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The sermon emphasizes the necessity of diligent study and accurate understanding of God's Word, urging believers to move beyond superficial familiarity with scripture. It highlights the role of the pastor and the local church in providing sound doctrine that equips members to withstand error and engage with a culture marked by spiritual confusion and distress. The message argues that true faith is demonstrated through the practical application of biblical truths in daily life, including civic engagement and evangelism. By citing examples of teenage anxiety and the need for deeper theological grounding, the speaker calls for a church that is not merely a place of entertainment but a center of edification and truth. The ultimate goal is for believers to live consistently with their beliefs, reflecting the light of Christ into the darkness of the world.

Paul was a Jew who lived most of his life in a Greek environment. He became a Christian on the Damascus Road. What can we say were the main influences on his theology? First there was his Greaco-Roman environment. We find in his writings examples of the Greek games, common adoptive procedures, the contemporary practice in releasing slaves – all used to illustrate spiritual truths. There are some forms of speech, concepts from Stoicism, the Mystery Religions, Gnosticism in the surface of Paul's thought but its "subsoil" was from his Jewish heritage. Yet there was only one key which lay at the foundation of all his writings i.e., Damascus. It was his conversion, his Damascus road experience which lies at the root of everything. Also his subsequent contacts with the churches in Jerusalem and Judaea, what he received from them, plus all the God revealed to him during those years in Arabia, (Gal. 1:15-17). These were all influences in his theological background.

This sermon examines the theological status of Israel in light of Romans 11, arguing that God has not cast away His chosen people despite their rejection of the Messiah. The message outlines four key truths: God's initial choice of Israel, their subsequent unbelief, the existence of a saved remnant, and their future restoration. It emphasizes that the church's current role does not nullify God's eternal covenants with the Jewish nation, distinguishing between the church's present blessings and Israel's future fulfillment in the millennial kingdom. The tone is instructional and pastoral, urging believers to reject anti-Semitism and recognize that Israel's persecution and eventual salvation are part of God's unchanging plan. The sermon concludes by affirming that God's gifts and calling are irrevocable, providing assurance of His faithfulness to both Israel and the church.

Every day we face a battle between truth and lies, fear and faith, but the good news is that we don't fight alone. Through Jesus, who has all authority, and the power of the Holy Spirit within us, we can stand strong against temptation, walk in the light, and experience freedom from sin, strongholds, and even generational patterns. We don't have to live in fear because God's truth, love, and the full armor of God give us the victory and confidence to keep moving forward.

Why does the psalmist cry "Hear this, all ye people" (Psalm 49:1) and then "give ear" (Psalm 49:1) in the same breath, and who is the ye? Read verse 5 and ask whether it begins with wherefore or with therefore, and whether a man can say he will not fear the days of evil. Then ask what the rich man who trusts in his wealth can pay for his brother's soul. "None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him." (Psalm 49:7)

Psalm 117

This sermon examines the selection of the first seven deacons in the early Jerusalem church and introduces Stephen as a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit. It addresses the internal conflict between Hebrew and Hellenist Jews, arguing that communal sharing was a temporary necessity rather than a permanent divine ordinance, while emphasizing the importance of personal labor and spiritual discipline. The speaker distinguishes between the role of these early servants and the biblical office of deacons, highlighting the need for godly men who support the pastor's ministry of prayer, study, and teaching. Furthermore, the lesson explores Stephen's intellectual prowess and his confrontation with false accusations, illustrating how a deep knowledge of Scripture enables believers to withstand spiritual attacks and defend the truth with wisdom.

In the last fifty years, megachurches have become commonplace and are an accepted model of church even in Reformed circles (in the sense that people plant churches with the intent of rapidly growing into a megachurch). But in Christianity, the details always matter, and while God has at times caused churches to grow very quickly, this does not mean it is good to plan to create a large church. In this episode, we want to examine the trade-offs that come with large churches. Even in cases where God causes the church to grow rapidly, there are difficulties that must be dealt with. God has specific things to say about his church, why he created it, and what he expects it to accomplish. Megachurches, particularly those that are intentionally created by men, are rarely well-suited to accomplishing these goals. Please join us as we discuss this important topic. Thumbnail image by CC BY-NC 2,0 by ad.hermann on FlickrProduction of Reformation Baptist Church of Youngsville, NCPermanent Hosts - Dan Horn, Charles Churchill and Joshua HornTechnical Director - Timothy KaiserTheme Music - Gabriel Hudelson

In this episode, Assistant Pastor Ryan Ahlenius sits down with Pastor Cogbill and John Unger to discuss a question on 1 Timothy 3:11. The ESV translates 1 Timothy 3:11 as 'their wives', although a more faithful translation would be 'the women'. Is this verse referring to an office of deaconess? How does Titus 2 shed more light on women who serve the local church? How should we understand the uses of 'deacon' in reference to Phoebe in Romans 16:1? How does RCC seek to put our conclusions into practice? Tune in to hear more.