Author: Stephen

Easter Sermon: It Is Finished

I had the joy this last week of sitting down with a couple people who are hoping to join our church, to confess their faith in Jesus and be received as brothers and sisters in Christ. As preparation for this, we have been working through a short curriculum created by the RCA. And this week,... Continue Reading →

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First Glance: John 19:30

“When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head, and gave up his spirit.” (John 19:30) Jesus bows his head, perhaps in mortal weakness, perhaps in silent submission, or perhaps as a nod of approval. Then, John tells us, Jesus ‘gave up his spirit.’ The phrase “gave... Continue Reading →

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Sermon: Receiving Mary

I invite you to open your Bibles with me to the gospel of John. John 19, verses 26 and 27. John is in the New Testament - Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. John 19, verses 26 and 27. We have been listening together this lenten season to Jesus’ words from the cross - we have... Continue Reading →

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First Glance: John 19:26-27

When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” After that time, the disciple took her into his home. (John 19:26-27) Today, most churches in the United States are known for supporting “family... Continue Reading →

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Sermon: Into Your Hands

I invite you to open your Bibles with me to Luke 23:46. Luke 23, verse 46. Luke is in the New Testament - Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Luke 23, verse 46. We have been listening this Lenten season to Jesus’ words from the cross - the seven statements the gospel record Jesus saying as... Continue Reading →

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First Glance:Luke 23:46

Jesus called out in a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. (Luke 23:46) Not every gospels account records the same last words as being on the lips of Jesus. What do we make of this? Matthew: Jesus cried out again in a... Continue Reading →

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First Glance: Luke 23:34

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. (Luke 23:34) Jesus does not ask that his enemies get what they deserve (“Father, smite them, for they knew exactly what they were doing!”). Instead, he prays for their forgiveness. He prays... Continue Reading →

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Sermon: The Red Thread of Salvation

[This sermon was originally preached on Sunday, February 21, 2016 as part of a series of  Community Lenten Evening Services between rural RCA and PCA churches in our area.] From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is the story of God bringing about salvation. Jesus would rightly claim that the whole of the Law and the... Continue Reading →

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Sermon: Forsakenness

We have entered the season of Lent. It’s true that Lent is not in the Bible. There is no command to observe the forty days before Easter as a season of repentance and preparation focused on the death and resurrection of Jesus. In fact, there is no command to celebrate Easter in the Bible either.... Continue Reading →

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