Bethel Presbyterian, Leesburg VA, Archived Sermonshttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/Archived sermon series by Rev. George C. Hammond, Bethel Presbyterian Church (OPC), 19856 Evergreen Mills Road, Leesburg, VA 20175. Office Phone: 703-777-4221en-US2010-07-30T06:49:00ZSquarespace Site Server v5.11.5 (http://www.squarespace.com/)One Lord, One Faith, One Baptismhttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2009/9/20/one-lord-one-faith-one-baptism.htmlAdmin2009-09-20T19:00:00ZEphesians 4:1-6; Acts 18:24-19:5; Colossians 2:11-12; Genesis 17:9-14.

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Of Sheep And Small Changehttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2009/9/13/of-sheep-and-small-change.htmlAdmin2009-09-13T19:00:00ZIs one sheep more valuable than ninety-nine others, or is there something else we should understand about this passage? How can we tell how much we are worth in God's eyes?

Luke 15:1-10

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The Ten Wordshttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2009/9/6/the-ten-words.htmlAdmin2009-09-06T19:00:00ZThe Decalogue was delivered to God's people as words to live by, so we must understand all that they reveal to us.

Exodus 20:1-19

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The Gospel According to Amoshttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2009/8/30/the-gospel-according-to-amos.htmlAdmin2009-08-30T19:00:00ZThe conclusion of the book of Amos is a message of hope.

Amos 9:11-15

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Not All Israel Are Israelhttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2009/8/23/not-all-israel-are-israel.htmlAdmin2009-08-23T22:00:00ZGod's promises do not ties his hands, and he fulfills his promises in unexpected ways.

Amos 9:5-10

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Where Can I Hide?http://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2009/8/16/where-can-i-hide.htmlAdmin2009-08-16T20:00:00ZWhere can we possibly hide from God's judgment? His judgment is total, there is no place to hide, and no penance is possible.

Amos 9:1-4

Rev. George C. Hammond

Technical Note: We were unable to use our pastor's wireless mic today, and made this recording from the pulpit mic. Therefore, it may be difficult to hear him during those times when he walks away from the pulpit. We apologize for the error.

]]>A Famine in the Landhttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2009/8/9/a-famine-in-the-land.htmlAdmin2009-08-09T22:00:00ZIf we ignore and despise the true preaching of God's Word long enough, he'll eventually give us what we want - a world void of His Word.

Amos 8:11-14

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>How Then Can We Be Saved?http://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2009/8/2/how-then-can-we-be-saved.htmlAdmin2009-08-02T19:00:00ZOnly when we feel the great weight of what our sins deserve, and hate them and grieve for them, can we know the greatness of God's salvation.

Amos 8:1-10

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>How Goes The Work?http://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2009/7/26/how-goes-the-work.htmlAdmin2009-07-26T19:00:00ZGod's Word is not only often ill-received by the world. It may be ill-received by the Church.

Amos 7:10-17

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>A Disquieting Comforthttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2009/7/19/a-disquieting-comfort.htmlAdmin2009-07-19T19:00:00ZGod's faithfulness; blessing through judgment; effectual prayer.

Amos 7:1-9

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>What Does God Want From Us?http://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2009/7/12/what-does-god-want-from-us.htmlAdmin2009-07-12T18:53:11ZNo nation lasts whos trust is misplaced.

Amos 6

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Maranatha?http://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2009/6/20/maranatha.htmlAdmin2009-06-20T16:35:23ZWhen times are good, Christians become complacent and spiritually weak. When times become bad Christians cry out for and make predictions about the return of Christ. We'd best be careful about what we seek, for God may give it to us.

Amos 5:18-27

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>What's Love Got To Do With It?http://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2009/6/14/whats-love-got-to-do-with-it.htmlAdmin2009-06-14T15:00:00ZAt the root of rebellion is lack of real love. Unfeigned love and delight is at the heart of blessing.

Amos 5:1-3

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>If God Is Against Us, Who Can Be For Us?http://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2009/6/7/if-god-is-against-us-who-can-be-for-us.htmlAdmin2009-06-07T15:00:00ZThe Scriptures hold out to us a great promise in the rhetorical question, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" The converse, however, is also true: "If God is against us, who can be for us?" "A rich man's wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his own imagination" (Prov. 18:11).

Amos 4

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The Uncomfortable Closenesshttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2009/5/31/the-uncomfortable-closeness.htmlAdmin2009-05-31T15:00:00ZBeing close to God is uncomfortable, because to whom much is given much will be required.

Amos 3

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The Noose of Divine Judgmenthttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2009/5/24/the-noose-of-divine-judgment.htmlAdmin2009-05-24T15:00:00ZGod will judge the nations for their sins against conscience and the light of nature. God will judge his people for this sin against his revealed word and for this sin against his grace.

Amos 1:1 - 2:16

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Introducing Amoshttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2009/5/17/introducing-amos.htmlAdmin2009-05-17T15:00:00ZIntroduction to the series on Amos

Rev. George C. Hammond 

]]>A Creation Ordinancehttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2009/5/3/a-creation-ordinance.htmlAdmin2009-05-03T17:00:00ZGenesisIs marriage a creation ordinance, like work and rest, or is it merely a human contrivance to be defined and redefined as a culture, society, or people may deem politically correct?

Genesis 2:18-25

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>What's So Great About The Great Commissionhttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2009/4/26/whats-so-great-about-the-great-commission.htmlAdmin2009-04-26T17:00:00ZMatthewAll the Great Commission may have application to foreign missions, but it is not a foreign missions passage. It is the task of the whole Church. And what makes the Commission Great is that the Savior who gave it is great!

Matthew 28:16-20

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>A Logical Explanationhttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2009/4/12/a-logical-explanation.htmlAdmin2009-04-12T17:00:00ZMatthew"When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth." Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes

Matthew 27:62 - 28:15

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>What a Difference a Week Makeshttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2009/4/5/what-a-difference-a-week-makes.htmlAdmin2009-04-05T17:00:00ZLukeThe question is not merely what we think of and do with Jesus on Sunday, but what we think of and do with him on Friday; not how we start the race, but how we finish it.

Luke 19:28-42

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Hell to Payhttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2009/3/29/hell-to-pay.htmlAdmin2009-03-29T17:00:00ZMatthewThey led Him away to be crucified, a death especially accursed by God and the experience of which was a living hell, a crushing debt was paid and we were set free.

Matthew 27:27-31

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>But God Meant It For Goodhttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2009/3/22/but-god-meant-it-for-good.htmlAdmin2009-03-22T17:00:00ZMatthewWhat Pilate Intended, What the Chief Priests Intended, What the People Intended, and What God Accomplished.

Matthew 27:11-26

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>There's a Camel in my Souphttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2009/3/15/theres-a-camel-in-my-soup.htmlAdmin2009-03-15T17:00:00ZMatthewThose who don't really value righteousness can't value Christ, although they often will embroil themselves in legalist minutia to soothe their seared consciences.

Matthew 27:1-10

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Two Kinds of Sorrowhttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2009/3/8/two-kinds-of-sorrow.htmlAdmin2009-03-08T18:00:00ZMatthewGodly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leads no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

Matthew 26:69-27:5

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>When Stone Meets Fleshhttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2009/3/1/when-stone-meets-flesh.htmlAdmin2009-03-01T18:00:00ZMatthewChrist came to take our stony, stony hearts and make them hearts of flesh.

Matthew 26:57-68

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The Gethsemane Cuphttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2009/2/8/the-gethsemane-cup.htmlAdmin2009-02-08T18:00:00ZMatthewThe Suffering of Jesus. The cup of wrath is put into the hand of Jesus and he is made to drink so that we might lift up the cup of blessing and redemption.

Matthew 26:36-46

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>A Living Saviorhttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2009/2/1/a-living-savior.htmlAdmin2009-02-01T18:00:00ZMatthewPaul is right - if the resurrection didn't happen, that's the end of the Faith.

Matthew 26:31-35

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Something to Rememberhttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2009/1/25/something-to-remember.htmlAdmin2009-01-25T18:00:00ZMatthewWhen Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper he said, "Do this in remembrance of me." We often think of this too narrowly. Because we are united with Christ, he participated in our suffering (Heb. 4:15), and we now also participate in his (1 Peter 4:13). The crucifixion of Christ is the guarantee that what we suffer is not in vain, and that God will bring light out of darkness for all who are in Christ.

Matthew 26:17-30

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Doing God's Willhttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2009/1/18/doing-gods-will.htmlAdmin2009-01-18T18:00:00ZMatthewGod's sovereignty; our connection (for good or ill) to the crucifixion.

Matthew 26:1-16

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Prepare for What?http://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2009/1/11/prepare-for-what.htmlAdmin2009-01-11T21:38:00ZMatthewIn Matthew 24-25, Jesus has told his disciples to be ready and prepared. He tells them now WHAT to be ready and prepared FOR - his coming will mean the judgment. We are not SAVED by our works, but the biggest mistake anyone could make would be to think that he will therefore not be JUDGED by them.

Matthew 25:31-46

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Thoughtful Giftshttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2008/12/28/thoughtful-gifts.htmlAdmin2008-12-28T18:00:00ZMatthewThe maji brought gifts for the Christ-child beyond description. So what do we bring?

Matthew 2:1-12

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>What Child Is This?http://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2008/12/21/what-child-is-this.htmlAdmin2008-12-21T18:00:00ZLuke MatthewAdvent

Luke 1:26-38; Matthew 1:18-25

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The Rod of Jessehttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2008/12/14/the-rod-of-jesse.htmlAdmin2008-12-14T18:00:00ZIsaiahAdvent

Isaiah 10-12

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The Desired Of All Nationshttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2008/12/7/the-desired-of-all-nations.htmlAdmin2008-12-07T21:54:00ZIsaiahPreparation for the coming of Christ - the prophecies of his coming.

Isaiah 64:1-7

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The Indescribable Gifthttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2008/11/30/the-indescribable-gift.htmlAdmin2008-11-30T18:00:00ZColossiansGiving thanks is more than an 'attitude of gratitude' - it's living a certain way, enabled not by 'giving it the old college try' but by the living-giving change which comes through the work of Jesus in the world and in our lives.

Colossians 3:15-17

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Vigilance Through Diligencehttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2008/11/23/vigilance-through-diligence.htmlAdmin2008-11-23T18:00:00ZMatthewJesus indicates that 'waiting for his return' does not mean inactivity. Though not saved on the basis of our works, we are judged by them.

Matthew 25:14-30

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>That Was Now, This Is Thenhttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2008/11/16/that-was-now-this-is-then.htmlAdmin2008-11-16T18:00:00ZMatthewThe day of grace is TODAY. At the end of the age judgment is coming.

Matthew 25:1-13

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Living in the Last Days - Part 3http://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2008/11/9/living-in-the-last-days-part-3.htmlAdmin2008-11-09T18:00:00ZThe Lord's Coming will be like that of a thief - no way to prepare for it specifically, we must prepare for it generally and be ready at any time.

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Jerusalem and Romehttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2008/11/2/jerusalem-and-rome.htmlAdmin2008-11-02T17:00:00Z1 CorinthiansThe Kingdom of God. Christian citizens should carry out their civic duties as a means of doing good or at least mitigating harm, but Christians are first and foremost citizens of Another Kingdom, and their primary loyalty is there. They should not put confidence in earthly princes, nor unduely dispare because of them, for God is sovereign over all.

1 Corinthians 15:1-4, 17-28

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The Road to Recoveryhttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2008/10/26/the-road-to-recovery.htmlAdmin2008-10-26T17:00:00ZRomansThe gospel's message, confidence, and power.

Romans 3:21-28

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Living in the Last Days - Part 2http://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2008/10/19/living-in-the-last-days-part-2.htmlAdmin2008-10-19T17:00:00ZMatthewTrusting Christ through difficulty; the final judgment.

Matthew 24:15-34

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Living in the Last Days - Part 1http://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2008/10/12/living-in-the-last-days-part-1.htmlAdmin2008-10-12T17:00:00ZMatthewThe return of Christ; the Scriptures indicate that we don't have to wait for the last days. We're living in them now. The Last Days began with the advent of Christ.

Matthew 24:1-14

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Of Doing and Beinghttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2008/10/5/of-doing-and-being.htmlAdmin2008-10-05T17:00:00ZMatthewMan's problem will not be solved by doing better things. He needs a new heart.

Matthew 23:1-14

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Of Love and Lordshiphttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2008/9/21/of-love-and-lordship.htmlAdmin2008-09-21T17:00:00ZMatthewLove of God and love of man are mutually intertwined. We cannot claim one without the other. And in truth, we cannot claim either if we do not love the God-man.

Matthew 22:34-46

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Looking for the Resurrectionhttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2008/9/14/looking-for-the-resurrection.htmlAdmin2008-09-14T17:00:00ZMatthewMatthew 22:23-33

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Death and Taxeshttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2008/9/7/death-and-taxes.htmlAdmin2008-09-07T17:00:00ZMatthewJesus came to pay a debt he didn't own because we owed a debt we couldn't pay.

Matthew 22:15-22

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The Wedding Invitationhttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2008/8/31/the-wedding-invitation.htmlAdmin2008-08-31T17:00:00ZMatthewChrist's Righteousness as our way to the Kingdom.

Matthew 22:1-14

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Stuck on Mehttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2008/8/24/stuck-on-me.htmlAdmin2008-08-24T17:00:00ZMatthewWe see and receive the Kingdom of God when we get our eyes off of what WE want and start seeking first his Kingdom and His righteousness.

Matthew 21:33-46

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Inclusive Exclusivehttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2008/8/17/inclusive-exclusive.htmlAdmin2008-08-17T17:00:00ZMatthewThe Kingdom belongs to those who walk its walk (no matter how late they get on the path), and NOT to those who merely talk its talk.

Matthew 21:28-32

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>By What Authority?http://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2008/8/10/by-what-authority.htmlAdmin2008-08-10T17:00:00ZMatthewJesus shows the pretenders of religion that they do not recognize God's authority, and writes them off. Their season of grace has ended.

Matthew 21:23-27

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Passing On the Prophetic Mantelhttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2008/8/3/passing-on-the-prophetic-mantel.htmlAdmin2008-08-03T17:00:00ZMatthewThe transition of Jesus preaching the gospel, to the Church preaching the gospel in his stead.

Matthew 21:18-22

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The Prophet From Nazarethhttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2008/7/27/the-prophet-from-nazareth.htmlAdmin2008-07-27T17:00:00ZMatthewThe prophets were a despised class, only honored after they were gone. But the Church needs them.

Matthew 21:1-17

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The Role of the Redeemed in Societyhttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2008/7/6/the-role-of-the-redeemed-in-society.htmlAdmin2008-07-06T17:00:00Z1 PeterIndependence Day; the birth of our Nation; The Church's responsibility in this culture and country to be the salt and light of the gospel to this country and culture.

1 Peter 2:1-9

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Sandals Too Bighttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2008/6/29/sandals-too-big.htmlAdmin2008-06-29T17:00:00ZMatthewJesus is more than just a moralistic example who provides a didactic pattern for our lives. He is a Savior that does beyond all we could ask or think (let alone do) in securing our salvation.

Matthew 20:29-34

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>When Will We Learn?http://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2008/6/22/when-will-we-learn.htmlAdmin2008-06-22T17:00:00ZMatthewGod's patience with us; our holy responsibility to learn.

Matthew 20:17-28

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>All Of Gracehttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2008/6/15/all-of-grace.htmlAdmin2008-06-15T17:00:00ZMatthewWe are rewarded for what Christ has done - all that we have and will have is due to the grace of God.

Matthew 20:1-16

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>First Things Lasthttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2008/6/8/first-things-last.htmlAdmin2008-06-08T17:00:00ZMatthewSelf-promotion and seeking a name for yourself, so critical to making it in the world, is a barrier to entering the Kingdom of God.

Matthew 19:13-30

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>For This Life Onlyhttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2008/6/1/for-this-life-only.htmlAdmin2008-06-01T17:00:00ZMatthewOn marriage and commitment; marriage is a picture of Christ and his Church.

Matthew 19:1-12

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Forgiveness and the Antilamechian Principlehttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2008/5/25/forgiveness-and-the-antilamechian-principle.htmlAdmin2008-05-25T17:00:00ZMatthewIf we are to expect clemency and forgiveness from God, we must be those who extend clemency and mercy to others.

Matthew 18:21-35

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The Keys of the Kingdomhttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2008/5/11/the-keys-of-the-kingdom.htmlAdmin2008-05-11T17:00:00ZMatthewDoes one's relationship to the Church matter? Jesus thinks so.

Matthew 18:15-20

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>What We're Good At, What We're Nothttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2008/5/4/what-were-good-at-what-were-not.htmlAdmin2008-05-04T17:00:00ZMatthewOne of the notes of the Church is the proper exercise of discipline. Reformed folk tend to be good at this aspect of the Church's life, at least as far as the practice is concerned. But we can fail to grasp the purpose for the practice, and so sin in carrying it out if we are not careful.

Matthew 18:15-17

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Our Proper Placehttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2008/4/20/our-proper-place.htmlAdmin2008-04-20T17:00:00ZMatthewSoberly thinking about ourselves - not thinking about ourselves more highly than we ought - concern not how great we'll be in the kingdom, but if we'll make it to the kingdom.

Matthew 18:10-14

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The Real Question is the Question that Keeps Us Realhttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2008/4/13/the-real-question-is-the-question-that-keeps-us-real.htmlAdmin2008-04-14T02:56:00ZMatthewWe approach with Lord with OUR questions, and they are usually the wrong ones. Jesus came to tell us, not merely the answers, but the questions.

Matthew 18:1-9

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>A Taxing Issuehttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2008/3/30/a-taxing-issue.htmlAdmin2008-03-30T17:00:00ZMatthewHow completely Jesus identified himself with us.

Matthew 17:24-27

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Three Gardenshttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2008/3/23/three-gardens.htmlAdmin2008-03-23T17:00:00ZJohnCreation, fall, and redemption through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

John 19:4 - 20:18

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Lasting or Withering?http://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2008/3/16/lasting-or-withering.htmlAdmin2008-03-16T17:00:00ZMatthewAre the "leaves" of our lives lasting and living, or are they severed and dead, like the leaves Adam and Eve used to cover themselves, and will soon fade away?

Matthew 21:1-9

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Oligopistishttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2008/3/2/oligopistis.htmlAdmin2008-03-02T18:00:00ZMatthewMuch of the church today is promoting the need to have "more faith" - for bigger bank accounts, more status and clout in politics and in the world. We don't need more faith - the problem is not the quantity of our faith, but the quality of it, and more importantly, that our faith to be effectual needs to have the right object, which is Jesus crucified, risen and coming again.

Matthew 17:14-23

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Seeing the Kingdom of Godhttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2008/2/17/seeing-the-kingdom-of-god.htmlAdmin2008-02-17T18:00:00ZMatthewWe often think we want glory, not the cross. But the reason why the Son of God became man was for the cross. God could have established his Kingdom without the cross. It would have been a Kingdom of Glory. And because of our sin, it would not have included us.

Matthew 16:27 - 17:13

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Of Leaders and Followershttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2008/2/10/of-leaders-and-followers.htmlAdmin2008-02-10T18:00:00ZMatthewThere are many books written about how to be a leader. We aspire to be leaders, not followers. In the Kingdom of God, however, there is only one leader, and to be anything but a follower is to oppose him.

Matthew 16:13-24

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The Leaven of the Pharisees and Sadduceeshttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2008/2/3/the-leaven-of-the-pharisees-and-sadducees.htmlAdmin2008-02-03T18:00:00ZMatthewOur hope must be in Christ, and his agenda, not our agenda. We must not put our hope in the kingdoms of this world, nor look for our salvation in savvy politics.

Matthew 16:5-12

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Sign of the Timeshttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2008/1/27/sign-of-the-times.htmlAdmin2008-01-27T18:00:00ZMatthewJesus works through his Church (that's what it means to be the Body of Christ) - those who don't see who he is through that work do so, not because the signs are missing, but because they are blind to them.

Matthew 15:29 - 16:4

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Cleanliness is Next to Godlinesshttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2008/1/20/cleanliness-is-next-to-godliness.htmlAdmin2008-01-20T18:00:00ZMatthewElection is not based on pedigree - Jesus does not deliver us because of how clean we are. HE cleanses and delivers us.

Matthew 15:22-28

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The Heart of the Lawhttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2008/1/13/the-heart-of-the-law.htmlAdmin2008-01-13T18:00:00ZMatthewSanctification requires us to be careful of what's out there only because of what's in here (in our hearts).

Matthew 15:10-20

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The Annunciationhttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2007/12/30/the-annunciation.htmlAdmin2007-12-30T18:00:00ZLukeWhat it meant for God to become human, and dwell among us.

Luke 1:26-38

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Better To Receive Than Givehttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2007/12/23/better-to-receive-than-give.htmlAdmin2007-12-23T18:00:00ZJohnThe only thing we have to give is what we've been given by God. Spiritually, we are bankrupt and have nothing to give, until God gives us his Indescribable Gift.

John 4:10-19, 28-29, 39-42

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The Tradition of Christmashttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2007/12/16/the-tradition-of-christmas.htmlAdmin2007-12-16T18:00:00ZMatthewThe issue is not whether we observe traditions, nor whether we respond to God's mighty acts with traditions, but whether those traditions, whether of divine or human origin, are allowed to become an end in themselves and distract from the teaching and requirements of the Word of God.

Matthew 15:1-9

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Veiled in Flesh the Godhead Seehttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2007/12/9/veiled-in-flesh-the-godhead-see.htmlAdmin2007-12-09T18:00:00ZMatthewThe deity of Christ was veiled during his earthly ministry, so we did not see His full glory.

Matthew 14:25-36

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Thankless Orphans, Thankful Sonshttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2007/11/25/thankless-orphans-thankful-sons.htmlAdmin2007-11-25T18:00:00ZIsaiahWhen it comes to giving thanks, there is a natural state and a gracious state. What makes the difference?

Isaiah 51:3

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>I Will Never Leave You Or Forsake Youhttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2007/11/18/i-will-never-leave-you-or-forsake-you.htmlAdmin2007-11-18T18:00:00ZMatthewThe Son of God has become one of us forever. In the trials we face and fear, we often miss him, but he is there.

Matthew 14:22-27

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Matthew's John 15 Experiencehttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2007/11/11/matthews-john-15-experience.htmlAdmin2007-11-11T18:00:00ZMatthewWithout Jesus, we can do nothing.

Matthew 14:13-21

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The Principles That Guide Ushttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2007/11/4/the-principles-that-guide-us.htmlAdmin2007-11-04T17:00:00ZMatthewWe need the Word of God to make the issues of life clear. And when we suffer, we need to go to Jesus, for that's why he came.

Matthew 14:1-12

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Of Old Wives' Tales and Godlinesshttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2007/10/28/of-old-wives-tales-and-godliness.htmlAdmin2007-10-28T17:00:00Z1 TimothyThe Reformation taught us that witchcraft is wrong for the same reason any false religion is wrong.

1 Timothy 4:7

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>A True Securityhttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2007/10/14/a-true-security.htmlAdmin2007-10-14T17:00:00ZMatthewJesus came to call us to the truth, not to prove it to us.

Matthew 13:53-58

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The Worth of the Kingdomhttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2007/10/7/the-worth-of-the-kingdom.htmlAdmin2007-10-07T17:00:00ZMatthewThe Kingdom of God - the call of the gospel to the nations.

Matthew 13:44-52

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Thy Kingdom Summedhttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2007/9/30/thy-kingdom-summed.htmlAdmin2007-09-30T17:00:00ZMatthewThough the wrong seem, O, so strong, God is the ruler yet.

Matthew 13:31-33

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The Train of Logic, The Track of Scripturehttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2007/9/23/the-train-of-logic-the-track-of-scripture.htmlAdmin2007-09-23T17:00:00ZMatthewJesus relates the parable of the tares and the wheat, an often misunderstood parable.

Matthew 13:24-30

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>What Kind of Dirt?http://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2007/9/16/what-kind-of-dirt.htmlAdmin2007-09-16T18:29:00ZMatthewJesus explains the parable of the sower to his followers. Who we are is related to how we hear.

Matthew 13:18-23

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The Purpose of Parableshttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2007/9/9/the-purpose-of-parables.htmlAdmin2007-09-09T17:00:00ZMatthewSome say parables illustrate a point, while others say they conceal. So which is it?

Matthew 13:1-17

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Semeioticshttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2007/9/2/semeiotics.htmlAdmin2007-09-02T18:38:00ZMatthewRepentance and faith come through the WORD, but the Word must be received and mingled with FAITH (trust).

Matthew 12:38-50

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The Fruit of Lipshttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2007/8/26/the-fruit-of-lips.htmlAdmin2007-08-26T17:00:00ZMatthewWe cannot long hide what our hearts our made of - our tongues betray us.

Matthew 12:33-37

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Who Do Men Say That I Am?http://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2007/8/19/who-do-men-say-that-i-am.htmlAdmin2007-08-19T17:00:00ZMatthewOur hearts need to be changed by God for us to receive Christ for who he is - otherwise, our sin tries to explain him away.

Matthew 12:15-32

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>A Divided Humanityhttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2007/8/12/a-divided-humanity.htmlAdmin2007-08-12T17:00:00ZMatthewThough humanity may be divided in many ways, they are here divided along these lines: The humble and contrite who feel their sin and see in Jesus their savior; the arrogant and self-righteous who see in Jesus a threat to living life and approaching God on their own terms.

Matthew 12:9-21

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The Lord of the Sabbathhttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2007/8/5/the-lord-of-the-sabbath.htmlAdmin2007-08-05T17:00:00ZMatthewThe Sabbath is sacramental for all of humanity, pointing to the rest in Jesus. Until the Lord returns, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God.

Matthew 12:1-14

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Justice for Allhttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2007/7/29/justice-for-all.htmlAdmin2007-07-29T17:00:00ZGenesisCapital Punishment. Although it has been turned into a political issue in our day, capital punishment is primarily a moral issue, addressed by the scriptures.

Genesis 9:6

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The Mysterious Realityhttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2007/7/22/the-mysterious-reality.htmlAdmin2007-07-22T17:00:00ZMatthewThere is no contradition between divine soverignty and human responsibility. If people reject Christ, it is because they choose to reject him. If people receive him, it is not due to coersion. For ideas for supporting elements, read WCF chapter 3. We want to avoid the caricature of the enemies of 'Calvinism' that present the doctrines of grace in such a way as to make man an automaton.

Matthew 11:20-30

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Making Your Calling and Election Surehttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2007/7/8/making-your-calling-and-election-sure.htmlAdmin2007-07-08T17:00:00ZMatthewThose who are chosen and called by God are sure to Him, but if we are among them is not always certain to us. Does being temporarily confused in your faith mean you are not among the elect?

Matthew 11:1-19

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The Holy Nationhttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2007/7/1/the-holy-nation.htmlAdmin2007-07-01T17:00:00ZPsalms4th of July - God blessed our nation, NOT because it was the Holy Nation spoken of in Scripture, but because it was built by those who were a part of that Holy Nation. A call to the Church to return to her calling, to be the vector of blessing for the nation.

Psalm 33:18-22

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>A Perception Correctionhttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2007/6/24/a-perception-correction.htmlAdmin2007-06-24T17:00:00ZMatthewRegarding the work of God in the world, and the advance of the gospel, often we see not because we look not.

Matthew 11:1-6

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>One Holy, Catholic, Apostolic Pt 3http://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2007/6/17/one-holy-catholic-apostolic-pt-3.htmlAdmin2007-06-17T17:00:00ZMatthewThe Unity of the Church is not vague; it rests on holiness (separateness) in distinction from the world, just as catholicity (broad universality) rests upon the foundation of fidelity to the apostolic teaching.

Matthew 10:32-42

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>One Holy, Catholic, Apostolic Pt 2http://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2007/6/10/one-holy-catholic-apostolic-pt-2.htmlAdmin2007-06-10T17:00:00ZMatthewThe church is not this people group or that local assembly, but the whole of the Church, all peoples built upon the apostolic foundation.

Matthew 10:11-28

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>One Holy, Catholic, Apostolic Pt 1http://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2007/6/3/one-holy-catholic-apostolic-pt-1.htmlAdmin2007-06-03T17:00:00ZMatthewThe Apostles are a unique and special cadre within redemptive history, but we are given the same task and commission to build upon their foundation.

Matthew 10:1-10

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>An Answer to Prayerhttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2007/5/27/an-answer-to-prayer.htmlAdmin2007-05-27T17:00:00ZMatthewWe should pray and ask God for the spread of the gospel and increase of his glory. Without the Holy Spirit, all of our giving and work will be ultimately futile. But having done that, we should ask ourselves how we ourselves might be used of God to answer our own prayers.

Matthew 9:35 - 10:4

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Certainty in an Uncertain Worldhttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2007/5/13/certainty-in-an-uncertain-world.htmlAdmin2007-05-13T17:00:00ZMatthewDon't be discouraged - Trust in God, persist and overcome.

Matthew 9:32-35

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>According to Gracehttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2007/5/6/according-to-grace.htmlAdmin2007-05-06T17:00:00ZMatthewIn this time between the times, grace and amnest are extended. Imprecation is suspended. We are rewarded, not according to our merits, but according to Jesus' grace.

Matthew 9:27-31

Rev. George C. Hammond

 

]]>What's Newhttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2007/4/22/whats-new.htmlAdmin2007-04-22T17:00:00ZMatthewThe freshness of the gospel - Jesus makes all things new.

Matthew 9:14-17

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Are You Serious?http://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2007/4/15/are-you-serious.htmlAdmin2007-04-15T17:00:00ZMatthewBeing salt and light means we must form friendships with 'sinners,' and not keep ourselves cloistered in the church.

Matthew 9:9-13

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Resurrection of Jesushttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2007/4/8/resurrection-of-jesus.htmlAdmin2007-04-08T17:00:00ZJohnWhy is the resurrection of Jesus unique? Why does the church celebrate his resurrection alone? There were other resurrections, but none like that of Jesus.

John 20:1-9, 24-31

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Crosses and Crownshttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2007/2/4/crosses-and-crowns.htmlAdmin2007-02-04T18:00:00ZMatthewMatthew 8:14-23

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Kingdom Code of Conduct, Part 11http://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2007/1/28/kingdom-code-of-conduct-part-11.htmlAdmin2007-01-28T18:00:00ZMatthewLiving Non-Negotiably in the 'Culture of Choice'.

Matthew 7:13-29

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Kingdom Code of Conduct, Part 10http://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2007/1/21/kingdom-code-of-conduct-part-10.htmlAdmin2007-01-21T18:00:00ZMatthewExplode the Code

Matthew 7:7-12

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Kingdom Code of Conduct, Part 9http://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2007/1/14/kingdom-code-of-conduct-part-9.htmlAdmin2007-01-14T18:00:00ZMatthewJudging Others - the Bad (7:1-2), the Good (7:3-5), and the Ugly (7:6).

Matthew 7:1-6

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>No Worries?http://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2007/1/7/no-worries.htmlAdmin2007-01-07T18:00:00ZMatthewBe anxious for nothing.

Matthew 6:25-34

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Longing for the Newhttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2006/12/31/longing-for-the-new.htmlAdmin2006-12-31T18:00:00ZRevelationA twisted idol; a good and just desire fulfilled; already/not yet.

Rev. 21:3-7

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>A Warfare Accomplishedhttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2006/12/24/a-warfare-accomplished.htmlAdmin2006-12-24T18:00:00ZLukeThe Appearance, The Announcement, The Amnesty.

Luke 2:1-20

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Kingdom Code of Conduct, Part 8http://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2006/12/17/kingdom-code-of-conduct-part-8.htmlAdmin2006-12-17T18:00:00ZMatthewTwo Ages, Two Visions, Two Masters.

Matthew 6:19-21

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Kingdom Code of Conduct, Part 7http://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2006/12/10/kingdom-code-of-conduct-part-7.htmlAdmin2006-12-10T18:00:00ZMatthewOur mercy, our mediation, and our self-denial and mastery.

Matthew 6:1-18

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Kingdom Code of Conduct, Part 6http://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2006/12/3/kingdom-code-of-conduct-part-6.htmlAdmin2006-12-03T18:00:00ZMatthewO Perfect love: Vengeance and vindication, perfect love, the Father's nature, and the Father's grace.

Matthew 5:38-48

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>A Greatful Hearthttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2006/11/26/a-greatful-heart.htmlAdmin2006-11-26T18:00:00Z1 ThessaloniansThanksgiving

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Kingdom Code of Conduct, Part 5http://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2006/11/19/kingdom-code-of-conduct-part-5.htmlAdmin2006-11-19T18:00:00ZMatthewMatthew 5:27-37

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Kingdom Code of Conduct, Part 4http://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2006/11/12/kingdom-code-of-conduct-part-4.htmlAdmin2006-11-12T18:00:00ZMatthewBread and Words

Matthew 5:27-37

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Kingdom Code of Conduct, Part 3http://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2006/11/5/kingdom-code-of-conduct-part-3.htmlAdmin2006-11-05T18:00:00ZMatthewMatthew 5:17-20

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The Standing or Falling Article of the Churchhttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2006/10/29/the-standing-or-falling-article-of-the-church.htmlAdmin2006-10-29T17:00:00ZGalatiansReformation Day: Justified by grace through faith ALONE!

Galatians 1:3-9

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Kingdom Code of Conduct, Part 2http://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2006/10/22/kingdom-code-of-conduct-part-2.htmlAdmin2006-10-22T17:00:00ZMatthewTalking and Walking: true teaching is powerless without good deeds; good deeds are meaningless without true teaching.

Matthew 5:13-16

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Kingdom Code of Conduct, Part 1http://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2006/10/15/kingdom-code-of-conduct-part-1.htmlAdmin2006-10-15T17:00:00ZMatthewJesus brought the Kingdom with him, and it is still with us today, although we don't always perceive it. The code of conduct for the kingdom is a present reality that Christians must practice now.

Matthew 5:1-12

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Life in the Kingdom Comehttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2006/10/8/life-in-the-kingdom-come.htmlAdmin2006-10-08T17:00:00ZMatthewChrist's first coming brought us the blessings of the kingdom, but not yet fully. We have hope in this life, and a certain hope in the life to come.

Matthew 4:18-25

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The Kingdom Comehttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2006/10/1/the-kingdom-come.htmlAdmin2006-10-01T17:00:00ZMatthewThe King has come. In Jesus, the kingdom has come though incognito.

Matthew 4:12-17

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The Innocent Adamhttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2006/9/17/the-innocent-adam.htmlAdmin2006-09-17T17:00:00ZMatthewJesus was tempted in all ways as we, yet without sin.

Matthew 4:1-11

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Numbered with the Transgressorshttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2006/9/10/numbered-with-the-transgressors.htmlAdmin2006-09-10T17:00:00ZMatthewThroughout his whole life Christ was numbered with the transgressors, so that he could bring us God.

Matthew 3:13-17

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Hippies and Hypocriteshttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2006/9/3/hippies-and-hypocrites.htmlAdmin2006-09-03T17:00:00ZMatthewGod opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble.

Matthew 3:1-12

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>From Whence Comes My Helphttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2006/8/27/from-whence-comes-my-help.htmlAdmin2006-08-27T17:00:00ZMatthewWhat is great in the sight of the world is often what is specifically passed by God.

Matthew 2:13-23

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Come Thou Unexpected Jesushttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2006/8/20/come-thou-unexpected-jesus.htmlAdmin2006-08-20T17:00:00ZMatthewGod does not do what we expect. There are no formulas that we can apply to him. He is the Creator, and no matter how big a box we create, we cannot fit the Creator into it.

Matthew 2:1-11

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The Parthenogenesishttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2006/4/30/the-parthenogenesis.htmlAdmin2006-04-30T17:00:00ZMatthewThat Christ was born of a virgin is a part of ancient Church doctrine. It is embodied in the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds. But in the late nineteenth century this doctrine was attacked. It has been pointed out that the New Testament does not develop this doctrine. Matthew and Luke mention the event, but none of the New Testament writers draw any conclusions from it. Is the doctrine of Christ's virgin birth important or necessary? Pastor Hammond argues that it is.

Matthew 1:18-25

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The Kingdom Comehttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2006/4/23/the-kingdom-come.htmlAdmin2006-04-23T17:00:00ZMatthewWe begin considering the Gospel of Matthew. Why is Matthew's account of Jesus' royal lineage different from others? Matthew's account takes us all the way back to the promises of Genesis, where God promises Abraham a kingly lineage.

Matthew 1:1-17

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Firstfruits of the Renewal of All Thingshttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2006/4/16/firstfruits-of-the-renewal-of-all-things.htmlAdmin2006-04-16T17:00:00ZRomansThe Lord is risen! But the meaning of that great turning point in time and space has been diminished and depricated. It was depricated by the early gnostics. It was buried in the churches flirtation with Platonism. And it was nearly forgotten in the wake of theological liberalism. But the Word of God is clear. There will be a new heaven and a new earth. The meek will inherit the earth. Jesus came on a mission of redemption, not on a salvaging mission. All of creation is the object of his redemption. The new heavens and the new earth have begun in the resurrection of Jesus. We simply await the completion.

Romans 8:11-25

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Into Winehttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2006/4/9/into-wine.htmlAdmin2006-04-09T17:00:00ZJohnThe miracle at the wedding of Cana in Galilee, the first that our Lord accomplished as he started his earthly ministry, is an apt one. The prophets had presented man's separation from God frequently in terms of diluting or drying up of wine. Conversely, the prophets present the day of salvation as a day when the earth would flow with wine, where our Savior will prepare a banquet of the finest aged wines. How appropriate then that Jesus would institute the Lord's table, the precursor of the great wedding feast of The Lamb, where he lifts up a cup of wine.

John 2:1-11

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Why Are They Glad?http://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2006/4/9/why-are-they-glad.htmlAdmin2006-04-09T17:00:00ZLukeMany people say they are glad that Jesus came. The question, though, is 'Why are they glad?' Some people are glad because they think Jesus came to back their political party, or give them health, wealth, and prosperity in this life. The people who thought this way when Jesus entered Jerusalem cheered him. Days later, these same people were shouting 'Crucify him!' The reason? His crime? He didn't do what they wanted. Are you glad Jesus came? Why?

Luke 19:28-44

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The Blessed Peacemakerhttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2006/4/2/the-blessed-peacemaker.htmlAdmin2006-04-02T19:00:00ZJude'An elder must not be pugnacious, but gentle and uncontentious' (1 Timothy 3:3). Some have taken this to mean that a pastor can only say positive things. He may never criticize any person or movement, no matter how damaging to the faith of God's people. Those who think this haven't read the whole of their Bible. Jude was gentle and uncontentious. He would have liked nothing better than to write to the Church about our common salvation. But he also knew that God appointed him watchman on the wall (Ezekiel 33), and if he saw danger coming and didn't warn the people, God would hold him accountable for the spiritual harm that would come to them.

Jude

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Worship, Part 3http://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2006/3/19/worship-part-3.htmlAdmin2006-03-19T18:00:00ZHebrewsAttributes, Elements, and Order of Worship.

Hebrews 12:28-29

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Worship, Part 2http://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2006/3/12/worship-part-2.htmlAdmin2006-03-12T18:00:00ZPsalmsWorship: What Is It?

Psalm 95

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Worship, Part 1http://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2006/3/5/worship-part-1.htmlAdmin2006-03-05T18:00:00ZMatthewWorship: Setting the Context. 'Worship is man's response to the greatness of God.' This is a common modern definition of worship. While there is truth in the statement, it is often taken to mean that there is no proper response to God's greatness - anything we do, as long as it is done with sincerity, is appropriate worship. The Westminster Confession of Faith says, however, 'the acceptable way of worshipping the true God is instituted by Himself, as so limited by His own revealed will, that He may not be worshipped according to the imaginations and devices of men, or any other way not prescribed in the Holy Scripture.' What should we make of modern worship? Does the Bible have anything to say on this important topic?

Matthew 16:13-25

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Not Me Alonehttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2006/2/26/not-me-alone.htmlAdmin2006-02-26T18:00:00ZJoshua JudgesIt has become common in the last century for preachers to ask people to raise their hands, sign a card, come forward and "accept Jesus into their hearts". People are told that they can have a "personal relationship" with Jesus this way. Is this notion really biblical? Pastor Hammond exposits from God's Word what it really means to follow Christ, and warns us that our relationship with him must never be, and can never actually be "personal".

Joshua 24:13-33; Judges 2:6-15

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Unity of the Spirithttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2006/2/19/unity-of-the-spirit.htmlAdmin2006-02-19T18:00:00ZJoshuaDisunity in the Church can come at the most unexpected times. It ought not to be, especially now that Christ has come and the dividing wall of hostility has been broken down. The Jordan River divided the people of God. A different River today unites them.

Joshua 22

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The Blessed Cursehttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2006/1/29/the-blessed-curse.htmlAdmin2006-01-29T18:00:00ZJoshua"God works all things together for good for those who love the Lord, for those who are the called according to his purposes." But you doubt it, don't you? Maybe you suffer in the providence of God. Maybe you suffer because of the sins of others. And maybe your own sins have brought suffering upon you. Still yet, if you will draw near to God, he will draw near to you. Wait upon the Lord, and he will turn your tears into laughter, and your mourning into dancing.

Joshua 21:1-8

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Cities of Refugehttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2006/1/22/cities-of-refuge.htmlAdmin2006-01-22T18:00:00ZJoshua"Vengeance is mine, I will repay", says the Lord. But God often exacts his vengeancee through human vehicles (Romans 12:19-13:4). But the human vehicles can sometimes be wrong. So God established cities to harbor those in need - not the criminal, but the innocent. Wouldn't it be nice if there were cities of refuge today, where we could escape the attacks of the world, the flesh, and the devil? There are. It's called the Church of Jesus Christ.

Joshua 20:1-9

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Working or Weary?http://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2006/1/15/working-or-weary.htmlAdmin2006-01-15T18:00:00ZJoshua"Been there, done that." It was an exciting thought at one time - to be a child of God, and servant of the Savior at one time. But the thrill is gone. What are we to do? Christian, how are you entering this new year, working or weary?

Joshua 18:1-10; 19:49-51

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>What Is A Reformed Church?http://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2005/10/30/what-is-a-reformed-church.htmlAdmin2005-10-30T17:00:00ZMatthewWhat is at the essence of a Reformed Church? For centuries, any church in the West not beholden to Rome might have been considered Reformed. This is no longer the case. Many churches in America have forgotten the price paid by their spiritual fathers to free them from papal tyranny, and have willingly placed themselves under the tyrrany of the latest fads. They have sold their birthright for a mess of pottage. The Reformers identified three distinguishing marks of any true church from the text of Scripture. Is your church Reformed after the Word of God?

Matthew 16:13-18

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Elementary Principles: Instructions on Baptismshttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2005/4/3/elementary-principles-instructions-on-baptisms.htmlAdmin2005-04-03T18:00:00ZActsOur Baptist friends point to John's baptism as the pattern for Christian baptism. Are they correct, or do they make the same mistake as Apollos, who needed to be instructed in the way of the Lord more adequately?

Acts 18:18 - 19:7

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The First General Assemblyhttp://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2004/11/7/the-first-general-assembly.htmlAdmin2004-11-07T18:00:00ZActsShould the church be a traditionalist institution or a progressive institution? The passage before us today tells us of what is, in essence, the first general assembly of the church. By examining it, we learn how the gospel relates to the law of Moses, the church, and how to settle conflicts of doctrine and practice that arise. In this early account of the church, we see some acting as traditionalists and some acting as progressives. It might surprise you to see who is on which side.

Acts 15:1-35

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Why Sound Doctrine?http://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2004/6/20/why-sound-doctrine.htmlAdmin2004-06-20T17:00:00ZHebrewsIf there are true believers from different denominations, then why does sound doctrine matter? Because of existentialism and moral relativism, modern man is deeply suspicious of claims of truth. He wonders if there really is such a thing. Even in today's post-modern world, the scriptures tell us that there is such a thing as truth, and that we may know it.

Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:1-3

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>What Is Church?http://www.bethelpres.com/archives/2004/6/13/what-is-church.htmlAdmin2004-06-13T17:00:00Z1 PeterWhat is church? The word is much used in scripture. In this passage, we read that God's people are "like living stones, being built into a spiritual house." And while the church might seem small and insignificant in the eyes of the world, it is infinitely large and central in the eyes of heaven. There is one government under the headship of Christ, and a unity of believers. In a day when individual believers feel small and alone, knowing the size and scope of God's church can be a great comfort.

1 Peter 2:1-5

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>