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Here We Stand: The Five Solas of the Reformation
Tomorrow, October 31, is Reformation Day which marks the 493rd anniversary of the date when Martin Luther nailed the 95 theses to the church door in Wittenburg.
While we do not celebrate a mere man, we thank God for the recovery of the truths of the authority of scripture and the gospel of God’s grace.
Tomorrow I plan to give a special sermon summarizing the key doctrines taught by Scripture on which the reformers and we stand.
The Bible Alone is our authority.
We are saved by God’s grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, to the glory of God alone.
But God…In Christ
A special sermon in our shared evening service from Rev. Colin Jones, pastor of Three Bridges Free Church in the UK.
David Faces More Rebellion
Isn’t it so often the case that when you finally get over one big problem another trouble emerges?
David, shortly after Absalom’s rebellion fails, then faces the revolt of Sheba, who leads the ten northern tribes to secede from his kingdom.
David also faces insubordination in his own ranks as General Joab responds to his demotion by assassinating his replacement.
Yet the kingdom survive by God’s grace.
In the same way God’s new covenant people in the church deal with failed leaders and sinful divisions.
Yet Christ preserves His church (Mt. 16:18).
In the midst of these struggles and divisions in Israel, our text reminds us of biblical principles of peacemaking – particularly through a wise woman in the city of Abel.
We also are reminded of Christ Who brings peace and preserves His church.
Meeting the King
When David fled from Absalom he met certain people, some of whom supported him. Others cursed and deceived him.
After his victory, David meets the same people and shows mercy to his enemy and kindness to his friend.
As always his actions both point to Christ and provide an example for us.
Relational Fellowship
Tomorrow I will be preaching on Colossians 3:12-17. The message is entitled
Relational Fellowship. I am hopeful that the truths of this text will stimulate
all of us to more regularly engage in meaningful connections with one another.
In other words: Hope we will “hang out” more together, practicing those things
the Bible teaches are essential to healthy body life!
Please come prepared to give the LORD your fullest attention. He is worthy of
it. I am hopeful He will be pleased to do precious soul-work in each one of us.
The Lord’s Purpose for His Church
Because this Sunday is part of our 20th anniversary celebration I plan to preach from I Tim. 3:14-16 in the morning as we talk about God’s purpose for His Church.
Throughout history churches have strayed from the God-centered priority of the church. It is good for us to ensure that our focus is biblical.
I also plan to bring in other Scripture, especially I Peter. 2:5ff. As part of the message I will be discussing a slightly revised purpose statement for GBC on which the Elders have been working.
GBC 20th Anniversary Celebration
Don Wood preached a special message for GBC’s 20th Anniversary Celebration.
Recent Sermons
Thirsting for God
Psalms 42-43 go together. They are Psalms of lament with an almost identical refrain. 42:5 42:11 43:5.
These Psalms are of special value to believers who feel overwhelmed or struggle with depression.
We can relate to the Psalmist as he describes his own spiritual drought, longing for God to satisfy his thirst.
He also describes his situation as being overwhelmed by the floods of sorrow.
Yet within this Psalm we find the answer to our despair. “Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him.”
Martyn Lloyd-Jones used Psalm 42 in the first chapter of his famous book, “Spiritual Depression”.
He tells us that a key to overcoming depression is to stop listening to ourselves (complaining and worrying) and to start talking to ourselves (about the hope we have in God).
Please read Psalms 42-43 before coming to church.
God Speaks Through His Word
This Sunday I plan to complete our consideration of Psalm 19.
Last week we looked at the first six verses which declares how God speaks to all humanity through His creation (General Revelation)
This week we will consider the Lord’s speech to His people through the Scriptures (Special Revelation) in verses 7-11, and then our response in verses 12-15.
As you read over Psalm 19 before coming to church consider the following questions:
Do you notice that the first six verses use the name God and verse seven and following use LORD. Why do you think that this is?
How are general revelation similar to each other? How are they different?
Where can you see the gospel in this Psalm?