One of the primary contrasts found in the first book of the Psalter is that between God’s people and their enemies, often referred to as “the righteous” and “the wicked.” You can certainly find this contrast in this morning’s sermon text (see Psalm 10:2, 8-10, 12-13, 18), as well as many of the psalms and hymns we sing in the…
Suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit… —Acts 2:2-4 This morning, along with the rest of the Western church, we remember…
The author of Hebrews concludes his letter with a blessing from “Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep.” Pastoral images abound in this morning’s service: readings from Psalm 23 and Micah 5 describe Christ as our shepherd, along with the hymns Jesus, Shepherd Of Thy People, How Sweet The Name Of Jesus Sounds, and O Thou In Whose Presence. As…
As we come to the close of our study of Hebrews—a series that has taken nearly nine months—this morning’s service recapitulates many of the themes this remarkable book has surveyed. You’ll notice that every reading this morning (not just the sermon text) is taken from Hebrews, and we’ll sing many of the hymns that were featured during this series. The…
This morning’s sermon text from Hebrews lists several practical exhortations on living the Christian life, concluding with a comforting quotation from the psalter: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear.” Much of today’s service focuses on this aspect of God as our helper. Throughout the morning, we’ll be reminded that “[our] help comes from the Lord” (Psalm 121:2), that…
When we come to worship, we are in a sense coming (as the author of Hebrews puts it) to the heavenly Jerusalem (Hebrews 12:22). What an immense privilege we have every week as children of God! This morning, Psalm 48 calls us to worship with a description of the “city of our God,” “Mount Zion,” “His holy mountain,” a fortress…
Reformed worship is often described as dialogical: God declares something to us from His Word, and we respond with prayer and song; we confess our sins, and God responds, assuring us of His pardon. This emphasizes the vertical aspect of worship, the relationship between God and humanity. But we shouldn’t neglect the horizontal aspect, the relationship of believers to one…
Last week we celebrated the glorious victory our King has over death. Our King endured the hostility of sinners so that those sinners might be saved and become sons. This morning we are called to walk in the path our Savior has set before us. Jesus traveled through deep rivers of sorrow and so will we, but His grace all…
Q. What doth the resurrection of Christ profit us? A. First, by His resurrection He has overcome death, that He might make us partakers of that righteousness which He had purchased for us by His death; secondly, we are also by His power raised up to a new life; and lastly, the resurrection of Christ is a sure pledge of…
Tonight’s service of readings, choral anthems, and congregational hymns was assembled to assist us in meditating on the story of Christ’s betrayal, trial, crucifixion, and burial. Each portion of the story (taken from all four Gospels) is followed by a musical response from either the choir or the entire congregation. Throughout the service, the choir will be presenting six works…