Reformed & Expository Preaching

Scripture speaks of us receiving crowns and rewards when we get to glory. One of think that our sole motivation is to have a bigger crown, a bigger mansion, or more rewards than another christian. What is wrong with this sort of motivation to obey to receive more from our Lord at the final judgment? Why should we want to conform to the Lord as we journey through this age?

It is easy to get discouraged when we read the news and wonder what is happening in the world today. We might wonder where is this mighty and majestic kingdom that Scripture communicates so clearly. So, where is this kingdom? Is the kingdom here right now or is the kingdom on its way? How does this impact our lives today?

We believe that one is righteous before God by taking hold of Christ through faith. Paul says that he desires to know nothing except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Does this mean that Paul is denying Christ’s resurrection? Does this mean that Paul is teaching us not to learn from wise men in the past nor to look at any other Scriptures? What does Paul mean by this strong statement, “Jesus Christ and him crucified?”

We sit with the disciples to hear about the parable of the sower. Christ then continues with this theme to talk about a false sower. Does this mean that Satan has equal power and authority? Can we be sure that the Lord really will accomplish His goal? How do we know that the Lord is really capable to finish what He starts?

Peter is an apostle who identifies himself as a fellow elder. Does Peter have an identity crises in his letter or is Peter teaching us something significant about leadership?

Christ is in his dying moments and it appears to the human eye that his idealistic kingdom and mission has failed. He is on the cross, helplessly nailed to a board as a covenant breaker, and he is hung there between two criminals. Clearly, Christ’s messianic claims are fraudulent, but are they? What do we see in this narrative that communicates that Christ really comes to save, and that his mission is absolutely successful?

One would think that as Christ enters history that his desire is to start a movement. He is the one who is bringing in the kingdom, and so one who brings in the kingdom will need citizens to be part of the kingdom. It would seem wise to make the kingdom accessible. However, Christ speaks in cryptic language, and seems to do more to drive people away rather than the bring them near. Why does Christ speak in parables?

Christ’s immediate family desires to see him so they come to the house where Christ is teaching. Christ does not seem all that receptive to their arrival, but rather launches into a teaching about the family of God. Why does Christ delay in inviting them to come into the house? Why does Christ then go on to speak about the parable of the sower?

The Lord promises that no matter what we face that God works all things for good. Does this mean that everything that we face as Christians is going to be good? Is this a declaration that sin is so eradicated that there will be no lasting consequence of sin? Does this really mean that all things are good or is the Apostle Paul teaching us something else about our Christian sojourn?