Veritas Church Sermons

BIG IDEA: Having heard and believed the gospel, we have been sealed with the Holy Spirit, to the glory of the Triune God. OUTLINE: The Gospel of SalvationThe Seal of SalvationThe Summit of SalvationRESOURCES: ESV Study Bible; The Letter To The Ephesians: An Exegetical and Theological Commentary by Thomas Schreiner; A Commentary on the Epistle to the Ephesians by Charles Hodge; The Bible Speaks Today: The Message of Ephesians by John Stott; New Testament Commentary: Ephesians by William Hendriksen; Preaching From the Types and Metaphors of the Bible by Benjamin Keach; The Holy Ghost - The Great Teacher (sermon) by Charles Spurgeon; 

Theme: God sovereignly works all things so that His people hope in and share in Christ to the praise of His glory.Outline:1) The Sharing in All Things2) The Working of All Things3) The Purpose of All Things

BIG IDEA: God has unveiled his eternal plan to gather up all things under Christ.OUTLINE: The Unveiled MysteryThe Unified CosmosThe Unrivaled ChristRESOURCES: ESV Study Bible; Homilies on Ephesians by John Chrysostom; The Bible Speaks Today: The Message of Ephesians by John Stott; The Letter To The Ephesians: An Exegetical and Theological Commentary by Thomas Schreiner; The Vision of Ephesians: The Task of the Church and the Glory of God by NT Wright; 

BIG IDEA: Through the cross of Christ we are freed and forgiven, according to God’s abundant grace and in his astounding wisdom. OUTLINE: We Are Enslaved By Our SinWe Are Redeemed According to God’s RichesWe Are Blessed From God’s BrillianceRESOURCES: ESV Study Bible; The Letter To The Ephesians: An Exegetical and Theological Commentary by Thomas Schreiner; New Testament Commentary: Ephesians by William Hendriksen; Exodus Old and New: A Biblical Theology of Redemption by L. Michael Morales; Redemption Accomplished and Applied by John Murray; The Temple by George Herbert; Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis; 

BIG IDEA: From eternity, it pleased God to lovingly decree that his people would be adopted in Christ, to his praise and glory. OUTLINE: The Delighted DecreeThe Preeminent PrivilegeThe Essential EndRESOURCES: ESV Study Bible; New Testament Commentary: Ephesians by William Hendriksen; Exegetical Guide to the Greek New Testament: Ephesians by Benjamin Merkle; On the Trinity by Augustine; Reformed Systematic Theology (Vol. 1 and Vol. 3) by Joel Beeke and Paul Smalley; Delighting in the Trinity by Michael Reeves; Rejoicing in Christ by Michael Reeves; Knowing God by J.I. Packer; A Body of Divinity by Thomas Watson; Sonnets from the Portuguese by Elizabeth Barrett Browning; The 1689 In Modern English by Founders; 

Verse: Ephesians 1.4Big Idea: Christians should praise God for freely choosing us to be in union with Christ.Outline:1) The Explanation of God’s Free Choice2) The Objection of God’s Free Choice3) The Consolation of God’s Free ChoiceSOURCES: Pilgrim Theology by Horton; Systematic Theology III lectures by Crouse, Knox Theological Seminary; Reformed Dogmatics by Bavinck; Reformed Systematic Theology by Beeke & Smalley; Ephesians by Stott; Ephesians by Hamilton; Ephesians by Boice; One With Jesus by Johnson

TEXT: Ephesians 1:3BIG IDEA: We praise the God we know through Christ because he has enriched us with every saving blessing in Christ. OUTLINE:Praising the God We Know Through ChristPossessing Every Saving Blessing In ChristRESOURCES: ESV Study Bible; The Bible Speaks Today: The Message of Ephesians by John Stott; Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible: Ephesians by Michael Allen; The Lectio Continua Expository Commentary on the New Testament: Ephesians by Ian Hamilton; The Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Letter to the Ephesians by Constantine Campbell; Ephesians For You by Richard Coekin; Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus In Ephesians by Tony Merida; Let’s Study Ephesians by Sinclair Ferguson; Ephesians: An Expositional Commentary by James Montgomery Boice; On the Incarnation by Saint Athanasius; Reflections on the Psalms by C.S. Lewis; 

TEXT: Ephesians 1:1-2BIG IDEA: The Apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians to announce the astounding grace of God that has arrived through union with Christ and by which God is making all things new. OUTLINE: The Sent OneThe SaintsThe SalutationRESOURCES: ESV Study Bible; The Bible Speaks Today: The Message of Ephesians by John Stott; Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible: Ephesians by Michael Allen; The Lectio Continua Expository Commentary on the New Testament: Ephesians by Ian Hamilton; The Pillar New Testament Commentary: The Letter to the Ephesians by Constantine Campbell; Word Biblical Commentary: Ephesians by Andrew T. Lincoln; Ephesians For You by Richard Coekin; Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus In Ephesians by Tony Merida; Let’s Study Ephesians by Sinclair Ferguson; Ephesians: An Expositional Commentary by James Montgomery Boice; 

NOTE: Due to technical difficulties, the early section of the sermon audio is missing.TEXT: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 BIG IDEA: Five reasons to believe in the resurrection:OUTLINE: 1) The Claims of Scripture, 2) The Cleared Tomb, 3) The Credible Witnesses, 4) The Changed Persecutor, 5) The Continuing ExperienceRESOURCES: ESV Study Bible; Eight Summarizing Words On the Gospel by DA Carson; Lectio Continua Expository Commentary on 1 Corinthians by Kim Riddlebarger; Surprised by Hope by NT Wright; Making Sense of God by Tim Keller; As an atheist, I truly believe Africa needs God by Matthew Parris;

TEXT: Isaiah 52:13-53:12OUTLINE:  • Astonishing • Atoning • AcquittingRESOURCES: ESV Study Bible; Confess Your Sins: The Way Of Reconciliation by John Stott; The Strange Persistence of Guilt by Wilfred McClay; Isaiah: God Saves Sinners by Ray Ortlund Jr; 

TEXT: Titus 3:12-15BIG IDEA: The grace of God produces the fruit of gospel partnership and good works in the people of God.OUTLINE: The Importance Of Partnership In Gospel WorkThe Responsibility Of Support For Gospel WorkersThe Fruitfulness Of Devotion To Good Works RESOURCES: ESV Study Bible; World Biblical Commentary: Pastoral Epistles by William Mounce; New Testament Commentary: Titus by William Hendrikson; The International Theological Commentary: The Pastoral Epistles by Gerald Bray; Good Works According to Titus 3 by Justin Dillehay; Missions: How The Local Church Goes Global by Andy Johnson; 

TEXT: Titus 3:9-11BIG IDEA: Having been saved by grace, we guard our gospel and our unity by avoiding foolish beliefs and behaviors, as well as those who persist in them. OUTLINE: What To AvoidWho To AvoidRESOURCES: ESV Study Bible; Titus by William Hendrikson; Reformed Expository Commentary: Titus by Richard Phillips; Homilies on Titus by John Chrysostom; The International Theological Commentary: The Pastoral Epistles by Gerald Bray; A Treatise on Christian Moderation by Joseph Hall; 

TEXT: Titus 3:1-8BIG IDEA: We live as godly citizens and neighbors, because we too were once godless and God has been supremely good and gracious to us. OUTLINE: A Reminder About Public Godliness (vs. 1-2)A Reminder About Past Godlessness (v. 3)A Reminder About God’s Pure Grace (vs. 4-8)RESOURCES: ESV Study Bible; Titus by William Hendrikson; Reformed Expository Commentary: Titus by Richard Phillips; Homilies on Titus by John Chrysostom; The International Theological Commentary: The Pastoral Epistles by Gerald Bray; BDAG ed. Frederick William Danker; The Existence and Attributes of God by Stephen Charnock;

TEXT: Titus 2:14-15BIG IDEA: Christ gave Himself so that we would be purchased and purified for His own purposes. OUTLINE: What We’re Purchased From: LawlessnessWhat We’re Purified For:To Be His Treasured PossessionTo Be Zealous for Good WorksRESOURCES: ESV Study Bible; World Biblical Commentary: The Pastoral Epistles by William Mounce; The New Testament Commentary: Titus by William Hendrikson; Reformed Expository Commentary: Titus by Richard Phillips; Homilies on Titus by John Chrysostom; The International Theological Commentary: The Pastoral Epistles by Gerald Bray;

Christians live their present-age life in light of and in line with our eternity life with Jesus.Our Blessed Hope:1) What is it?2) How do we wait for it?- Sober Evaluation- Faithful Obligation- Happy ExpectationESV Study Bible; 2 Timothy & Titus by Doriani & Philipps, The Pastoral Epistles by Gerald L. Bray, New Testament Commentary by William Hendriksen, World Biblical Commentary: Pastoral Epistles by Mounce, God & Soul Care by Eric L. Johnson, Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Pete Scazzero, The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan.

BIG IDEA: The grace of God has shone upon us in Christ, freeing from sin and forming for godliness. OUTLINE: 1) Grace Has Dawned, 2) Grace Brings Deliverance, 3) Grace Is DiscipliningRESOURCES: ESV Study Bible; World Biblical Commentary: The Pastoral Epistles by William Mounce; The New Testament Commentary: Titus by William Hendrikson; Reformed Expository Commentary: Titus by Richard Phillips; Homilies on Titus by John Chrysostom; The International Theological Commentary: The Pastoral Epistles by Gerald Bray; The Discipline of Grace: God’s Role and Our Role in the Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges; 

Big Idea - The gospel produces godliness and good works that accord with and adorn the gospel.1) Addressing the Issue of Slavery2) Adorning the Gospel At Worki. In Submissionii. In Earnestnessiii. In Peaceablenessiv. In Integrityv. In FaithfulnessRESOURCES: ESV Study Bible; Faithlife Study Bible (Article on Slavery by John Byron)ed. John D. Barry; Lexham Bible Dictionary (Article on Slavery by Dan Nässelqvist andGeorgina Jardim) ed. John Barry; Slavery Old and New: Comparing Early America withBiblical Times (article on Desiring God) by Thomas Kidd; Homilies on Titus by JohnChrysostom; Word Biblical Commentary: Pastoral Epistles by William Mounce; TheCrossway Classic Commentary: 1 & 2 Timothy & Titus by John Calvin; ReformedExpository Commentary: Titus by Richard Phillips; Christ-Centered Exposition: ExaltingChrist In Titus by Danny Akin; BDAG ed. Frederick William Danker; New TestamentCommentary: Titus by William Hendrikson; The International Theological Commentary:The Pastoral Epistles by Gerald Bray

BIG IDEA: The gospel produces godliness and good works that accord with and adorn the gospel.OUTLINE:1. The Way For Older Women Priestly Behavior Prudent Restraint Proper Teaching2. The Way For Younger Women Household Devotion Holy Character Heartfelt SubmissionRESOURCES: ESV Study Bible; Man and Woman in Christ: An Examination of the Roles of Men and Women in Light of Scripture and the Social Sciences by Stephen B. Clark; Homilies on Titus by John Chrysostom; Word Biblical Commentary: Pastoral Epistles by William Mounce; The Crossway Classic Commentary: 1 & 2 Timothy & Titus by John Calvin; Reformed Expository Commentary: Titus by Richard Phillips; Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Christ In Titus by Danny Akin; BDAG ed. Frederick William Danker; Men and Women in the Church: A Short, Biblical, Practical Instruction by Kevin DeYoung; Look at the Book: Titus by John Piper

BIG IDEA: The gospel produces godliness and good works that accord with and adorn the gospel.OUTLINE: 1. The Pattern for Older Men 2. The Prompt for Younger Men 3. The Practice for Leading MenRESOURCES: ESV Study Bible; Word Biblical Commentary: Pastoral Epistles by William Mounce; The Crossway Classic Commentary: 1 & 2 Timothy & Titus by John Calvin; Reformed Expository Commentary: Titus by Richard Phillips; Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Christ In Titus by Danny Akin; Rhetoric by Aristotle; The Valley of Vision ed. Arthur Bennett; The Character of Christ: The Fruit of the Spirit in the Life of Our Savior by Jonathan Landry Cruse

BIG IDEA: Elders must be firm in biblical doctrine so that they can instruct God’s people in the truth & protect them from destructive error.OUTLINE: 1. What He Must Be • Competent • Convictional 2. What He Can Do • Instruct • ProtectRESOURCES: ESV Study Bible; Word Biblical Commentary: Pastoral Epistles by William Mounce; The Crossway Classic Commentary: 1 & 2 Timothy & Titus by John Calvin

BIG IDEA: Elders must be above reproach in their homes and manner of life, and able to hold fast and teach the truth.OUTLINE: 1. Faithful in Their Homes 2. Formed in Their Character 3. Firm in Their DoctrineResources: ESV Study Bible; World Biblical Commentary: Pastoral Epistles by William Mounce; The Man of God: His Calling and Godly Life by Albert Martin; Reformed Systematic Theology - Vol. 4: Church and Last Things by Joel Beeke and Paul Smalley; Rethinking the Governance Structure at Bethlehem Baptist Church: A Biblical Examination of Key Terms by John Piper; Commentary on Titus by John Calvin; The Character of Christ: The Fruit of the Spirit in the Life of our Savior by Jonathan Landry Cruse; Managing Your Households Well: How Family Leadership Trains You For Church Leadership by Chap Bettis

BIG IDEA: Paul left Titus in Crete to finish the work of shaping young churches so that they would hold fast to the truth and live a transformed life.OUTLINE: 1. Its Context 2. Its Content • Beliefs • Behavior • Blessed HopeRESOURCES: ESV Study Bible; The International Theological Commentary: The Pastoral Epistles by Gerald Bray; World Biblical Commentary: Pastoral Epistles by William Mounce; ESV Expository Commentary: Titus by Denny Burk

BIG IDEA: The LORD has come personally in Jesus and is with His people forever. Behold Him. Draw Near. Go Tell.OUTLINE: 1. Behold Him - Read your Bible. Meditate on it. Preach the gospel to yourself. 2. Draw Near - Pray. Go to Jesus. Start with the ACTS method: Adore, Confess, Thank, Supplicate (make requests). 3. Go Tell - Depend on the Holy Spirit to grow in obedience. Share the gospel in your home, at work, with neighbors. Come to church and invite others. Support our missions' efforts to reach the nations.

BIG IDEA: The promised Ruler has established peace with God and will one day bring that peace to fullness forever when he comes again.OUTLINE: 1. Our Pining for Peace 2. His Promise of Peace 3. The Prince of PeaceResources: ESV Study Bible; Things Unseen: A Systematic Introduction to the Christian Faith and Reformed Theology by J. Gresham Machen; The Book of Isaiah (Commentary) by Edward J. Young; Welwyn Commentary Series: Isaiah by Derek Thomas

BIG IDEA: Jesus Christ is our Everlasting Father in his unending kingship and faithful care.OUTLINE: 1. His Kingly Reign 2. His Fatherly Heart 3. His Everlasting CareResources: ESV Study Bible; The Book of Isaiah: A Commentary by Edward J. Young; Welwyn Commentary Series: Isaiah by Derek Thomas; Names For The Messiah: An Advent Study by Walter Brueggeman; The Shorter Catechism Illustrated From Church History & Biography ed. John Whitecross; Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers by Dane Ortlund; His Name—the Everlasting Father (sermon) by Charles Spurgeon

BIG IDEA: Our promised Messiah is truly divine and mighty to save.OUTLINE: 1. Jesus Is Our Promised Messiah 2. Jesus Is Our Divine Deliverer 3. Jesus Is Our Mighty ChampionResources: ESV Study Bible; Welwyn Commentary Series: Isaiah by Derek Thomas; The Book of Isaiah: A Commentary by Edward Young; Creeds, Confessions, & CatechismsL A Readers Edition ed. Chad Van Dixhoorn

BIG IDEA: To live and die well, we must remember that…OUTLINE:1. Death Will Certainly Come2. Death Is Not All That Will Come3. Death Has Been OvercomeRESOURCES: ESV Study Bible; ESV Expository Commentary: Genesis by Iain Duguid; Reformed Expository Commentary: Genesis by Richard Phillips; Genesis: The Beginnings of God’s Plan of Salvation by Richard P Belcher Jr; The Welwyn Commentary Series: Genesis by Philip Eveson; Commentary on the Whole Bible by Matthew Henry; Limping With God: Jacob & the Old Testament Guide to Messy Discipleship by Chad Bird; Everything Is Never Enough: Ecclesiastes Surprising Path to Resilient Happiness by Bobbie Jamieson

BIG IDEA: Jacob’s blessings spoken over his sons reminds us that our choices carry weight, we are blessed by belonging to God’s beloved, and that our hope rests in Judah’s Son who brings salvation.OUTLINE:1. Our Character & its Consequences2. Our Belonging & the Blessing3. Our Salvation & the SonRESOURCES: ESV Study Bible; ESV Expository Commentary: Genesis by Iain Duguid; Reformed Expository Commentary: Genesis by Richard Phillips; Genesis: The Beginnings of God’s Plan of Salvation by Richard P Belcher Jr; The Welwyn Commentary Series: Genesis by Philip Eveson

BIG IDEA: We should live every day by faith in God’s Promised Future Inheritance because it is…OUTLINE:1. Of Surpassing Worth2. Received Not Earned3. Divinely SecuredRESOURCES: ESV Study Bible; Genesis by Richard Phillips; Genesis to Deuteronomy by Matthew Henry; Genesis by Derek Kidner, Genesis by Richard P Belcher Jr; Genesis by Philip Eveson; Exposition of Genesis by H.C. Leupold; Genesis by John Calvin; New City Catechism Devotional by Colin Hansen

BIG IDEA: God’s people are blessed and a blessing in exile, even as they long for the land to come.OUTLINE:1. Blessing (vs. 13-26)2. Blessed (vs. 27-28)3. Burial (vs. 29-31)RESOURCES: ESV Study Bible; Reformed Expository Commentary: Genesis by Richard Phillips; An Expositional Commentary: Genesis by James Montgomery Boice; God At Work: Your Christian Vocation In All Of Life by Gene Edward Veith Jr; The Valley of Vision ed. Arthur Bennet

OUTLINE: 1. God Stands His Pilgrim-People Before The World   - Bringing The Blessing   - Broken In Blessing2. God Sustains His Pilgrim-People In The World   - We Are God's Household   - This Is Not Our HomelandRESOURCES: ESV Study Bible; Genesis vol 2 by Richard Philips; Genesis by Philip Eveson; Exposition of Genesis by Leupold, Matthew Henry's Commentary; Genesis by Richard P. Belcher Jr; Genesis by Calvin; A Father's Guide To Blessing His Children by David Michael

OUTLINE: 1. Reunion 2. Separation 3. AssociationRESOURCES: ESV Study Bible; Joseph and the Gospel of Many Colors: Reading An Old Story In A New Way by Voddie Baucham; ESV Expository Commentary: Genesis by Iain Duguid; Joseph: His Arms Were Made Strong by David C. Searle; Faith of Our Father: Expositions of Genesis 12-25 by Dale Ralph Davis; Reformed Expository Commentary: Genesis by Richard Phillips

BIG IDEA: God turns famine into fullness, restoring, assuring, and forming his people.OUTLINE: 1. God’s Plan (45:16-28) 2. God’s Presence (46:1-4) 3. God’s People (46:5-27)RESOURCES: ESV Study Bible; ESV Expository Commentary: Genesis by Iain Duguid; Living in the Light of Inextinguishable Hope: The Gospel According to Joseph by Iain Duguid and Matthew Harmon; The Unchanging God Cheering Jacob In His Change Of Dwelling Place (sermon) by Charles Spurgeon

BIG IDEA: God’s providence gives us peace and empowers us to forgive and reconcile with those who have wronged us.OUTLINE: Providence > Pardon > PeaceRESOURCES: ESV Study Bible; Welwyn Commentary Series; Genesis by Philip Eveson; Reformed Expository Commentary: Genesis by Richard Phillips; Forgive: Why Should I and How Can I? by Timothy Keller

BIG IDEA: God’s grace transforms and his mercy surprises with a welcome.OUTLINE:Part 1: A Brother’s Sacrificial PledgePart 2: A Father’s Reliant ResignationPart 3: A Lord’s Surprising WelcomeRESOURCES: ESV Study Bible; Welwyn Commentary Series: Genesis by Philip Eveson; Exposition of Genesis by H.C. Leupold; Reformed Expository Commentary: Genesis by Richard Phillips; Living In Light of Inextinguishable Hope: The Gospel According to Joseph by Iain Duguid & Matthew Harmon; From Eden to Egypt: A Guided Tour of Genesis by Alex Duke; Genesis 42-43: On Joseph’s Brilliant, Premeditated-ish Plan for His Bowed-Down Brothers (Ep. 15) by Bible Talk (Podcast)

BIG IDEA: Sin has real personal and relational costs, but God’s providence ensures his promises.OUTLINE:1. The Consequences of Sin & Betrayal2. The Constancy of God’s PromisesRESOURCES: ESV Study Bible; Reformed Expository Commentary: Genesis by Richard Phillips; From Eden to Egypt: A Guided Tour of Genesis by Alex Duke; The Golden Treasury of Puritan Quotations ed. I.D.E. Thomas

BIG IDEA: God’s providence brings blessing to his people and, through them, blessing to the world in Christ.OUTLINE:1. The Plenty of Providence2. The Perils of Plenty3. The Provision for the PeoplesRESOURCES: ESV Study Bible; Reformed Expository Commentary: Genesis by Richard Phillips; Preaching Christ From Genesis by Sidney Greidanus; Joseph and the Gospel of Many Colors by Voddie Baucham; Welwyn Commentary Series: Genesis by Philip Eveson; The Mute Christian Under the Smarting Rod With Sovereign Antidotes For Every Case by Thomas Brooks

BIG IDEA: The Sovereign God rules all, gives gifts, and saves his people.OUTLINE:1. God is the King of Kings2. God is the Giver of Gifts3. God is the Sovereign SaviorRESOURCES: ESV Study Bible; Reformed Expository Commentary: Genesis by Richard Phillips; Genesis: Beginning and Blessing (Preaching the Word) by Kent Hughes

BIG IDEA: When God seems to be moving slowly, remember:OUTLINE:1. We Are Not Futile2. We Are Not Fatalists3. We Are Not ForsakenRESOURCES: ESV Study Bible; Welwyn Commentary Series: Genesis - The Book of Origins by Philip Eveson; Reformed Expository Commentary: Genesis by Richard Phillips

Pastor Garrison GreeneTEXT: Genesis 39:1-23BIG IDEA: In every place, in every temptation, and in every descent, we belong to and are blessed by God in Christ.OUTLINE:1. God’s Presence In Every Place2. God’s Possession In Temptation3. God’s Providence In DescentRESOURCES: ESV Study Bible; Welwyn Commentary Series: Genesis by Philip Eveson; Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture: Genesis 12-50 ed. Mark Sheridan; Reformed Expository Commentary: Genesis by Richard Phillips; From Eden to Egypt: A Guided Tour of Genesis by Alex Duke; Joseph and the Gospel of Many Colors: Reading an Old Story in a New Way by Voddie Baucham Jr; The Letters of Samuel Rutherford by Samuel Rutherford

BIG IDEA: Because of our Sympathetic Savior, we can…OUTLINE: 1. Possess Confidence In Prayer 2. Enjoy Communion In Prayer 3. Receive Care Through PrayerRESOURCES: ESV Study Bible; Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary: Hebrews by Thomas Schreiner; Crossway Classics: Hebrews by John Owen; Reformed Expository Commentary: Hebrews by Richard Phillips; Holiest of All: A Commentary on the Book of Hebrews by Andrew Murray; The Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin; Gentle & Lowly: The Heart of Christ For Sinners & Sufferers by Dane Ortlund; A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World by Paul Miller; Rejoicing in Christ by Michael Reeves; Enjoy Your Prayer Life by Michael Reeves

BIG IDEA: Being devoted to the Lord’s Supper moves us out of malpractice and into proper practice of the Lord’s Supper.OUTLINE:1. MALPRACTICE Problem (vv 17-22) - The Context - The Conduct2. PRACTICE Pattern (vv 23-26) - Passover - Ponder - Proclamation Partake (vv 27-34) - Discernment - Discipline - Delight

BIG IDEA: Baptism is God’s covenant sign of our salvation in Christ.OUTLINE: 1. Baptism Swears 2. Baptism Signifies 3. Baptism Summons 4. Baptism Seals 5. Baptism Sets ApartRESOURCES: ESV Study Bible; John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible by John Gill; ESV Expository Commentary: Acts by Brian Vickers; Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible by Matthew Henry; The Water & the Blood: How the Sacraments Shape Christian Identity by Kevin Emmert; Waters of Promise: Finding Meaning in Believer’s Baptism by Brandon Jones; One Baptism for the Remission of Sins: Baptists and the Baptism Clause by Lucas Stamps; Baptism & Becoming A Christian in the New Testament by Robert Stein; Green Pastures: A Primer on the Ordinary Means of Grace by J. Ryan Davidson; The Ordinary Means of Grace: Or, Don’t Do Weird Stuff by 9Marks Journal; The Deep Waters and Lively Works of Christian Baptism by Carlton Wynne; 95 Theses by Martin Luther; A Short Confession of Faith Containing the Substance of All the Fundamental Articles in the Larger Confession Put Forth by the Elders of the Baptist churches, Owning Personal Election and Final Perseverance by Benjamin Keach; Baptism & Problem Passages: Acts 2:38 by Michael Heiser

BIG IDEA: The Word of God is a means of grace whereby God causes his people to be born again and brought up in maturity.OUTLINE: The Word of God…1. Grants the New Birth To Enduring Life (1:22-25)2. Gives Us Nourishment To Spiritual Maturity (2:1-3)RESOURCES: ESV Study Bible; Christian Standard Commentary: 1 & 2 Peter and Jude by Thomas Schreiner; Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament: 1 Peter by Karen Jobes; Reformed Expository Commentary: 1 Peter by Dan Doriani; Green Pastures: Ordinary Means of Grace for Ordinary Believers by J Ryan Davidson

BIG IDEA: The gospel of Jesus Christ rescues us into communities that are devoted to God and to his means of grace.OUTLINE: 1. A Gospel Community 2. A Devoted Commitment 3. A Nourishing CommunionRESOURCES: ESV Study Bible; Acts Commentary by Martyn Lloyd-Jones; John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible by John Gill; ESV Expository Commentary: Acts by Brian Vickers; Preaching the Word: Acts by Kent Hughes; The Baptist Catechism (1677) by Benjamin Keach & William Collins; They Devoted Themselves (TGC) by Ray Ortlund Jr; Renewal As A Way of Life: A Guide Book For Spiritual Growth by Richard Lovelace; Green Pastures: A Primer on the Ordinary Means of Grace by J. Ryan Davidson

Pastor Brian DrakeTEXT: Genesis 31:17-55BIG IDEA: When I am afraid, I put my trust in Jesus.OUTLINE: 1. The Folly of Trusting in Idols 2. The Fragility of Trusting in Self 3. The Freedom of Trusting in Jesus

Pastor Garrison GreeneTEXT: Genesis 30:25-31:16BIG IDEA: God is faithful to bless his opposed and obtuse people.OUTLINE: 1. God Blesses Us Despite Our Foes 2. God Blesses Us Despite Our Folly 3. God Blesses Us Because He Is FaithfulRESOURCES: ESV Study Bible; Reformed Expository Commentary: Genesis by Richard Phillips; God’s Rascal: The Jacob Narrative in Genesis 25-35 by Dale Ralph Davis