Bethel Presbyterian, Leesburg VA, Archived Sermons

One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism

Admin — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 19:00:00 +0000

Ephesians 4:1-6; Acts 18:24-19:5; Colossians 2:11-12; Genesis 17:9-14.

Rev. George C. Hammond

Of Sheep And Small Change

Admin — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 19:00:00 +0000

Is 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 Words

Admin — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 19:00:00 +0000

The 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 Amos

Admin — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 19:00:00 +0000

The conclusion of the book of Amos is a message of hope.

Amos 9:11-15

Rev. George C. Hammond

Not All Israel Are Israel

Admin — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 22:00:00 +0000

God'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?

Admin — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 20:00:00 +0000

Where 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 Land

Admin — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 22:00:00 +0000

If 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?

Admin — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 19:00:00 +0000

Only 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?

Admin — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 19:00:00 +0000

God'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 Comfort

Admin — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 19:00:00 +0000

God's faithfulness; blessing through judgment; effectual prayer.

Amos 7:1-9

Rev. George C. Hammond

What Does God Want From Us?

Admin — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 18:53:11 +0000

No nation lasts whos trust is misplaced.

Amos 6

Rev. George C. Hammond

Maranatha?

Admin — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 16:35:23 +0000

When 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?

Admin — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 15:00:00 +0000

At 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?

Admin — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 15:00:00 +0000

The 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 Closeness

Admin — Sun, 31 May 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Being 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 Judgment

Admin — Sun, 24 May 2009 15:00:00 +0000

God 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 Amos

Admin — Sun, 17 May 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Introduction to the series on Amos

Rev. George C. Hammond

A Creation Ordinance

Admin — Sun, 03 May 2009 17:00:00 +0000

Is 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 Commission

Admin — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 17:00:00 +0000

All 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 Explanation

Admin — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 17:00:00 +0000

"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 Makes

Admin — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 17:00:00 +0000

The 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 Pay

Admin — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 17:00:00 +0000

They 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 Good

Admin — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 17:00:00 +0000

What 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 Soup

Admin — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 17:00:00 +0000

Those 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 Sorrow

Admin — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 18:00:00 +0000

Godly 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 Flesh

Admin — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 18:00:00 +0000

Christ came to take our stony, stony hearts and make them hearts of flesh.

Matthew 26:57-68

Rev. George C. Hammond

The Gethsemane Cup

Admin — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 18:00:00 +0000

The 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 Savior

Admin — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 18:00:00 +0000

Paul 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 Remember

Admin — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 18:00:00 +0000

When 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 Will

Admin — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 18:00:00 +0000

God's sovereignty; our connection (for good or ill) to the crucifixion.

Matthew 26:1-16

Rev. George C. Hammond

Prepare for What?

Admin — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 21:38:00 +0000

In 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 Gifts

Admin — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 18:00:00 +0000

The 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?

Admin — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 18:00:00 +0000

Advent

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

Rev. George C. Hammond

The Rod of Jesse

Admin — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 18:00:00 +0000

Advent

Isaiah 10-12

Rev. George C. Hammond

The Desired Of All Nations

Admin — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 21:54:00 +0000

Preparation for the coming of Christ - the prophecies of his coming.

Isaiah 64:1-7

Rev. George C. Hammond

The Indescribable Gift

Admin — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 18:00:00 +0000

Giving 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 Diligence

Admin — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 18:00:00 +0000

Jesus 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 Then

Admin — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 18:00:00 +0000

The 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 3

Admin — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 18:00:00 +0000

The 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 Rome

Admin — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 17:00:00 +0000

The 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 Recovery

Admin — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 17:00:00 +0000

The gospel's message, confidence, and power.

Romans 3:21-28

Rev. George C. Hammond

Living in the Last Days - Part 2

Admin — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 17:00:00 +0000

Trusting Christ through difficulty; the final judgment.

Matthew 24:15-34

Rev. George C. Hammond

Living in the Last Days - Part 1

Admin — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 17:00:00 +0000

The 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 Being

Admin — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 17:00:00 +0000

Man'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 Lordship

Admin — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 17:00:00 +0000

Love 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 Resurrection

Admin — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 17:00:00 +0000

Matthew 22:23-33

Rev. George C. Hammond

Death and Taxes

Admin — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 17:00:00 +0000

Jesus 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 Invitation

Admin — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 17:00:00 +0000

Christ's Righteousness as our way to the Kingdom.

Matthew 22:1-14

Rev. George C. Hammond

Stuck on Me

Admin — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 17:00:00 +0000

We 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 Exclusive

Admin — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 17:00:00 +0000

The 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?

Admin — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 17:00:00 +0000

Jesus 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 Mantel

Admin — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 17:00:00 +0000

The 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 Nazareth

Admin — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 17:00:00 +0000

The 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 Society

Admin — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 17:00:00 +0000

Independence 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 Big

Admin — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 17:00:00 +0000

Jesus 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?

Admin — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 17:00:00 +0000

God's patience with us; our holy responsibility to learn.

Matthew 20:17-28

Rev. George C. Hammond

All Of Grace

Admin — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 17:00:00 +0000

We 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 Last

Admin — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 17:00:00 +0000

Self-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 Only

Admin — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 17:00:00 +0000

On marriage and commitment; marriage is a picture of Christ and his Church.

Matthew 19:1-12

Rev. George C. Hammond

Forgiveness and the Antilamechian Principle

Admin — Sun, 25 May 2008 17:00:00 +0000

If 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 Kingdom

Admin — Sun, 11 May 2008 17:00:00 +0000

Does 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 Not

Admin — Sun, 04 May 2008 17:00:00 +0000

One 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 Place

Admin — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 17:00:00 +0000

Soberly 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 Real

Admin — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 02:56:00 +0000

We 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 Issue

Admin — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 17:00:00 +0000

How completely Jesus identified himself with us.

Matthew 17:24-27

Rev. George C. Hammond

Three Gardens

Admin — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 17:00:00 +0000

Creation, fall, and redemption through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

John 19:4 - 20:18

Rev. George C. Hammond

Lasting or Withering?

Admin — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 17:00:00 +0000

Are 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

Oligopistis

Admin — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 18:00:00 +0000

Much 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 God

Admin — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 18:00:00 +0000

We 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 Followers

Admin — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 18:00:00 +0000

There 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 Sadducees

Admin — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 18:00:00 +0000

Our 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 Times

Admin — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 18:00:00 +0000

Jesus 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 Godliness

Admin — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:00:00 +0000

Election 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 Law

Admin — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 18:00:00 +0000

Sanctification 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 Annunciation

Admin — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 18:00:00 +0000

What it meant for God to become human, and dwell among us.

Luke 1:26-38

Rev. George C. Hammond

Better To Receive Than Give

Admin — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 18:00:00 +0000

The 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 Christmas

Admin — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 18:00:00 +0000

The 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 See

Admin — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 18:00:00 +0000

The 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 Sons

Admin — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 18:00:00 +0000

When 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 You

Admin — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 18:00:00 +0000

The 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 Experience

Admin — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:00:00 +0000

Without Jesus, we can do nothing.

Matthew 14:13-21

Rev. George C. Hammond

The Principles That Guide Us

Admin — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 17:00:00 +0000

We 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 Godliness

Admin — Sun, 28 Oct 2007 17:00:00 +0000

The 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 Security

Admin — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 17:00:00 +0000

Jesus 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 Kingdom

Admin — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 17:00:00 +0000

The Kingdom of God - the call of the gospel to the nations.

Matthew 13:44-52

Rev. George C. Hammond

Thy Kingdom Summed

Admin — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 17:00:00 +0000

Though 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 Scripture

Admin — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 17:00:00 +0000

Jesus 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?

Admin — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 18:29:00 +0000

Jesus 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 Parables

Admin — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 17:00:00 +0000

Some say parables illustrate a point, while others say they conceal. So which is it?

Matthew 13:1-17

Rev. George C. Hammond

Semeiotics

Admin — Sun, 02 Sep 2007 18:38:00 +0000

Repentance 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 Lips

Admin — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 17:00:00 +0000

We 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?

Admin — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 17:00:00 +0000

Our 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 Humanity

Admin — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 17:00:00 +0000

Though 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 Sabbath

Admin — Sun, 05 Aug 2007 17:00:00 +0000

The 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 All

Admin — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 17:00:00 +0000

Capital 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 Reality

Admin — Sun, 22 Jul 2007 17:00:00 +0000

There 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 Sure

Admin — Sun, 08 Jul 2007 17:00:00 +0000

Those 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 Nation

Admin — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 17:00:00 +0000

4th 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 Correction

Admin — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 17:00:00 +0000

Regarding 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 3

Admin — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 17:00:00 +0000

The 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 2

Admin — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 17:00:00 +0000

The 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 1

Admin — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 17:00:00 +0000

The 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 Prayer

Admin — Sun, 27 May 2007 17:00:00 +0000

We 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 World

Admin — Sun, 13 May 2007 17:00:00 +0000

Don't be discouraged - Trust in God, persist and overcome.

Matthew 9:32-35

Rev. George C. Hammond

According to Grace

Admin — Sun, 06 May 2007 17:00:00 +0000

In 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 New

Admin — Sun, 22 Apr 2007 17:00:00 +0000

The freshness of the gospel - Jesus makes all things new.

Matthew 9:14-17

Rev. George C. Hammond

Are You Serious?

Admin — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 17:00:00 +0000

Being 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 Jesus

Admin — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 17:00:00 +0000

Why 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 Crowns

Admin — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 18:00:00 +0000

Matthew 8:14-23

Rev. George C. Hammond

Kingdom Code of Conduct, Part 11

Admin — Sun, 28 Jan 2007 18:00:00 +0000

Living Non-Negotiably in the 'Culture of Choice'.

Matthew 7:13-29

Rev. George C. Hammond

Kingdom Code of Conduct, Part 10

Admin — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 18:00:00 +0000

Explode the Code

Matthew 7:7-12

Rev. George C. Hammond

Kingdom Code of Conduct, Part 9

Admin — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 18:00:00 +0000

Judging 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?

Admin — Sun, 07 Jan 2007 18:00:00 +0000

Be anxious for nothing.

Matthew 6:25-34

Rev. George C. Hammond

Longing for the New

Admin — Sun, 31 Dec 2006 18:00:00 +0000

A twisted idol; a good and just desire fulfilled; already/not yet.

Rev. 21:3-7

Rev. George C. Hammond

A Warfare Accomplished

Admin — Sun, 24 Dec 2006 18:00:00 +0000

The Appearance, The Announcement, The Amnesty.

Luke 2:1-20

Rev. George C. Hammond

Kingdom Code of Conduct, Part 8

Admin — Sun, 17 Dec 2006 18:00:00 +0000

Two Ages, Two Visions, Two Masters.

Matthew 6:19-21

Rev. George C. Hammond

Kingdom Code of Conduct, Part 7

Admin — Sun, 10 Dec 2006 18:00:00 +0000

Our mercy, our mediation, and our self-denial and mastery.

Matthew 6:1-18

Rev. George C. Hammond

Kingdom Code of Conduct, Part 6

Admin — Sun, 03 Dec 2006 18:00:00 +0000

O 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 Heart

Admin — Sun, 26 Nov 2006 18:00:00 +0000

Thanksgiving

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rev. George C. Hammond

Kingdom Code of Conduct, Part 5

Admin — Sun, 19 Nov 2006 18:00:00 +0000

Matthew 5:27-37

Rev. George C. Hammond

Kingdom Code of Conduct, Part 4

Admin — Sun, 12 Nov 2006 18:00:00 +0000

Bread and Words

Matthew 5:27-37

Rev. George C. Hammond

Kingdom Code of Conduct, Part 3

Admin — Sun, 05 Nov 2006 18:00:00 +0000

Matthew 5:17-20

Rev. George C. Hammond

The Standing or Falling Article of the Church

Admin — Sun, 29 Oct 2006 17:00:00 +0000

Reformation Day: Justified by grace through faith ALONE!

Galatians 1:3-9

Rev. George C. Hammond

Kingdom Code of Conduct, Part 2

Admin — Sun, 22 Oct 2006 17:00:00 +0000

Talking 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 1

Admin — Sun, 15 Oct 2006 17:00:00 +0000

Jesus 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 Come

Admin — Sun, 08 Oct 2006 17:00:00 +0000

Christ'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 Come

Admin — Sun, 01 Oct 2006 17:00:00 +0000

The King has come. In Jesus, the kingdom has come though incognito.

Matthew 4:12-17

Rev. George C. Hammond

The Innocent Adam

Admin — Sun, 17 Sep 2006 17:00:00 +0000

Jesus was tempted in all ways as we, yet without sin.

Matthew 4:1-11

Rev. George C. Hammond

Numbered with the Transgressors

Admin — Sun, 10 Sep 2006 17:00:00 +0000

Throughout 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 Hypocrites

Admin — Sun, 03 Sep 2006 17:00:00 +0000

God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble.

Matthew 3:1-12

Rev. George C. Hammond

From Whence Comes My Help

Admin — Sun, 27 Aug 2006 17:00:00 +0000

What 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 Jesus

Admin — Sun, 20 Aug 2006 17:00:00 +0000

God 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 Parthenogenesis

Admin — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 17:00:00 +0000

That 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 Come

Admin — Sun, 23 Apr 2006 17:00:00 +0000

We 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 Things

Admin — Sun, 16 Apr 2006 17:00:00 +0000

The 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 Wine

Admin — Sun, 09 Apr 2006 17:00:00 +0000

The 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?

Admin — Sun, 09 Apr 2006 17:00:00 +0000

Many 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 Peacemaker

Admin — Sun, 02 Apr 2006 19:00:00 +0000

'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 3

Admin — Sun, 19 Mar 2006 18:00:00 +0000

Attributes, Elements, and Order of Worship.

Hebrews 12:28-29

Rev. George C. Hammond

Worship, Part 2

Admin — Sun, 12 Mar 2006 18:00:00 +0000

Worship: What Is It?

Psalm 95

Rev. George C. Hammond

Worship, Part 1

Admin — Sun, 05 Mar 2006 18:00:00 +0000

Worship: 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 Alone

Admin — Sun, 26 Feb 2006 18:00:00 +0000

It 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 Spirit

Admin — Sun, 19 Feb 2006 18:00:00 +0000

Disunity 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 Curse

Admin — Sun, 29 Jan 2006 18:00:00 +0000

"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 Refuge

Admin — Sun, 22 Jan 2006 18:00:00 +0000

"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?

Admin — Sun, 15 Jan 2006 18:00:00 +0000

"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?

Admin — Sun, 30 Oct 2005 17:00:00 +0000

What 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 Baptisms

Admin — Sun, 03 Apr 2005 18:00:00 +0000

Our 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 Assembly

Admin — Sun, 07 Nov 2004 18:00:00 +0000

Should 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?

Admin — Sun, 20 Jun 2004 17:00:00 +0000

If 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?

Admin — Sun, 13 Jun 2004 17:00:00 +0000

What 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