Greetings Bethel! This is not how I anticipated us meeting again when I left for Florida just over a week ago. I am grateful for the technology that enables me to do this, but I am reminded of the words of John in his second letter, where he says, “Although I have much to write... Continue Reading →
Sermon: The Mercy Seat
This morning we are concluding our series on worship and mission. We have been looking at God’s instructions in the building of the tabernacle to grasp more deeply the connection between the worship of God and the mission of God. This morning we are in the heart of the tabernacle, in the inner room of... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
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 →
First Glance: Genesis 8
The Lord smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: "Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done. (Genesis 8:21) The opening two chapters of the flood story... Continue Reading →
Etz Pri 