Westminster Confession of Faith: Chapter 1
The first chapter of the Westminster Confession deals with the topic of Holy Scripture and it answers some important question for us about the Bible, such as:
- How do we know God and his will for us?
- What are the books that make up the Bible?
- How do we know that the Bible is God's word and has authority over us?
- How can we be sure that what the Bible says is true?
Devotions: Blessed Are Those Who Hear and Keep
Day 1:
Reading: Luke 11:14-23
Devotional: Today, focus on Jesus's authority over evil spirits. Reflect on the fact that Jesus's miracles are not random acts but meaningful demonstrations of His divine power. Jesus, through His authority, breaks the bonds of sin and evil, setting us free. Consider how this impacts your understanding of Jesus's miracles and His authority.
Question: How does understanding Jesus's authority over evil and death change your perception of His role in your life?
October 15 Sermon: Blessed Are Those Who Hear and Keep
As I’ve mentioned many times, Luke takes the events of Jesus life and he is putting them together to tell us the story of salvation in Christ with a particular emphasis. One idea that continually comes through in “The Story Luke Tells” is the idea of the authority that Jesus has. We see this coming through in many ways in Luke’s gospel.
Three Reasons We Say a Prayer of Confession Each Week
Often people wonder the reasons behind some of the elements of worship that we do each week. Maybe you have wondered why we do a Prayer of Confession each week. In many cases the Prayer of Confession is the element of worship that is the first to go when a church trims something from their worship service. For me, the prayer of confession is one of the most important aspects of worship that we do each week and there are three primary reasons that I feel this way.
Held by God | Psalm 57, 1 Peter 1, & John 10 | 5 Devotions on God’s Faithful Grip
Day 1:
Bible Reading: Psalm 57:1-3
Devotional: Begin the week by reflecting on God's steadfast love and faithfulness, as revealed in the Psalms. This passage illustrates the depth of God's care for us, His constant presence and the refuge He provides in times of turmoil. Consider how God has been your refuge and fortress in times of adversity.
Question: How have you experienced God's steadfast love and faithfulness in your life?
Held by God | Psalm 57, 1 Peter 1, & John 10 | Confidence in the Perseverance of the Saints
Here we are today. We're finishing up our five-week series on understanding grace, and what we have been doing is we've been looking at the doctrines of grace and we'll review those here in just another second but today we are considering the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints. Now, during our journey through these five points in the doctrines of grace, I have been pointing out that there is a logical progression and consistency to these doctrines, and so it all starts out with our understanding of total depravity.
Our Identity in Christ
You are a new creation in Christ. As we grow in grace and the Holy Spirit works in us we will see this coming through in our lives. While we do not reach perfection in this life we are confronted with our sin, comforted with the gospel, and God grants us the gift of repentance to love and serve him in his world. As we journey through this life may we come to embrace our identity in Jesus and never doubt who we are or whose we are.
Transformed by the Spirit | Isaiah 55:1–13 & Romans 8:18–39 | 5 Devotions on the Work of the Spirit in Salvation
Day 1:
Bible Reading: Romans 8:28-30
Devotional: Today, we dive into the doctrine of predestination. Reflect on how God knew you before the foundations of the world and chose you for His glory. Recognize that God's grace is so powerful that it transforms our hearts and minds, drawing us to Him irresistibly. Pray for a deeper understanding of this divine election and its implications for your life.
Question: How does understanding God’s predestination impact your view of His grace?
Transformed by the Spirit | Isaiah 55:1–13 & Romans 8:18–39 | The Power of Irresistible Grace
In week four of our series “Understanding Grace” we look at the doctrine of Irresistible Grace. For those appointed to salvation, the Holy Spirit will work in their life to bring them to faith in Jesus Christ.
The Bible teaches us that we are all dead in sin and unable to come to God on our own. However, when the Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin and draws us to Christ, we understand the irresistible nature of God’s grace.
The doctrine of irresistible grace is a source of great comfort and assurance for believers. It reminds us that our salvation is not dependent on our own efforts, but on the grace of God. It also gives us confidence that God will continue His transforming work in our lives to conform us to the image of His Son.
Intentional Atonement | John 10:1-21 & Isaiah 53:1-12 | 5 Devotions on Christ’s Definite and Saving Work
Day 1:
Bible Reading: Isaiah 53:1-6
Devotional: Reflect on the suffering of Jesus, the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy. Consider how Jesus took on our grief, carried our sorrows, and was pierced for our transgressions. Take some time today to thank Jesus for His sacrifice and ask for His grace to follow Him faithfully.
Reflection Questions:
1. What does Jesus' suffering mean to you personally?
2. How does knowing that Jesus bore your sins affect your understanding of God's love for you?
3. How can you show gratitude for Jesus' sacrifice in your daily life?
Intentional Atonement | John 10:1-21 & Isaiah 53:1-12 | Redemption Accomplished for His People
Why did Jesus lay down His life? In this third sermon from our Understanding Grace series, we explore the deep assurance that comes from knowing Christ’s atonement was intentional and effective. From Isaiah’s prophecy to Jesus’ words in John, Scripture reveals that Christ did not die to make salvation merely possible—He died to actually redeem His people.
Adopted by God | Deuteronomy 7:6–11 & Romans 9:1–16 | 5 Devotions on God's Sovereign Love
Day 1: Understanding Unconditional Election
Bible Reading: Romans 9:6-8
Devotional: Begin by reading Romans 9:6-8, focusing on the principle of election as outlined by Apostle Paul. This doctrine can be difficult to understand, but it's crucial in comprehending God's sovereignty and His unconditional love for us. The sermon we listened to emphasized that our salvation doesn't depend on our works or merits, but solely on God's mercy. Today, let's meditate on this divine grace and express gratitude for His unconditional love.
Adopted by God | Deuteronomy 7:6–11 & Romans 9:1–16 | God's Covenant Love Revealed
Why are we called the children of God? In this second sermon from our Understanding Grace series, we explore the astonishing truth that salvation is not based on human effort but entirely on God's sovereign love. From God's choosing of Israel in Deuteronomy to Paul's teaching in Romans, Scripture shows us that adoption into God's family is rooted in His mercy, not our merit.
Creeds, Reubens, and the Faith Once for All Delivered to the Saints
I like Reuben sandwiches. In fact, I am on a quest to find the perfect one. So far, the best one I have ever had is at Valois in Hyde Park near the University of Chicago. If you are ever on Chicago's South Side, I recommend you make trying one a priority.
The problem with enjoying a Reuben is that it is not the type of thing you go the refrigerator and make for yourself. I also cannot walk up to the sandwich line at our local grocery store to enjoy my favorite sandwich. It is something I am rarely able to enjoy.
Fallen Humanity | 5 Devotions on Total Depravity and God's Grace
Day 1:
Reading: Genesis 2:15-17; Genesis 3:1-15
Devotional: Today we begin our journey with the first sin, the fall of man. We see how the first humans disobeyed God and brought sin into the world. However, in Genesis 3:15, we also see God's promise of a Savior. How does this promise impact your understanding of God's love and mercy, even in the midst of our rebellion?
Fallen Humanity | Genesis 3:1–24 & Romans 3:1–20 | Why Grace Is Our Only Hope
Why do we need grace? In this opening sermon from our Understanding Grace series, we explore the sobering truth about the human condition apart from God. From the first act of rebellion in Genesis to Paul’s clear teaching in Romans, Scripture shows us that we are not merely flawed—we are spiritually dead. But it is in the depths of our fallenness that the light of God’s grace shines brightest.
The Officers of the Church: Acts 6, 1 Timothy 1, Titus 1 | 5 Devotions on Leadership in the Church
Day 1:
Bible Reading: Acts 6:1-7
Devotional: The early church faced challenges in leadership roles and inclusivity, especially concerning the Greek-speaking Jewish widows. Reflect on how the apostles solved this problem by appointing seven deacons. Consider the importance of clarity and definition in leadership roles within the church and how this impacts the congregation.
The Officers of the Church: Acts 6, 1 Timothy 1, Titus 1 | Defined by Service, Rooted in Grace
We continue our study of presbyterian church government and look at the offices of elder and deacon.
There may not be anything that is much worse for an organization than to have undefined roles for the people who serve in those organizations. This often happens with large corporations. It's actually the things of plots of television shows and movies where you see people who have worked for a company that's been around so long and they've done certain things and sometimes people aren't even sure what their jobs are. Their roles were at one time defined, but it becomes a thing of comedic error to find that they don't even know why they're there or what they're doing.
Well Ordered: Numbers 11 & Acts 15 | 5 Devotions on the Importance of Church Government
Day 1:
Bible Reading: Numbers 11:10-17
Devotional: Today, reflect on Moses's plight in the wilderness. He felt overwhelmed by the task of leading God's people, so God provided him with elders to share the responsibility. As you read, consider the role of church leaders in your life. How do they support and guide you? How can you support and pray for them?
Reflection Question: In what ways have you felt the support and guidance of church leaders in your life?
Well Ordered: Numbers 11 & Acts 15 | How Christ Cares for His Church Today
What does the Bible really say about how the Church should be governed? Is it just a matter of preference—or has God actually given us a pattern for leadership in His Church?
In this sermon, Pastor Mark explains why the form of church government matters. Drawing from both Old and New Testament passages, we see that Christ rules His Church not through lone leaders or distant hierarchies but through servant-hearted elders working together. This model, found throughout Scripture, protects the flock and proclaims the gospel with clarity and unity.