Oceanside United Reformed Church

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

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: 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

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: 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

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?

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?"

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: 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)

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: 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: 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 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

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

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 as well as our own human creation and fall. Today we learn that our God merciful God sent his Son to become human, so that we might be brought back to God. ETERNALLY GOD TRULY HUMAN UNITY OF GOD AND MAN

#2 God (Trinity) & Humanity

Summary: God is gracious toward the humble and therefore, in the church, elders and church members are called to serve each other in humility. Because Jesus came to humbly serve, therefore we, the church, are called to humbly serve one another THE SERVICE OF THE ELDERS THE SERVICE OF THE FLOCK

Summary: We return to 1 Kings and the time after the division of God's people into Israel (North) and Judah (South). from chapters 17-22, we have the extended narrative o the wicked reign of King Ahab in Israel, during which the Lord raised up the prophet Elijah. Introduction: Even saintly prophets of old who performed mighty miracles felt depressed, and disillusioned when the Lord didn't seem to be granted success. In this we see a shadow of the Messiah, who would identify with us and be a man of sorrow so that we might experience the outpouring of God's grace. GRACE WHEN BIG HOPES COME CRASHING DOWN (19:1-3A) GRACE WHEN LIFE FEELS MEANINGLESS (19:3B-8) GRACE FOR A FRESH CALLING (19:9-18)

#1 Orthodoxy Scripture and Tradition Part 1 : Scripture 1. What is Scripture in Orthodoxy? 2. Do Orthodox believe hat Scripture is Infallible? 3. How is Scripture treated in the Orthodox Church (liturgical life)? 4. Where is Scripture in the life of the Orthodox people? 5. Reformed Appreciation & Apologetic Part 2: Tradition 1. What is Tradition in Orthodoxy? 2. The difference between Tradition and traditions. 3. What kind of a role has Tradition played in Orthodoxy? 4. Where is Tradition in the life of the Orthodoxy people? 5. Reformed Appreciation & Apologetic

Summary: We continue in our Sunday Seminary series as we've been learned about the knowability of our Triune God as well as our own human creation and fall. Today we learn that our God is both merciful and just in view of our human predicament. GOD'S ETERNAL MERCY Merciful from eternity Merciful apart from works GOD'S ETERNAL JUSTICE GOD'S HISTORICAL GRACE

Summary: We return to 1 Kings to the time after the division of God's people into Israel (North) and Judah (South). From chapters 17-22, we have he extended narrative of the wicked reign of King Arab in Israel, during which the Lord raised up the prophet Elijah. Introduction: Elijah's credentials as a true prophet of the Lord to Israel we established even as the Lord is at work to bring life-giving resurrection to sinners all over the world. HE PREDICTS A DROUGHT (17-7): HE PREDICTS ABUNDANCE FOR A WIDOW (17:8-16) Seeing Christ (Luke 4) HE "PERFORMS" A RESURRECTION (17:17-23) Seeing Christ (Matt.11) Conclusion: The Widow's Affirmation (17:24)

Summary: We continue in our Sunday Seminary series as we've been learning about the knowability of our Triune God. Today we transition to what the Word says about knowing our own creation and sin. CREATION REBELLION A willful rebellion A consequential rebellion PARTICIPATION

Summary: We continue in our Sunday Seminary series as we've been learning about the knowability of our Triune God. Today we learn that we can know him as both Creator and Provider for all our needs. GOD THE CREATOR Creator of all things Creator of angels GOD THE PROVIDER Provider of all things An important distinction

Summary: We return to 1 Kings, having finished the Solomon narrative. The aftermath was a divided house of God's people. Introduction: While Solomon's fall from the Lord resulted in the division of the house of God's people, the Lord was at work on a future re-unification not just of Jesus but also the world. REHOBOAM'S REIGN (12:1-24, 14:21-31) JEROBOAM'S REIGN (12:20, 12:25-14:20)