Reformed & Expository Preaching

Matthew alerts us that Christ enters history to save his people from their sins. One would expect Christ to be received with excitement, but that is not the case. Now Christ sends out his disciples to the surrounding area to proclaim the gospel. Will they be embraced with open arms? Abraham’s children embrace the substance of their redemption?

Please enjoy this exhortation from Mr. Andrew Smyth while Pastor Paul Lindemulder enjoys vacation.

Please enjoy this exhortation from Mr. Andrew Smyth while Pastor Paul Lindemulder enjoys vacation.

Please enjoy this exhortation from Mr. Andrew Smyth while Pastor Paul Lindemulder enjoys vacation.

Please enjoy this exhortation from Mr. Andrew Smyth while Pastor Paul Lindemulder enjoys vacation.

The Lord rules over this creation and over this world. When we survey this creation and different challenges that we face in our day to day lives we might question the Lord’s competence. There is unrest, turmoil, and there is trouble in this world so why do we want our God to be sovereign? It would seem better if we could try out hand at ruling the world. So, why is it a good thing that God is sovereign and we are not sovereign?

We know that Christ is our redeemer and our messiah. We know that Christ has entered history to save his people from their sins. Does this mean that Christ is indifferent or uncaring? How do we know that our Lord cares about us when we are down here on earth and he resides in glory?

The doctrine of the trinity is a confusing doctrine. How can God be one God and three persons at the same time? Why would we want to talk about God being one God and three persons? How can such talk be encouraging and necessary? Is it necessary to speak of God being one God and three persons?

Matthew tells us that this Jesus is the embodiment of Yahweh’s salvation that his name means, “Yahweh Saves.” There are two ways that we can understand Christ conducting himself. He could have his authority from Satan so he is only deceiving his followers or he can have his authority from God. I think that his authority is from God, but who do you say empowers Christ? This is the question that Matthew desires us to answer.

Acts 6 lays out a complaint which recalls for us the Old Testament tragedies when Israel complained against the Lord. It seems as if the New Testament church is just like the redeemed people of Israel who can only complain about the Lord’s shepherding care. Why is it that the Lord does not consume them? Why is it that the Apostles actually concede and act on this complaint?