Obeying Those in Authority Read: Romans 13 Text: Lord's Day 39 I. A Command Regarding Authority II. The Works of This Command III. The Command with Promise

Point 1: The Vision (Ezekiel 37:1-3) Point 2: The Prophecy (Ezekiel 37:4-6) Point 3: The Prophesying (Ezekiel 37:7-8) Point 4: The Second Prophecy (Ezekiel 37:9-10) Point 5: The Interpretation (Ezekiel 37:11-13) Point 6: The Result (Ezekiel 37:14) The sermon explores Ezekiel's vision of the valley of dry bones to illustrate God's power to restore hope and life to a people who feel spiritually dead and hopeless. It highlights the historical context of Israel's exile, where national despair mirrored physical death, yet God commands the prophet to speak His word to bring about miraculous reconstruction. The message emphasizes that true vitality comes not from external structure but from the breath of the Spirit, which transforms lifeless forms into a living army for God. By connecting this ancient prophecy to the believer's experience of feeling like an exile in a hostile world, the text offers comfort and assurance of future resurrection and restoration. Ultimately, the central theme is that God alone can breathe life into impossible situations, proving His sovereignty and identity to those who trust in Him.

PM sermons are preceded by a Confessional, Catechism, Historic Creed lesson, or a lesson from the NT (Usually 5 minutes or so) Heidelberg Catechism 75 Q. How does the holy supper remind and assure you that you share in Christ's one sacrifice on the cross and in all his benefits? A. In this way: Christ has commanded me and all believers to eat this broken bread and to drink this cup in remembrance of him. With this command come these promises: First, as surely as I see with my eyes the bread of the Lord broken for me and the cup shared with me, so surely his body was offered and broken for me and his blood poured out for me on the cross. Second, as surely as I receive from the hand of the one who serves, and taste with my mouth the bread and cup of the Lord, given me as sure signs of Christ's body and blood, so surely he nourishes and refreshes my soul for eternal life with his crucified body and poured-out blood. 76 Q. What does it mean to eat the crucified body of Christ and to drink his poured-out blood? A. It means to accept with a believing heart the entire suffering and death of Christ and thereby to receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life. But it means more. Through the Holy Spirit, who lives both in Christ and in us, we are united more and more to Christ's blessed body. And so, although he is in heaven and we are on earth, we are flesh of his flesh and bone of his bone. And we forever live on and are governed by one Spirit,as the members of our body are by one soul. 77 Q. Where does Christ promise to nourish and refresh believers with his body and blood as surely as they eat this broken bread and drink this cup? A. In the institution of the Lord's Supper.....

Guest preacher Abisekh Kumarrajan, originally from Tamil Nadu, India, brought a timely challenge to Mission of Grace Church and all: the Great Commission is not only about going to the nations—God has brought the nations to us. Drawing from the early church in Acts and the story of Mission of Grace Church, Pastor Abisekh encouraged us to recognize the remarkable diversity now present in Westborough and surrounding communities. Families from many cultures live beside us, work with us, attend our schools, and enter our churches. As our accompanying reflection reminds us, "What once required crossing an ocean may now begin by crossing the street." He emphasized three essential responses. First, pray for spiritual sight so that we see people as God sees them—precious souls in need of Christ. Second, expect God to do what is beyond our human ability, trusting the Holy Spirit to open doors and hearts. Third, believe in the transforming power of the gospel to overcome cultural, ethnic, and social barriers. Christian hospitality is also part of this mission. Scripture calls us to welcome the stranger with humility, compassion, friendship, and genuine love. Our differences are not obstacles; they are gifts God can use for ministry. Native-born and immigrant believers alike have a place in Christ's mission. God has brought the nations near. May we open our eyes, our hearts, and our lives—and make disciples of all peoples right where God has placed us.

Why didn't Jesus establish the Messianic Kingdom during His first coming? Why did He suddenly begin teaching in parables? And what do the four soils reveal about the condition of our hearts, spiritual maturity, rewards, and the Church Age? In this in-depth study of Matthew 13:1–23, Pastor Brandon Holthaus explains why Israel's rejection of the Messiah marked a major turning point in God's Kingdom Program. Discover how the Mystery Kingdom unfolds between Christ's first and second comings and why the Parable of the Sower is the foundational key to understanding all of Jesus' Kingdom parables. In this message you'll learn: • Why Jesus changed His teaching from plain speech to parables • The four different heart conditions represented by the soils • Why the first soil never germinates while the other three do • The difference between shallow, worldly, and fruitful believers • How Satan attempts to snatch away God's Word • The role of persecution, worldliness, and spiritual maturity • Why receptivity—not intelligence—is the issue • What Jesus meant by "understanding" • The significance of the 30-, 60-, and 100-fold harvest • How the Mystery Kingdom relates to the Seven Churches of Revelation • Why life often doesn't go according to our plans—and how God is still accomplishing His Kingdom purposes The Parable of the Sower reminds us that the power of God's Word never fails. The determining factor is not the quality of the seed, but the condition of the soil. If this message encouraged you, please Like, Subscribe, and Share it with others. #Matthew13 #ParableOfTheSower #MysteryKingdom #KingdomParables

The sermon continues a study on spiritual health by outlining three essential commands for the Christian heart found in Scripture. First, believers must trust in the Lord with all their heart rather than leaning on their own finite understanding, as illustrated by the example of Cain. Second, Christians are called to love God with all their soul and mind, which inherently requires loving others with the same wholehearted devotion. Third, worship must be offered with a whole heart, characterized by genuine joy and praise that reflects God's character rather than mere ritual. The preacher emphasizes that true obedience involves total commitment to these commands, warning against half-heartedness and self-reliance. Ultimately, the message urges listeners to examine their hearts daily to ensure they are fully devoted to God through trust, love, and joyful worship.

The Second Commandment 1. The Commandment's Essence 2. The Commandment's Application 3. The Commandment's Fulfillment Lords Day : 38 Read : Colossians 2 Psalms: 38:1-4; 38:5-10; 38:11-16; 38:17-22

The Word of God is living and active (vv 11-13) There remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God (vv 1-10) Heidelberg Catechism, Q & A 103 Q. What is God's will for you in the fourth commandment? A. First, that the gospel ministry and education for it be maintained, and that, especially on the festive day of rest, I diligently attend the assembly of God's people, to learn what God's Word teaches, to participate in the sacraments, to pray to God publicly, and to bring Christian offerings for the poor; Second, that every day of my life I rest from my evil ways, let the Lord work in me through his Spirit, and so begin in this life the eternal Sabbath