Reformed & Expository Preaching

The resurrection affords us great comfort because we know for certain that those in Christ will be raised to life. The resurrection consoles us as we think about parting at the end of this life. However, can Christ's resurrection grant us comfort now? Can Christ's resurrection accomplish something other than merely guaranteeing my resurrection? Why is Chris's resurrection so essential for Christianity?

We mighty wonder how Christ's burial contributes to the success of his mission. One thing we note is that Christ cannot remain on the cross as a covenant breaker, but he must be taken down to fulfill the Mosaic law. This is also fulfills what the Lord spoke through Isaiah that the suffering servant would be buried in a rich man's tomb. Matthew subtly shows us that the Lord continues to fulfill his mission even in death. So, we can see the fulfillment of the Old Testament, but how can Matthew's recounting of Christ's burial assure us that Christ is able to save us from our sins?

It is tempting to think that Christ’s resurrection only guarantees our resurrection. However, the Gospel accounts communicate that Christ’s resurrection does far more than merely guarantee a resurrection. What does Christ’s resurrection guarantee? How does Christ’s resurrection encourage us today to continue to fight the good fight while we are on our earthly pilgrimage?

The Corinthian church appears to doubt Paul's apostolic credentials because he does not seem spiritual enough or like the guru they have come to expect. Paul encourages the church to shift and reorient their focus. Where is the church called to orient its focus? How does this shift in focus change our priorities? How does this shift in focus conform us to Christ?

Human beings want to build their own heaven on earth. This is not something new nor is it necessarily sinful because the Garden of Eden was a taste of heaven on earth. When does this desire become sinful? Will man be able to build heaven on earth when it seems that God is silent? Is this a legitimate problem or just a problem with our perception?

The apostle Paul is one who could be very confident in his fleshly works. Paul himself says that he was blameless by the standard of the law. Why would the Apostle Paul need Christ if he is blameless? Why is Paul's life as a pharisee important for us to know? What does it teach us about being set free in Christ?

Edom is confident that as long as they dwell on top of the mountain they are on top of the world. No one can bring them down, and they can seize the day by continually raiding Judah. Does the Lord see this and does the Lord care? Is this the serpents victory day or is this another day?

We approach Good Friday and we consider Christ’s court room scene in front of Pilate. Why is Christ so dogmatic about Christ being truth? What is truth? Christ affirms that there is truth, but how can we know the truth?

It can feel as if we are alone and the Lord does not care about our circumstances here on earth. It is very likely that Judah felt this way as the Babylonians marched them out of the land in front of their brother Esau. Esau taunts his brother while Esau is safely nestled in the clefts of the rock. Esau is above the world, but is he above the Lord? Does the Lord see how alone Judah feels and we can feel at times? Will the Lord really bring about His redemptive promises?

We might want to think that God had two plans for his people. There was a way to heaven for the Israelites and then there is a way to heaven for the Gentiles. However, this is not what the apostle Paul teaches. What does the apostle Paul teach regarding the way of salvation? How do we know that the Lord is consistent in his redemption?