Reformed & Expository Preaching

The Lord has established for Israel that the Lord really does love Israel. The Lord is also one who has been faithful to the promises of the covenant of grace. The Lord has delivered, defended, and deposited Israel right where they need to be. Now the Lord turns to cross examine Israel. Have they loved the Lord as they should? How has Israel failed to love the Lord?

Israel has a checkered past and some struggles in their faithfulness to the Lord. Now, Israel is in a place where she is sort of in the land, but not fully enjoying all the benefits of the Lord. Israel wants to know if the Lord really loves the younger son, and so they ask the Lord if he really loves Jacob. So, does the Lord love Jacob and how do we know?

Isaiah the prophet is called into the most holies of places. You would think that he would be overjoyed to encounter the full holies of our Lord, but he is overwhelmed by his placement in the true temple. Why is Isaiah so upset and concerned? This is a prophet set apart unto the Lord and so what does he have to worry about? What is the Lord ultimately going to do to set aside this man’s fears, but at the same time equip this man to come into HIs holy presence?

When we meet together for worship it might be something that has become rather rote. We rise, we sing, we listen, and we might think that there is not much we can glean from worship because the experience is not what we expect it to be. Is this a problem with worship or a problem with us? What is really going on between God and HIs people even if the Ark of the Covenant is not present with us?

Paul concludes his letter to the church with the assurance of the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ being conferred to this church. Why do we study this letter and why does it matter that there are all these men are mentioned in the conclusion of the letter? Why do we want to study this old letter today?

Joshua assembles the Lord’s people together after they cross the Jordan River. Joshua is command to circumcise the people of God a second time. Why would Joshua waste precious time to engage in such a physical ceremony? Why not just go to war, secure the land, and enjoy the Lord’s redemptive purpose?

Paul reminds Philemon that Philemon owes Paul his very life. Why would Paul say such a thing? Is Paul being arrogant and manipulative? Does Paul have a different motivation for saying such a strong statment to Philemon?

Abraham is one who has called out of his land, away from his father, and away from idolatry. He is called to worship the one true God. Does this mean that only those who are genetically tied to Abraham have life in Abraham? How do we know that the blessings for Abraham are for the nations rather than one nation or nationality?

We know that the fall of mankind radically changes human history. It also changes how we relate to God. Can we have a relationship with the Lord once again? What does that relationship look like after God pronounces a curse upon man and this creation? Can man really worship the one true God?