Matthew 1:18-21 In this morning’s sermon text from the Gospel of Matthew, an angel appears to Joseph to announce that the miraculous child in Mary’s womb “will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Many of the elements in the service today likewise focus on Christ’s coming as a Savior. Our Call to Worship is taken from Zechariah’s prophecy…
O come to us, abide with us, our Lord, Emmanuel. —Phillips Brooks Advent is usually observed as a season of confession, preparation, and anticipation, looking forward to the birth of Christ on Christmas Day. You’ll notice several added elements in the service this morning: lighting of candles during the Call to Worship, purple accents on the bulletin and the pulpit,…
As we come to the end of the church year, it is appropriate that we look back on the year that has passed with thanksgiving. In a season that has certainly presented challenges in our world and our culture, the Lord has nevertheless poured out blessings on us—bringing new faces, new lives, and new opportunities here at Parish. We respond…
“Justice” is a term that we often hear in our contemporary cultural moment. On social media posts, in high profile court cases, and even in the streets, our nation has been in turmoil over questions of justice. But who determines the standard for justice? Is justice simply what benefits my tribe or interest group? Or is it a shifting cultural…
“Justice” is a term that we often hear in our contemporary cultural moment. On social media posts, in high profile court cases, and even in the streets, our nation has been in turmoil over questions of justice. But who determines the standard for justice? Is justice simply what benefits my tribe or interest group? Or is it a shifting cultural…
Dr. John Currie (DMin, Westminster Theological Seminary) is Dean of Pastoral Theology, Professor of Pastoral Theology, and Director of the D.Min Program at Westminster Theological Seminary. Dr. Currie’s academic interests include expository preaching and pastoral leadership. Dr. Currie has extensive pastoral experience and is an ordained minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Before serving at Redeemer OPC, Currie also served…
Today marks the 504th anniversary of Martin Luther’s launching of the Protestant Reformation in 1517. At the beginning of the 16th century, the Western church was coming to the end of a long period of forgetfulness, corruption, and turmoil. Similarly, the book of Lamentations presents a picture of a people trusting in their own righteousness— which only brought disappointment, grief,…
As Pastor Grant put it last week, the book of Lamentations calls us to remember, repent, and return to the Lord. This week’s sermon text focuses on that middle term—repentance—and specifically highlights the failures of the religious leaders in Judah: “Your prophets have seen for you false and deceptive visions”; “This was for the sins of her prophets and the…
I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old. —Psalm 77:11 Much of this morning’s service centers around memory—remembering the things that God has done for us, and asking the Lord to remember us in our distress. The service begins with the hymn O God, Our Help In Ages Past (Psalm 90), which…
Zephaniah’s prophecy opens with a declaration that the Lord “will utterly sweep away everything from the face of the earth” (Zephaniah 1:2) but ends with a gentle promise that He will bring His people in, gathering the outcasts together (Zephaniah 3:19). The surprisingly hopeful ending of the book is reflected in many of the elements in this morning’s service. We…