Oceanside United Reformed Church

The world feels like it is falling apart, but our Almighty God is in control of all things. We may never know why things happen the way they do, but we do know that our Almighty God is also our heavenly Father and that all things come from his fatherly hand. The Providence of God The Providence of God Almighty The Providence of God, our Almighty Father

Summary: The Savior who was born for us (Christians) is also the Savior who died (Good Friday) & rose again for us! John 20:1-18 bears witness to us that Jesus Christ is risen from the dead, which was promised by Scripture long ago, and has accomplished our participation in the new creation as our victorious Savior. THE BEGINNING OF FAITH (VV. 1-10) THE NEW SIGHT OF THE NEW CREATION (VV. 11-16) THE FELLOWSHIP OF HEAVEN (VV. 17-18)

Introduction: In this sermon we'll focus on three main movements: the tragedy of unbelief, the identity of the sheep, and the security of salvation. My aim is to show how Jesus clearly distinguishes between those who do not believe and those who belong to Him, and to comfort Christ's sheep with the assurance that their salvation is secure in the hands of the Son and the Father. The Tragedy of Unbelief The Identity of the Sheep The Security of Salvation

We must forgive each other because God forgave us. Peter asks Jesus about forgiveness and the response he receives is that it is a lifestyle for the believer. Then the parable of the Unforgiving Servant teaches us that God is gracious to forgive our debts so that we can always forgive each other. FORGIVENESS DEFINED FORGIVENESS SHOWN FORGIVENESS EXPECTED

Introduction: Matthew 2 continues the biography of Jesus, and gives us a theological instructive overview of his life in a nutshell. THE RETURN OF THE NATIONS BEGIN (Matt. 2:1-12) response #1: The Magi were foreigners who came to worship Jesus response #2: The political and religious leaders rejected Jesus instead of entrusting him THE LIFE OF JESUS IN A NUTSHELL (Matt. 2:13-23) Exodus (Matt 2:16-18; Hosea 11:1) Exile and Return (Matt 2:18-23; Jeremiah 31:15) Righteous Suffering (Matt 2:18-23; Isaiah 11:1; Isaiah 53:2) Conclusion: God has drawn near in Christ. Come, worship him like the Magi, but be forewarned that it will involve suffering.

Festival of Carols and Lessons

Introduction: Jesus came to share our humanity so he could rescue us—by defeating our enemy through his death, and by becoming our merciful high priest who makes peace with God and helps us in our weakness. Jesus Came to be Truly Like Us Jesus Came to Destroy Our Enemy and Free us from the Fear of Death Jesus Came to Make Peace with God and to Help Us in Our Weakness

Introduction: Because God has revealed himself in Scripture, Christians must let that doctrine shape their heads, hearts, and hands. Knowing What and Why We Believe (Head) Doctrine Grounds Us Doctrine Guards Us How Doctrine Fuels Devotion (Heart) Doctrine Fuels Love Doctrine Fuels Worship Doctrine Fuels Obedience A Call to Lifelong Discipleship (Hands) Keep Growing Keep Practicing Keep Looking to Christ Keep Passing It Down

Introduction: Because God has revealed the meaning of the end—even if he has hidden the timing—Christians can live with watchfulness, comfort, and confident hope. The Return The Resurrection The Recompense The Restoration

Summary: We continue "Opening up Romans" and Paul's devastating critique of humanity's sin- including the Jewish people. Romans 2:17-24 speaks to those who called themselves "Jews" yet didn't give up to that name. ISRAEL's PRIDE (VV. 17-24) Six boasts: Their Name (v.17) Their Law (v.17) Their God (v.17) Their Knowledge (v.18) Their Discernment (v.18) Their Ministry (v.18) Application: my boast/your boast… ISRAEL'S FALL (VV. 19-20) Bridging to the Gospel: Your righteousness will never save you. Christ's always will! Martin Luther: "to humble the proud and to bring them to a full knowledge of their evil conditions; to teach them that they need grace; to destroy their own righteousness, so that in deep humility they seek after Christ, confess their sins and so accept grace and be saved." John Calvin: "No one who is seriously touched or moved by the fear of God will ever dare to raise up his eyes to heaven, since the more he strives to attain true righteousness, the clearer he will discern how far he is from it." Conclusion: Look to Christ and Live!

Summary: In our second message, we look at the introduction of the Day of the Lord, not of salvation but judgment. The people are called to be silent, in fear of the coming judgment. God's wrath must be satisfied. The great day of the Lord's judgment will come like a thief in the night, Paul tells us (1 Thess. 5:2). No one will escape the horrors of that day except for those who are in Christ. Call Presented (vv. 7–9) Crying in Jerusalem (vv. 10–13) Distress upon Mankind (vv. 14–18)

Summary: We continue "Opening up Romans" and Paul's devastating critique of humanity's sin- including the Jewish people. Romans 2:12-16 speaks of how God's righteous judgment is true even for Gentiles who don't have the Ten Commandments. Because God has written his law on the walls of the courtroom of our hearts and appointed Christ as the final Judge, no one can escape his righteousness and impartial judgment- and no believer needs to fear this. THE STANDARDS OF JUDGMENT (v.12) *note the subtle shift from perish to be judged application: more light means more liability. Exposure to the law doesn't lower but raises the bar THE STANDARD OF ACQUITTAL (v.13) *see James 1:22-25 Theology: Why does Paul say the doers of the law…will be justified? Summary: For those in Christ, he case isn't pending; the case is closed. We're justified by faith alone; on the last day, that faith will be seen in a life of obedience. Faith alone justifies, but the faith that justifies is never alone. THE COURTROOM OF THE HEART (vv.14-15) scene 1: The heart scene 2: The conscience scene 3: Your thoughts scene 4: The judge THE VERDICT OF THE JUDGE (vv.16) Bridging to the Gospel: Our judge is also our Savior!

Thanksgiving 2025 morning service

Summary: The story of the woman who was a sinner and the parable of the moneylender teach us that our God is gracious and he cancels our debts not because of anything good in us, but only because of mere grace. This leads us to thankfully love him for what he has done for us. Introduction: Our faith and love of God are the fruits of his forgiveness. The Faith of the Forgiven Second Point: The Love of the Forgiven Third Point: The Confirmation of the Forgiven

Summary: Because of human depravity, God has ordained civil government to restrain evil and protect the good. Therefore, God's people have duties as rulers (when we are) and as citizens. Introduction: In the 16th c. the relationship between God, church, & state was fiercely debated: • Rome— • The Anabaptists— • The Reformed— God Has Ordained Civil Government Civil Government Must Serve God 1. resist absolute authority 2. stay in its lane 3. act justly 4. remove obstacles to the gospel Citizens Must Obey Government Conclusion: Why This Matters

Summary: Christ gave communion as a tangible expression of his grace that to nourish and sustain our new life. A SUPPER TO NOURISH NEW LIFE THE ANALOGY OF BODILY & HEAVENLY LIFE THE SACRAMENT OF CHRIST OUR HEAVENLY LIFE THE MYSTERY OF THE SACRAMENT

We continue "Opening up Romans" by continuing in chapter 2, where Paul begins to apply the devastating critique of fallen humanity's sin to the Jewish people. God's kindness, forbearance, and patience with religious hypocrites isn't permission to presume but an invitation to repent and escape the day of wrath. Introduction: BRIDGE OUT AHEAD! Paul's logic in Romans 2:1-3 1. hypocrites practice what they condemn (v.1); 2. God's judgment rightly falls on all who do such things (v.2) 3. the self-righteous hypocrite will not escape God's judgment (v.3) THE CONTEMPT OF GOD's KINDNESS (2:4A) * kindness- God's generous goodness (KJV, NKJV) *forbearance- God's restraint (CSB, NASB) in delaying judgment *patience- God's long suffering (KJV, NKJV) toward their sin HE PURPOSE OF GOD's KINDNESS (2:4B) *repentance legal evangelical THE WARNING FOR THIS CONTEMPT (v. 5) Conclusion: Trade Presumption for Repentance

Summary: Christ gave baptism as a tangible expression of his grace that receives us into the church, assures our faith that he's washed us of sin, and is applied throughout our entire life—and this is true for our children as well. Introduction: The gospel is perceived only by those with the Spirit of God. Circumcision & Baptism A Deeper Look into Colossians 2 Christ's Sacrifice & Baptism

We continue "Opening up Romans" by moving into chapter 2, where Paul begins to apply the devastating critique of fallen humanity's sin to the Jewish people. Because God's judgment is important and based on truth, none of us- not even the moral and religious- can escape condemnation for hypocrisy apart from genuine repentance and faith in the gospel of Christ. Intro: From he openly idolatrous and immoral to the sanctimonious and hypocritical moralist Paul's logic in Romans 2:1-3 1. hypocrites practice what they condemn v. 1 2. God's judgment rightly falls on all who do such things v. 1, therefore 3. the self-righteous hypocrite will not escape God's judgment v. 3 NO EXCUSE (v.1) NO ESCAPE (v.2-3) FLEE TO CHRIST: There's no escape from Gods.s judgment except in God- into the wounded side of Jesus. * to the newcomer: your decent morality can't save you * to the long-time believer: don't sit on the judge's bench- live in daily repentance * to the self-righteous: God will not let you use other people's sins to hide your own * to the discouraged sinner: God's judgment is real, but so is his mercy- run to him Conclusion: Romans 2 drives us to Romans 3

Summary: Paul continues in what he started in the previous passage (2:1–5) by focusing on what is wisdom; of course, by this he means the wisdom of God. He speaks about the type of this wisdom and how it is taught and understood by the believers. Introduction: The gospel is perceived only by those with the Spirit of God. Because he is from God Because he is taught by God Because he is understood by God

summary: We continue "Opening up Romans" by turning to 1:18-32, where we learn God had given humanity over to the sins it loves; but didn't give up on us because he gave us the gospel of his own righteousness to save us. Introduction: What is God's "wrath?" IDOLATRY LEADS TO IMMORALITY Our idolatry Our immorality There is a close connection between idolatry and immorality GOD GAVE THEM UP Conclusion: Has God Given Up on Us?

Summary: Christ gave baptism as a tangible expression of his grace that receives us into the church, assures our faith that he's washed us of sin, and is applied throughout our entire life. Circumcision and Baptism The Invisible Reality of Baptism Administered Once, Applied for Life

We continue our "Opening up Romans" his morning by turning again to 13:8-23, where we learn God is revealing his wrath against human societies that suppress him in idolatry. Does this include the USA? GOD IS REVEALING HIS WRATH AGAINST HUMAN SOCIETIES THAT SUPPRESS HIM IN IDOLATRY

Summary: We begin looking at God's righteous judgment from the book of Zephaniah. It is sad that when we hear the word "judgment" talked about today, it almost always carries negative connotations as if it is a vice. But reading through Zephaniah you find hope and encouragement that God will bring this judgment in a just and righteous manner against all who do evil and do not seek after him. This is good news to those who follow him and bad news to those who do not follow him. Where will you find yourself at the end of history? Zephaniah's Identity (v. 1) Sweeping Judgment (vv. 2–3) Judgment on Idolators (vv. 4–6)

Summary: Along with his promises, God has given two "sacraments" as tangible expressions of his grace to nourish and strengthen our faith. What's a "Sacrament?" Why Do We Need Sacraments? What Do the Sacraments Do? How Do the Sacraments "Work?"

Summary: The Word of God provides for orderly church government. Order in Offices (art. 30) Ministers Task? Elders Task? Deacons Task? Order in Elections (art. 31) Legitimate election Application: internal/external call Application: parity of ministers Application: esteem ministers and elders (Heb. 13) Order in Worship (art. 32)

We resume our "Opening up Romans" by turning again to 1:16, where God calls us to be a gospel church in an age of gimmicks. Amen? A GOSPEL CHURCH IS A PREACHING CHURCH Paul was "set apart for the gospel" (1:1) To do what? To "bring about the obedience of faith…among all the nations" (1:5-6) How? Look at verses 11:15: Objection: But ancient Rome was an audible culture; ours is visual. Look at what Paul says later in 10:13-17: A GOSPEL CHURCH IS A CONFIDENT CHURCH Why did Paul say "I am not ashamed of the gospel?" It is the power (Greek, dunamis) of God for salvation. Objection: How can words be so powerful? Look at 1 Cor. 1:18-25: A GOSPEL CHURCH IS A WELCOMING CHURCH "To everyone who believes, to the Jews first and also to the Greek"

Summary: Amid increased guilt of Israel, hope is found when the people confess their transgression. Ezra as a leader is greatly troubled by their sin. Jehiel on behalf of the people makes a confession that they have sinned against God and expresses hope even amid this chaos. This should remind us of the faithfulness of God. Paul writes in 2 Timothy 2:13 "...if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself." Broken Faith (vv. 1–5) Call to Confession (vv. 6–11) Corporate Response (vv. 12–17)

Summary: The church is assembly of all believers, in all times, and in all places, that is intimately connected to salvation in Christ, and that is recognizable in this life. The Church is "Catholic" -All believers -All times -All places The Church is United -The connection between Christ & salvation -The obligation to be connected to Christ's church The Church is Recognizable -The pure preaching of the gospel -The pure administration of the sacraments -The exercise of church discipline

Summary: Jesus is the one Mediator who is all-loving, all-powerful, and always-heard because he presents himself before the heavenly throne of grace continually. The One Mediator He is All-Loving, All-Powerful, and Always-Heard What About the Saints?

Summary: Sanctification is God's gracious work of renewing us justified sinners into saints culminating in our glorification. Sanctification is God's Gracious Work Renewing us Justified Sinners into Saints Culminating in Our Glorification

Summary: In this passage, Paul teaches us the testimony of God: the message of the Cross (both content and style must be consistent). We should by faith rest on this peculiar testimony and not on the things that look interesting, fun, exciting, or "practical.". Introduction: Because the testimony of God is Christ and Him crucified, then our faith should rest only on the power of God. THE WISDOM OF MEN THE POWER OF GOD THE FAITH OF THE CHRISTIANS

Summary: We continue through Romans this morning and Paul's introduction to this vital letter of the New Testament. Beginning in verse 8, Paul offers a lengthy prayer in the form of a narration. We'll focus in on just verse 8. Introduction: Paul gives a model of grateful prayer for the power of the gospel. THE APOSTLE AT PRAYER ASTONISHMENT IN PRAYER The background Christianity's presence in Rome Where did the Christian's come from? ACCLAMATION IN PRAYER

Summary: We continue through Romans and Paul's introduction to this vital letter of the New Testament. In verses 6-7 Paul describes the blessings of being a Christian, which we're going to consider as engraving on our spiritual crown that awaits us. Introduction: Paul's greeting to the Romans reveals the titles written on he Christian's crown. BELONG TO CHRIST LOVED BY GOD CALLED TO BE SAINTS RECIPIENTS OF GRACE RECIPIENTS OF PEACE

Summary: We continue in our Sunday Seminary series as we've been learning about the knowability of our Triune God, our creation and sin, and God's mercy to bring us back to him through Jesus. Today we learn about "justification," in which we embrace Jesus in faith and he embraces us with his righteousness. THE HOLY SPIRIT CREATES FAITH FAITH EMBRACES CHRIST CHRIST EMBRACES US

Summary: Grounded on the fact that God has called us in Christ and the eschatological hope, Peter exhorts us to humbly trust God under difficult circumstances, being watchful and sober against the cruelty of the devil. Introduction: Because we are called by God through Jesus Christ, we should humble ourselves by... TRUSTING GOD'S CARE RESISTING THE DEVIL IN FAITH TRUSTING GOD'S POWER

We return to Romans and Paul's introduction to this vital letter of the New Testament. He's identified himself as "servant of Christ Jesus" who was "called to be an apostle." What message was he called to speak on behalf of Christ? "…the gospel of God." It's this gospel or "message of good news" that he explains in verses 2-4. Introduction: Paul proclaims God's gospel is his message to the world, promised ahead of time by prophets, about his Son. GOD'S MESSAGE TO THE WORLD PROMISED AHEAD OF TIME BY PROPHETS ABOUT HIS SON descended declared

Summary: We continue in our Sunday Seminary series as we've been learning about the knowability of our Triune God, our creation and sin, and our God's mercy to bring us back to him. Here we learn about "the great exchange," in which the Son was made man to be cured for us that we might be blessed with eternal life. THE SINLESS SON MADE SIN THE SINFUL MADE SONS