Reformed & Expository Preaching

Introduction

We can hear the slogan“Once Saved Always Saved!” as a summary of the Christian life.  This sounds like you go through life on easy cruis control as a mindless muppet.  The Canons of Dort, Reformed Theology, clarifies that believers can fall into serious sin, and God may allow us to ex...

Introduction

Human beings love simplicity. The instinct to “keep it simple” can be helpful, but when applied too rigidly to theology, it can flatten realities that Scripture itself presents with depth and tension. This is especially true when t...

Introduction

We conclude our series of God’s fam...

Introduction

In this exposition of 1 Corinthians 2, Paul’s contrast between the natural (fleshly) person and the spiritual person is carefully unpacked in light of the Canons of Dort. The goal is to correct common misunderstandings.  We might want to be very moralistic where we impose our will...

Introduction

Luke’s Gospel invites us to hear a story that turns the world upside down. Kings reign, empires boast of peace, and yet heaven quietly enters history through a peasant couple in a crowded town. What Luke gives us is not a story of political triumph or cultural success, but divine irony...

Introduction

There are two kinds of people in God’s kingdom.  Some are in the covenant line, and others are outside the covenant line.   Matthew captures this by showing us that there are insiders (God’s covenant people) and outsiders (those who are not directly tied to Abraham by their f...

Introduction

We spend another week considering the doctrine of Limited Atonement. We examine this doctrine using John 17 and the Canons of Dort. Christ’s pristly work and his compassion is evident as he goes to the cross.

Ou...

Introduction

Matthew’s genealogy prompts listeners to think about family legacy, reputation, and spiritual lineage. Just as we may judge someone by their family’s reputation, Matthew opens with Jesus’ lineage to show both the brokenness and faithfulness found in God’s people.
He highlights deep...

Introduction

Limited atonement sounds as if the Lord is setting up an excluvie group or there is not enough for everyone. Far from portraying Christ’s atonement as scarce or exclusive, Scripture presents it as infinitely sufficient for the whole human race. However, Christ’s work is only applied ...

Introduction

As we continue through the Canons of Dort, it is important to remember how this confession is structured. Each head of doctrine has a positive section, where the churches state what they believe, and a “rejection of errors” section, where they clarify what they do not believe. The goal...

Introduction

The crucifixion, intended as a deterrent by Rome, is intedened to kill people in a demeaning, painfully slow way.  The intention was to deter anyone from rebelling against Rome.

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