In this sermon, Pastor Rockhill addresses the ongoing controversy surrounding the Fourth Commandment, focusing specifically on the Sabbath as presented in John 5:9-18. He illustrates how the religious leaders of Jesus' time misinterpreted the purpose of the Sabbath, turning it into a burden rather than a blessing. Through Jesus' healing of a man who had been infirm for thirty-eight years, Pastor Rockhill emphasizes that the Sabbath was intended as a day of rest and worship, a divine gift meant for the benefit of humanity. Pastor Rockhill argues that the moral law, including the command to observe the Sabbath, is still applicable today, as it reflects God's created order and moral character. He warns against the dangers of legalism that can arise when man-made traditions overshadow God's commands. The sermon concludes with a call for believers to embrace the Sabbath as a time for spiritual renewal and a reminder of the ultimate rest found in Christ, who fulfilled the law and offers salvation. This message encourages the congregation to honor the Sabbath not out of obligation, but as a delight in God's provision for their souls.

Sunday, September 20, 2026 Morning Worship Service Pastor Chris

Welcome to our Morning Worship Service, with our guest speaker, Rev. David Creane.

This sermon explores the theological necessity of the Holy Spirit for acceptable biblical worship, arguing that human effort or external conformity to the law is insufficient without divine empowerment. The central message emphasizes that the Spirit is a divine person who works through the Word of God to give spiritual life, illuminate truth, and produce the fruits of love, peace, and joy in the believer. Key themes include the Spirit's role as the effectual witness of Christ, the source of spiritual conviction, and the enabler of effectual prayer and singing. The tone is instructional and convicting, urging believers to move away from self-reliance and toward a God-dependent posture where the Spirit transforms worship from a mere human activity into a divine work. The sermon concludes by affirming that all aspects of Christian life and worship are made acceptable to God solely through the work of Jesus Christ and the ongoing power of the Holy Spirit.

This episode of Catechesis addresses the common objection that theology is unnecessary for a relationship with Jesus, arguing instead that Christian doctrine is essential for knowing the true Christ and living faithfully. By examining passages in 2 Timothy, Ephesians, and Titus, the message explains that God intends His people to learn His truth to gain wisdom, stability, and maturity, so they are not tossed about by every wind of doctrine. The episode emphasizes that sound doctrine is not an end in itself but a means to know God, strengthen faith, shape worship, and protect believers from error. It further asserts that what Christians believe directly influences how they live, as biblical learning is meant to produce biblical living. Finally, the episode encourages believers to actively engage with Scripture and catechisms to receive, guard, and transmit the faith to the next generation.

Welcome to our service at Ardaragh FPC. We hope you will join with us as we meet together to worship God.

We ended last week… talking about the difference between the tribes of Reuben and Meroz… and the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali. When God called Reuben… they seriously thought about going… but they didn't. Meroz had the opportunity to go… and they didn't. But when God called Zebulun and Naphtali… they actually went. And that left us with a question: When God places an opportunity for obedience in front of us… do we merely think about it—or do we act? Zebulun and Naphtali acted… they obeyed. Well tonight… Deborah's gonna to show us somebody who acted. Her name was Jael.

Sermon Outline The Truths David Meditates on: 1. God knows you completely (vv1-6) 2. God is always with you, to lead you and hold you (vv7-12) 3. God has shaped your whole life (vv13-18) a. He created you (vv13-16a) b. He wrote every day of your life story (v16) The Ways this Meditation Affects David: 1. Awe and wonder, trust and worship (vv1-18) 2. Passion for God to be glorified (vv19-22) 3. Honesty and confidence in his relationship with God (vv23-24) 4. Desire to become a more God-glorifying person (vv23-24)