christ.

The Church in Tyatira struggles to balance faith and daily life, torn between its Christian values and worldly temptations. They are compromising their beliefs, and losing focus on their spiritual goal. they are exhorted to cling and live for the conquering Christ who forced Balaam, the great prophet, to speak his words.

Two men go to Jesus Christ for healing. One understands Jesus' power despite his mental barrier, while the other realizes his paralysis is not his real problem as his friends cut through the barrier. Jesus demonstrates the genuine healing in the kingdom.

Mr. Cole Lindsay opens the word of God for us, and exhorts us from 1 Peter 1:3-12.

The church in Pergamum faced martyrdom as one member died for their faith. They were praised but cautioned against Balaam's mistake. Ephesus is overly strict, while this other church is too accepting and risks diluting the gospel.

Christ obeys the father and dies on the cross to fulfill his father’s mission. Without being raised, his perfect obedience would be pointless. Christ's prayer in John 17 is confirmed because he has finished his work from the father. His resurrection testifies that he has completed the work His Father gave Him to do. His resurrection validates the Gospel.

Peter courageously wields his sword for Christ, then denies Him. He discovers Christ sacrifices for His followers, not vice versa. Our lives are to be centered on our savior, not ourselves. That's why Christ must go to the cross to secure his disciples, and to empower his disciples to live for him.

The church in Smyrna is encouraged to stay strong despite challenges. They will endure hardships, but should know they are spiritually wealthy in Jesus Christ, even if they lack material wealth.