Brookville Baptist Church

The Gospel transforms the lives of individuals and the lives of entire communities. In this sermon Pastor David explains that if we really want the Gospel to saturate our community, it must first saturate our lives. For Brookville to be transformed by the Good News, Christians must be living transformed lives.Romans 12:1-2 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.

John 17:20-23“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You have sent Me. 22 The glory that You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one even as We are one, 23 I in them and You in Me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that You sent Me and loved them even as You loved Me.

The Exodus with the crossing of the Red Sea is one of the most climactic rescues in Scripture, but it points forward to an even greater Exodus and even better rescue. In this sermon Pastor David explains that the Red Sea crossing is part of a pattern anticipating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead as well as the future resurrection of believers. The same God who brought Israel out of the sea, and brought Jesus out of the grave, brings believers out of death.Exodus 14:9–31 The Egyptians pursued them, all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots and his horsemen and his army, and overtook them encamped at the sea, by Pi-hahiroth, in front of Baal-zephon. 10 When Pharaoh drew near, the people of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them, and they feared greatly. And the people of Israel cried out to the LORD. 11 They said to Moses, “Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us in bringing us out of Egypt? 12 Is not this what we said to you in Egypt: ‘Leave us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.” 13 And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. 14 The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” 15 The LORD said to Moses, “Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward. 16 Lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the people of Israel may go through the sea on dry ground. 17 And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they shall go in after them, and I will get glory over Pharaoh and all his host, his chariots, and his horsemen. 18 And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I have gotten glory over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen.” 19 Then the angel of God who was going before the host of Israel moved and went behind them, and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them, 20 coming between the host of Egypt and the host of Israel. And there was the cloud and the darkness. And it lit up the night without one coming near the other all night. 21 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the LORD drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. 22 And the people of Israel went into the midst of the sea on dry ground, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. 23 The Egyptians pursued and went in after them into the midst of the sea, all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. 24 And in the morning watch the LORD in the pillar of fire and of cloud looked down on the Egyptian forces and threw the Egyptian forces into a panic, 25 clogging their chariot wheels so that they drove heavily. And the Egyptians said, “Let us flee from before Israel, for the LORD fights for them against the Egyptians.” 26 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the water may come back upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.” 27 So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its normal course when the morning appeared. And as the Egyptians fled into it, the LORD threw the Egyptians into the midst of the sea. 28 The waters returned and covered the chariots and the horsemen; of all the host of Pharaoh that had followed them into the sea, not one of them remained. 29 But the people of Israel walked on dry ground through the sea, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. 30 Thus the LORD saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore.

During the Exodus, the LORD rescued His people by the blood of a lamb and established annual holidays to commemorate this great deliverance. In this sermon Pastor David explains why the feast of Passover and the feast of Unleavened Bread are of such great significance to Christians. They anticipated the saving work of Christ's substitutionary death and it's sanctifying effect.Exodus 12:11–15 In this manner you shall eat it: with your belt fastened, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand. And you shall eat it in haste. It is the LORD’s Passover. 12 For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the LORD. 13 The blood shall be a sign for you, on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt. 14 “This day shall be for you a memorial day, and you shall keep it as a feast to the LORD; throughout your generations, as a statute forever, you shall keep it as a feast. 15 Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread. On the first day you shall remove leaven out of your houses, for if anyone eats what is leavened, from the first day until the seventh day, that person shall be cut off from Israel.1 Cor 5:7-8 Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Let us therefore celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

Why did God strike Egypt with plagues? Why did the LORD harden Pharaoh's heart? How does Yahweh rescue His people through His judgment? In the sermon Pastor David answers these questions and more.

Who's the boss, applesauce? Who runs the show, buffalo? Who's in command, rubber band? In today's sermon Pastor David answers this very question as we finish up exodus 6 and head into chapter 7. We see that Moses and Aaron begin to lean who is the Captain of their souls, and they repeatedly display this by doing what the LORD commands. We will also encounter Pharaoh's refusal to have the LORD reign over his life, or even recognize Him at all. So, who's steering this ship, potato chip? Have you accepted the authority of the Lord Jesus over your life, or do you reserve final authority for yourself?

In this sermon, Pastor David introduces us to the seven "I Will" statements of Exodus chapter 6, while giving us their context starting in 4:31 and going through 6:13. When we get to chapter 6 we see the unfolding of the great and precious promises of God there within. The promises of deliverance and redemption, adoption, and inheritance found chiefly in verses 6-8. The end goal is in sight even as early as the book of Exodus - To love God and enjoy Him forever.Exodus 6:6-86Say therefore to the people of Israel, ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from slavery to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment. 7 will take you to be my people, and I will be your God, and you shall know that I am the Lord your God, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. 8 will bring you into the land that I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. I will give it to you for a possession. I am the Lord.’”

In this portion of Scripture the Lord shows Himself to be merciful, gracious and slow to anger as Moses resists the Lord's command. Moses questions the Lord, he makes excuses, he refuses and then he compromises. In this sermon Pastor David explains how we need to learn from Moses's mistakes.Exodus 3:16–22 Go and gather the elders of Israel together and say to them, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, has appeared to me, saying, “I have observed you and what has been done to you in Egypt, 17 and I promise that I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, a land flowing with milk and honey.”’ 18 And they will listen to your voice, and you and the elders of Israel shall go to the king of Egypt and say to him, ‘The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us; and now, please let us go a three days’ journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God.’ 19 But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless compelled by a mighty hand. 20 So I will stretch out my hand and strike Egypt with all the wonders that I will do in it; after that he will let you go. 21 And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and when you go, you shall not go empty, 22 but each woman shall ask of her neighbor, and any woman who lives in her house, for silver and gold jewelry, and for clothing. You shall put them on your sons and on your daughters. So you shall plunder the Egyptians.”Exodus 4 Then Moses answered, “But behold, they will not believe me or listen to my voice, for they will say, ‘The LORD did not appear to you.’” 2 The LORD said to him, “What is that in your hand?” He said, “A staff.” 3 And he said, “Throw it on the ground.” So he threw it on the ground, and it became a serpent, and Moses ran from it. 4 But the LORD said to Moses, “Put out your hand and catch it by the tail”—so he put out his hand and caught it, and it became a staff in his hand—5 “that they may believe that the LORD, the God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you.” 6 Again, the LORD said to him, “Put your hand inside your cloak.” And he put his hand inside his cloak, and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous like snow. 7 Then God said, “Put your hand back inside your cloak.” So he put his hand back inside his cloak, and when he took it out, behold, it was restored like the rest of his flesh. 8 “If they will not believe you,” God said, “or listen to the first sign, they may believe the latter sign. 9 If they will not believe even these two signs or listen to your voice, you shall take some water from the Nile and pour it on the dry ground, and the water that you shall take from the Nile will become blood on the dry ground.”10 But Moses said to the LORD, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.” 11 Then the LORD said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? 12 Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” 13 But he said, “Oh, my Lord, please send someone else.” 14 Then the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses and he said, “Is there not Aaron, your brother, the Levite? I know that he can speak well. Behold, he is coming out to meet you, and when he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. 15 You shall speak to him and put the words in his mouth, and I will be with your mouth and with his mouth and will teach you both what to do. 16 He shall speak for you to the people, and he shall be your mouth, and you shall be as God to him. 17 And take in your hand this staff, with which you shall do the signs.”

As Moses investigates a burning bush he encounters God Himself. In their conversation the Lord reveals His covenant name, "I Am who I Am." In this sermon, Pastor David examines this profound name, what reveals about God and why it matters to our lives today.

Exodus chapter two is the second time God has saved through an arc. Both events (the ship of the flood and this basket made to carry infant Moses) were only temporary and both were only archetypes that point us toward the final and lasting Salvation found in God's Son Jesus Christ.

Exodus 1 is a bleak chapter of oppression and struggle. It almost reminds me of the strain put on a car battery. Power is demanded from it for the spark that keeps the engine turning and all the lights plus accessories in the vehicle. Yet, no matter the strain put on it, the alternator supplies above and beyond what it needed to run the equipment and even recharges the battery. That is sort of how I see the children of Israel in this chapter. No matter how hard they are pressed and how intentionally Pharoah tries to limit their birthrate, God still fulfills His promise in Genesis 12 and causes Israel to multiply and become a great nation.Exodus 1:7But the people of Israel were fruitful and increased greatly; they multiplied and grew exceedingly strong, so that the land was filled with them.Exodus 1:12But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and the more they spread abroad. And the Egyptians were in dread of the people of Israel.

The book of Exodus tells the exciting true story of how the LORD saved His people from slavery in Egypt, then gave them His law and dwelt with them in the tabernacle. In this overview sermon of the entire book of Exodus Pastor David examines the major themes of the book as as well as the basic plot of the narrative. Exodus 6:6–7 Say therefore to the people of Israel, ‘I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from slavery to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment. 7 I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God, and you shall know that I am the LORD your God, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.

We have so many reasons to thank the Lord, yet we get focused on other things and forget about all the blessings we have received from Him. In the sermon Pastor David encourages us to always remember the Gospel and never forget to thank the Lord for it.Psalm 103 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name!2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits,3 who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,4who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,5 who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.6 The LORD works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.7 He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the people of Israel.8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.9 He will not always chide, nor will He keep His anger forever.10 He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His steadfast love toward those who fear Him;12 as far as the east is from the west, so far does He remove our transgressions from us.13 As a father shows compassion to His children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear Him.14 For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.15 As for man, His days are like grass; He flourishes like a flower of the field;16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more.17 But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children,18 to those who keep His covenant and remember to do His commandments.19 The LORD has established His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom rules over all.20 Bless the LORD, O you His angels, you mighty ones who do His word, obeying the voice of His word!21 Bless the LORD, all His hosts, His ministers, who do His will!22 Bless the LORD, all His works, in all places of His dominion. Bless the LORD, O my soul!

O Lord, you have searched me and known me! 2You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. 3You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. 4Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. 5You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. 6Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.Praying a Prayer like this is like asking for a psych eval and an autopsy at the same time. It reminds a person that there is one who knows both the entirety of our physical being as well as our soul. Not only does God know them but has crafted them personally.In psalm 139 we see David praising God for His Omni-status - God's Omniscience, His Omnipresence and Omnipotence. We see David's praise of His creative purpose and His thoughts of care toward His creation. Finally, we see David's response of loyalty and trust.

Psalm 51 is a Prayer of Confession that's actually genuine. With all the celebrities, and even celebrity Christians falling into public sin, only to be followed by half-hearted contrition, or none at all, it's necessary to come back to this psalm and experience what godly sorrow looks like. Whereas so many leaders of country's and cults have hideous sin in their lives, David stands out as one of few that actually chart a course to repentance. When a Muslim apologist was faced with having to deal with the pedophilia of Muhammad, he side-stepped and mentioned David's infidelity. But Psalm 51 shows us that unlike the progenitor of Islam, David recognized his actions as sin and sought forgiveness and healing. Psalm 511Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. 2Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!3For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. 4Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. 5Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. 6Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.7Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. 9Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. 10Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. 11Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. 12Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.

The Bible commands us to praise the Lord, but it also gives us reasons why we should praise the Lord. In this sermon Pastor David examines how this psalm shouts that our God is good, our God is great and our God is gracious. It delights in His sovereign power over all creation and redemption. Psalm 135 Praise the LORD! Praise the name of the LORD, give praise, O servants of the LORD, 2 who stand in the house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God! 3 Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good; sing to His name, for it is pleasant! 4 For the LORD has chosen Jacob for Himself, Israel as His own possession. 5 For I know that the LORD is great, and that our Lord is above all gods. 6 Whatever the LORD pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps. 7 He it is who makes the clouds rise at the end of the earth, who makes lightnings for the rain and brings forth the wind from His storehouses. 8 He it was who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and of beast; 9 who in your midst, O Egypt, sent signs and wonders against Pharaoh and all his servants; 10 who struck down many nations and killed mighty kings, 11 Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan, 12 and gave their land as a heritage, a heritage to His people Israel. 13 Your name, O LORD, endures forever, Your renown, O LORD, throughout all ages. 14 For the LORD will vindicate His people and have compassion on his servants. 15 The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the work of human hands. 16 They have mouths, but do not speak; they have eyes, but do not see; 17 they have ears, but do not hear, nor is there any breath in their mouths. 18 Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them. 19 O house of Israel, bless the LORD! O house of Aaron, bless the LORD! 20 O house of Levi, bless the LORD! You who fear the LORD, bless the LORD! 21 Blessed be the LORD from Zion, He who dwells in Jerusalem! Praise the LORD! Further Study: Ps 29:2 34:8; 115; 119:68; 148:8; 1 Pet 2:9; Dan 4:35; Isa 46:9-10; Job 37:10-12; 42:2; Heb 1:3; Col 1:15-20; Acts 17:28; Rom 11:36; John 6:44, 65.

None of us likes to be told what to do. We want to be our own boss, to call the shots, but the Bible warns us that there is a King over all the universe and it's not you or me. In this sermon Pastor David explains that rebellion against the Almighty means certain destruction, so we must bow the knee to Christ the King. There is no refuge from Him, there's only refuge in Him. Psalm 2 Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying, 3 “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.” 4 He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. 5 Then He will speak to them in His wrath, and terrify them in His fury, saying, “As for Me, I have set My King on Zion, My holy hill.” 7 I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to Me, “You are My Son; today I have begotten you. 8 Ask of Me, and I will make the nations Your heritage, and the ends of the earth Your possession. 9 You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” 10 Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. 11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. 12 Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way, for His wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in Him. Further Study: 2 Samuel 7:12-16; Isaiah 45:22-23; Acts 4:24-29; Hebrews 1:5; 5:5; Acts 13:33; John 5:19-24; Revelation 1:4-7; 19:11-16.

This Sunday Pastor David reminds us that the Great Commission isn't optional, but a command from the Lord.18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

If Christ promised He would build His church, what are the means by which He does it? In this sermon Pastor David explains that God saves souls through our proclamation of the Gospel, through our evangelism. God uses His people to accomplish His saving work. Christians are the means God uses. We must proclaim the Gospel with boldness and pray for God to save souls through it. Matthew 16:18 Jesus said, "I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Acts 2:47 And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. Romans 10:13-14 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the Word of Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17–21 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to Himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. Further Study: Acts 11:18; 2 Tim 2:25; Phil 1:29; Eph 2:8-9; 1:3-14; Matt 16:18; John 3:3-7; 6:44, 65; Acts 2:47; Titus 3:3-7; Rom 10:13-17.

"I did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. 2 For I decided to know nothing among you EXCEPT Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, 4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, SO THAT your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God." 1 Cor. 2:1-5

As the representatives of God's Kingdom on Earth, it is important that the Church is one unified body expressing the same saving message, regardless of denomination or ethnic/cultural history and life experience. It's not that the Father sent Jesus so that those redeemed by His sacrifice could have a lack of individuality or independent thought, but that our independent thoughts would be guided by the Holy Spirit and the Scriptures of His inspiration, so that we would be of the same mind on the things of God's grand narrative. In this sermon, Pastor David explains that we might disagree on minor details, however, we must be solidly together on the indisputable facts of the Gospel. God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.Divisions in the Church1 Corinthians 1:9-1310I appeal to you, brothers,a by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. 11For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. 12What I mean is that each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.” 13Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?Christ’s Example of Humility Philippians 2:2-4 2complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

We were made to be in community, to do life together with fellow church members.So we have a responsibility to care for one another in the church. In fact, church membership is a commitment to care for one another. In the sermon Pastor David examines various New Testament commands about how we as a church must care for one another in thought, word and deed.1 Corinthians 12:12–27 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. 14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 19 If all were a single member, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 24 which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, 25 that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. 27 Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.Romans 12:3–13 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. 9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

Everything the church does in a worship service is intentional and that's because nothing we do in a worship service is neutral. Each element of worship either teaches about the God who is there or about a god of our own imagination. Therefore, we should seek to have each element of worship be as biblical as possible. We must worship by the Book. In this sermon Pastor David focuses in on what the Bible prescribes regarding the use of Scripture, Prayer and Singing.Hebrews 12:28-29 Let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.For further study: 1 Tim 4:13; Col 4:16; 1 Thess 2:13; 5:18, 27; Rev 1:3 Psalm 34; 2 Tim 3:16-17; Acts 20:27; Matt 6:9-13; 7:7; 9:38; Phil 4:6; Psalm 1

What must the church do? In this sermon Pastor David explains that the worship gathering of the church is one of the ways that we make disciples and bring glory to God. Every time the church assembles it is for the exultation of God, the edification of one another and the evangelization of visitors. Hebrews 10:19–25 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Psalm 111:1 Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation.

Who has the right to speak to on behalf of the Kingdom of Heaven; to represent Jesus? In this sermon Pastor David explains that this responsibility has been given to the church congregation as a whole.Matthew 16:13–23 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16]Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ. 21 From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. 22 And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” 23 But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”Matthew 18:15–18 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18 Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.Ephesians 4:11–12 And He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.

Every Christian is called to serve. Jesus cares so deeply about His church serving one another that He actually gives us living examples of how to serve. These super-servants are called Deacons. In this sermon Pastor David describes the formal church office of Deacons and why having Deacons is so crucial in the life of the church.1 Timothy 3:8–15 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. 11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. 14 I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, 15 if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.Acts 6:1–7 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. [4] But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. 7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

Christ has authorized two offices in the church: that of Pastors and Deacons. The New Testament uses the terms Pastor, Elder, and Overseer interchangeably. In this sermon Pastor David explains what Pastors/Elders/Overseers should be and do as well as how the church should relate to its Pastors/Elders/Overseers.1 Peter 5:1–4 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.Titus 1:5–9 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— 6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. 7 For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.1 Timothy 3:1–7 The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.

Many people have a negative view of authority because it is so often abused, but the answer to abusive authority is not no authority, but good and proper authority. According to the Bible, authority is a good thing. It's a blessing. Godly authority is designed to protect, strengthen and help those under it flourish. In this sermon Pastor David explains that Christ is in charge of the church and He rules it by His Word and through delegated authorities. Matthew 28:18–20 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 16:18 “I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Ephesians 5:23 Christ is the head of the church, His body, and is Himself its Savior. 2 Timothy 3:16–17 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.

Today, Kurt Traugott preaches from Colossians 1:1-14. He makes a point to explains the unique calling and authority on Paul's life as " and apostle of Jesus Christ by the Will of God," and the weight that should give to his message to those at Colosse, and by extension to us. He took us through the apostle's daily prayer for the church. That they would have Knowledge of God, wisdom, understanding, which would change the was they act, and in turn produce fruit. That they would be strengthened, full of patience and joy, which would outpour in thanksgiving to the Father. Lastly he spoke of the change that happens when we are red-pilled and realize our whole lives, up until the point we met the King and Savior was spent in rebellion, sin and darkness. But now the King has brought us into His Kingdom of Light.

Today, guest pastor Steven Kornbau from Zion Church takes us into 1 Kings chapters 3 & 4. He shows that the life of Solomon is yet another example that God's sovereign will shines through even the worst of our decisions. He also points out how different Solomon's life, not to mention ours, would have ended better than it started if only he had kept his confidence in God, instead of in the abilities God had given him.

We all know that we build things in life. When a couple talks about marriage they talk about "building our lives together". We talk about building houses and building careers. By nature and necessity we are builders. Seeing that we are as such; what are we building our lives on? Are we building on the sand of "Our best life now", with the most comfort and fleeting entertainment possible? Or are we building our lives on the hope of being made more like Christ and spending eternity in His presence? One is perishable, and one is imperishable.Today we spend our time of worship in Matthew 7:24-29.

There is a proper place for Christian assurance, for confidence in your salvation. But there is also such a thing as false assurance, misplaced confidence, self deception. In this sermon, Pastor David examines Jesus serious warning about meeting Him on Judgment Day and hearing the words "Depart from Me, I never knew you."Matthew 7:21-23 Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of Heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in Heaven. 22 On that day many will say to Me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and cast out demons in Your name, and do many mighty works in Your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness.’Further Study: Isa 33:22; Matt 25:31-46; Heb 12:14; Rom10:9; 2 Pet 1:5-10; 1 John 1:5-10; 2:4-6; 5:13; John 10:14, 27-28; 2 Tim 2:19. Books: The Gospel According to Jesus by John MacArthur, Assured by Greg Gilbert

While Pastor David was away we were pleased to have Pastor Daniel McCroskey come and preach to us about false prophets and how to spot them. Matthew 7: 15-20 was the text, and Pastor Daniel highlighted four main types of false teachers: Those who Pervert, Prostitute, Protest, and prevent the Gospel.Matthew 7:15-20 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.

Jesus says that there are two gates: one broad, one narrow; two ways: one easy, one hard; ending in two destinations: death or life. And there are two groups of travelers: one large, one small. Which group are you in?In this sermon Pastor David examines part one of the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount. After calling His followers to live by the highest of all moral standards, Jesus finishes His sermon by calling for a response.Matthew 7:13–14 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.The wide gate opens to an easy road that leads to certain destruction, but the narrow gate opens to a hard road that leads to eternal life with God. Which gate will you enter through? Which road will you travel on? Where will you end up?

The Golden Rule is the main point of everything Jesus has been teaching in the Sermon on the Mount. It's a summary of what life in the Kingdom should look like. It is the sermon in a sentence. The Golden Rule is a restating of the command to love your neighbor as yourself, but it goes even farther, in that it shows us what that love for neighbor looks like.Matthew 7:12 “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets."

What do you expect when you pray? How do you think God will respond to your prayers? In this sermon Pastor David explains that God always answers our prayer and He only gives good gifts, therefore we should be be persistent in prayer.Matthew 7:7–11 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? 11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!"

Perhaps one of the most misunderstood statements of Jesus is Matthew 7:1 where He says "Judge not". In this sermon Pastor David explains that the command to “Judge not” may initially sound like a blanket prohibition, but the context demonstrates Jesus was forbidding a specific kind of judgment. Jesus was forbidding harsh and hypocritical judgment, while calling for helpful judgment. That is Jesus was actually teaching His followers how to lovingly correct one another with humility.Matthew 7:1–6 “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. 6 “Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.

Maybe you've heard that worry is a lack of trust in what God is doing, or that worrying is akin to practical atheism. Both are true, but knowing this doesn't help a person step out of anxiety and into a reliance on God that's second nature in troublesome times. Today Pastor David will speak the command of Christ in Matthew 6:25-34, show us what worry is, why it can be a sinful, and the only practical way to move beyond it.25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?[b] 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Jesus says you can't have some love of God and some love of money. They are mutually exclusive. In this sermon Pastor David explains how we can break the power of money in our lives and see it for what it really is.Matthew 6:19–24 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on Earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, 23 but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! 24 No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.Further Study: 1 Tim 6:6-10, 17-19; Luke 12:15-21, 33-34; 14:13-14, 33; Matt 13:44; Heb 13:5; Col 3:1-5; Luke 14:33; Eph 4:28; Acts 20:35.Recommended Reading: The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn & Redeeming Money by Paul David Tripp

Jesus gave the ultimate investment advice. He taught us to use our money and resources to make an eternal impact. In this sermon Pastor David explains you can’t take it with you, but you can send it on ahead, so invest wholeheartedly in what lasts forever.Matthew 6:19–21 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on Earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners by His life, death, and resurrection. We often think of the importance of His substitutionary death, but why is it such a big deal that Jesus also rose from the dead? In this sermon Pastor David explains the significance of the resurrection of Christ and how it affects our faith, our forgiveness and our future.1 Corinthians 15:12–23 Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. 15 We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that He raised Christ, whom He did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For as by a man came death, by a Man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at His coming those who belong to Christ.

On this Palm Sunday, as on all of them, we see the great paradox of Christ's first Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. He entered as both a Conquering King who is praised, and a Humble Servant about to suffer. In Matthew 21:1-17 we see this humble servant and we look forward to His not so humble return at the end of the age.9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” 10 And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” 11 And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.” Jesus Cleanses the Temple 12 And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. 13 He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.” 14 And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them. 15 But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying out in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant, 16 and they said to him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read, “‘Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise’?”

Is fasting something that Christians should do? Should we intentionally deprive ourselves of food? Should we abstain from eating? If so, why? In this sermon Pastor David explains that Christians fast to focus on the Father. Fasting is more than saying “no” to what we want. It's saying no to a good thing, so that we can have something even better. We give up food to gain communion with God.Matthew 6:16-18 “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 that your fasting may not be seen by others, but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."Further Study: 1 Tim 4:1-4; Col 2:18; 1 Cor 8:8; Matt 9:14-15; Luke 7:33-34; Acts 13:2-3; Joel 2:12; Isai 58:6-7; Psalm 73:25-26; Hab3:17-18; Matt 4:4; John 4:34Recommended Books: A Hunger for God by John Piper. Spiritual Disciplines for Christian Life by Donald Whitney.Habits of Grace by David Mathis

What we normally call the Lord's prayer is actually a model prayer in which Jesus teaches us to pray to God our Father for His Glory and Our Good. In this sermon pastor David exams this pattern we should follow in prayer. Matthew 6:9-15 Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread, 12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Jesus doesn’t want His followers to miss the point of prayer, so He identifies mistakes to avoid in prayer. In the sermon, Pastor David examines these warnings not to pray hypocritically, repetitiously or arrogantly.Matthew 6:5–8 “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.7 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words.8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.

It's possible to do the right things for the wrong reasons. Jesus warns against giving to the needy in a hypocritical way. He certainly wants us to help those in need, but not to do it to build our own reputation. In this sermon, Pastor David explains that true charity does not seek the approval of men, but it's glad to simply help without anyone noticing.Matthew 6:1–4 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. 2 “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."

Today, our guest Kurt Traugott continues our study of the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 5: 43-48 we hear some more countercultural commands such as loving our enemies and praying for our persecutors. Kurt shows us that the cultural trend may have been to hate your enemy, but that isn't a command of Scripture, only a saying of the religious leaders of the time. If we want to be children of our Father in Heaven, we must prayerfully learn to love the unlovable. Matthew 5:43-48 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

How should Christians respond when they are mistreated? In this sermon, Pastor David looks at Christ's astounding call to repay evil with good.Matthew 5:38–42 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you."

What is the New Covenant and how is it different from the Old Covenant? The New Covenant that Christ brings is far superior to the Old Covenant. In this sermon, Pastor David examines, both the Old and the New to explain why the New Covenant is so much better. In the New Covenant, God promises to transforms sinners from the inside out, to bring them into a personal relationship with Him and to forgive all their sin. Hebrews 8:6–13 Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant He mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. 7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second. 8 For He finds fault with them when He says: “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will establish a New Covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, 9 not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt. For they did not continue in My covenant, and so I showed no concern for them, declares the Lord. 10 For this is the Covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put My laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 11 And they shall not teach, each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest. 12 For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.” 13 In speaking of a New Covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.

So what does the Bible teach about divorce and remarriage? God established marriage as a lifelong commitment. Marriages are not meant to fail, but there are some situations when the Bible allows for divorce and remarriage. In this sermon, Pastor David explains God’s plan from the very beginning was lifelong monogamous marriage between one man and woman with no divorce, but because of sin God has made exceptions to this rule.Matthew 5:31–32 “It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery."Matthew 19:3–12 And Pharisees came up to him and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful to divorce one’s wife for any cause?” 4 He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, 5 and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? 6 So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” 7 They said to him, “Why then did Moses command one to give a certificate of divorce and to send her away?” 8 He said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. 9 And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.” 10 The disciples said to him, “If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” 11 But he said to them, “Not everyone can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given. 12 For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let the one who is able to receive this receive it.”