Bethel Presbyterian, Leesburg VA, Sermonshttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/Sermons at Bethel Presbyterian Church (OPC), 19856 Evergreen Mills Road, Leesburg, VA 20175. Office Phone: 703-777-4221en-US2012-02-06T07:23:12ZSquarespace Site Server v5.11.81 (http://www.squarespace.com/)Faithful Service to the Masterhttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2012/1/29/faithful-service-to-the-master.htmlAdmin2012-01-29T23:05:52ZMatthewThe Gift, The Reckoning, The Result

Matthew 25:14-30

Mr. Mark Green

]]>The Word That Makes People Truehttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2012/1/22/the-word-that-makes-people-true.htmlAdmin2012-01-22T22:49:00ZJohnWe cannot determine truth, but we are determined by it.

John 8:12-31

Rev. Chip Hammond

]]>What Is Joined Together In God, Let No Man Separatehttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2012/1/15/what-is-joined-together-in-god-let-no-man-separate.htmlAdmin2012-01-15T22:45:18ZJohnTruth and Love are not identical, but they are inseparable. Because God is both truth and love, there is no real love that does not exalt truth, and there is no truth if it is not coupled with love.

John 7:45-52

Rev. Chip Hammond


]]>The More Things Changehttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2012/1/8/the-more-things-change.htmlAdmin2012-01-08T22:37:00ZJohnJesus said, "I've not come to bring peace, but a sword." Jesus divides people. He also unites them. But before they are united they must be divided from their sin and ignorance.

John 7:40-44

Rev. Chip Hammond

]]>He Became That We May Becomehttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2011/12/25/he-became-that-we-may-become.htmlAdmin2011-12-25T20:46:00ZJohnThe unchanging God changed; he became something that he was not, in order that we who could not change could be something we were by fallen nature not - the children of God.

John 1:9-14

Rev. Chip Hammond

]]>With Such Peace, Who Needs Strife?http://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2011/12/18/with-such-peace-who-needs-strife.htmlAdmin2011-12-18T18:31:00ZLukePrince of Peace? Jesus himself said that he came to earth, not to bring peace, but to bring a sword. There will be peace, but that peace will come through and despite the strife that accompanies it.

Luke 1:26-38

Rev. Chip Hammond

]]>Where Are You Pointing?http://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2011/12/11/where-are-you-pointing.htmlAdmin2011-12-11T17:20:00ZJohnAdvent is the reason to remember the anticipation of the coming of the Messiah in preparation for the anticipation of his return. In this Advent season, what are you oriented toward? Where are you pointing? And as important, by the way you are living, where are you pointing other people?

John 1:6-9

Rev. Chip Hammond

]]>It Won't Be Long Nowhttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2011/12/4/it-wont-be-long-now.htmlAdmin2011-12-04T18:12:00Z2 PeterThe promise that a Redeemer would come was made long ago, time out of mind. It seemed like that time would never arrive, and then, all of a sudden, He was here. Upon his return to His Father he did not leave us as orphans; he sent us his Holy Spirit. But he said he would return. It's been so long, it seems like that time will never arrive. But then, one day, it will be here, and we who are his will be looking back on that date and celebrating his parousia even as we now look back and celebrate his advent.

2 Peter 3:1-13

Rev. Chip Hammond

]]>Don't Be Generous, Be Thankfulhttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2011/11/27/dont-be-generous-be-thankful.htmlAdmin2011-11-27T21:17:18Z1 Chronicles ThanksgivingWe are only ever really truly thankful for what we have not earned and believe we do not deserve. No one is truly thankful for getting what they believe they have coming to them. Strange as it may sound at first, thankfulness and generosity cannot coexist. When we are "generous" we see ourselves giving sacrificially from our store. But when we are really thankful, we recognize that we give only what we don't actually own, and no one could really count himself generous who gives the wealth of another.

1 Chronicles 29:10-18

Rev. Chip Hammond

]]>How Can We Know a Christ Who Isn't Here?http://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2011/11/20/how-can-we-know-a-christ-who-isnt-here.htmlAdmin2011-11-20T21:33:00ZJohnChrist has ascended into heaven and is at the right hand of the Father. But the Holy Spirit has been given to us to be with us forever, and through him we are able to come to a Christ who is there, not here.

John 7:32-39

Rev. Chip Hammond

]]>Knowing What or Knowing Who?http://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2011/11/13/knowing-what-or-knowing-who.htmlAdmin2011-11-13T18:00:00ZJohnIn Christ, the transcendent God is made imminent to us; In him, the God we could not really know becomes intimately knowable.

John 7:25-31

Rev. Chip Hammond

]]>What He Knowshttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2011/11/6/what-he-knows.htmlAdmin2011-11-06T18:23:00ZJohnJesus came that we might have true knowledge of God and true knowledge of ourselves.

John 7:14-24

Rev. Chip Hammond

]]>Semper Reformandahttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2011/10/30/semper-reformanda.htmlAdmin2011-10-30T18:17:00ZMark ReformationThe things that God esteems are not the same as the things man esteems. The Reformation repudiated the ostentation and false piety of Rome, and refocused the church on the things near to God's heart. The movement continues by watching that we remain faithful to focus on what God esteems.

Mark 12:38 - 13:2

Rev. Chip Hammond

]]>Supporter or True Disciple?http://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2011/10/23/supporter-or-true-disciple.htmlAdmin2011-10-23T20:49:07ZJohnReceiving Jesus means more than just being his fans.

John 7:1-13

Rev. Chip Hammond

]]>Taste and Seehttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2011/10/9/taste-and-see.htmlAdmin2011-10-09T17:18:00ZJohnTo partake of Jesus, we must partake of him wholly.

John 6:35-59

Rev. Chip Hammond

]]>What Are You Looking For?http://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2011/10/2/what-are-you-looking-for.htmlAdmin2011-10-02T18:00:00ZJohnChrist is the end of what we seek - he's not the means to the end.

John 6:26-40

Rev. Chip Hammond

]]>In Search of the Mythical Jesus?http://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2011/9/25/in-search-of-the-mythical-jesus.htmlAdmin2011-09-25T18:28:00ZJohnIf Jesus is God in the flesh, the gospel has a certain set of implications with regard to who we are, what we need and what standing we have before God. The real Jesus of history shatters or self-sufficient, our self-worth, our self-esteem, and so it is far easier to seek after a mythical Jesus of our own making.  Which Jesus do you seek? The real Jesus of history, or a mythical Jesus with whom you can be comfortable?

John 6:16-27

Rev. Chip Hammond

]]>Consider the Sourcehttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2011/9/18/consider-the-source.htmlAdmin2011-09-18T20:26:00ZJohnSeeking to serve God from your own strength will lead to depletion, bitterness, disappointment and failure. Serving God in the strength he provides will lead to abundance for you and those you serve in Jesus' name.

John 6:1-15

Rev. Chip Hammond

]]>Man's Wisdom, God's Powerhttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2011/9/11/mans-wisdom-gods-power.htmlAdmin2011-09-11T19:23:00Z9-11On the anniversary of the 9-11 attacks, we do well to remember that politicians may bring truce, but not real peace, and that peaceful practitioners of false religions should never be a source of encouragement for God's people.

1 Corinthinas 2:1-9

Rev. Chip Hammond

]]>What Testimony Will You Accept?http://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2011/9/4/what-testimony-will-you-accept.htmlAdmin2011-09-04T20:26:00ZJohnIf the only testimony you will receive is the testimony that you yourself determine, you can never believe.

John 5:31-45

Rev. Chip Hammond

]]>The Motivation Mattershttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2011/8/28/the-motivation-matters.htmlAdmin2011-08-28T21:08:16ZJohn"Faith" that springs from fear makes us timid and blinds us to the work of God.

John 5:16-30

Rev. George C. Hammond

 

]]>The Fixer of Blessinghttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2011/8/14/the-fixer-of-blessing.htmlAdmin2011-08-15T02:15:00ZJohnMany people benefit from Christ's blessings for a time. Only faith benefits from Christ's blessings for eternity.

John 5:1-15

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>There's Faith and then there's faithhttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2011/8/14/theres-faith-and-then-theres-faith.htmlAdmin2011-08-14T20:11:38ZJohnIt's not a question of whether Jesus produces enough evidence to justify your faith in him; it's whether your faith is the kind through which God justifies you.

John 4:43-54

Rev. George C. Hammond

 

]]>Growing in the Truthhttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2011/8/7/growing-in-the-truth.htmlAdmin2011-08-07T21:02:49ZJohnWe can't rightly claim to know the Truth unless we're growing in the Truth.

John 4:27-42

Rev. George C. Hammond

 

]]>Knowing the Truthhttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2011/7/31/knowing-the-truth.htmlAdmin2011-07-31T20:49:04ZThe Truth is not a proposition that requires intellectual assent. The Truth is a Person that we need to trust.

John 4:27-42

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Lord, How Have You Loved Us?http://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2011/7/24/lord-how-have-you-loved-us.htmlAdmin2011-07-24T20:58:00ZMalachi 1:1-5

Mark Green

]]>Father of All Thingshttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2011/7/17/father-of-all-things.htmlAdmin2011-07-17T20:53:00ZColossiansColossians 1:9-14

Rev. James Stastny, Ketoctin Covenant Presbyterian Church (OPC), Purcellville, VA

]]>Putting the Nation in Its Rightful Placehttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2011/7/3/putting-the-nation-in-its-rightful-place.htmlAdmin2011-07-03T23:15:00ZWhen Christians put government in the place of God they forfeit heaven on earth, and heaven in heaven.

Romans 13:1-6

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>To Whom He Makes Himself Knownhttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2011/6/26/to-whom-he-makes-himself-known.htmlAdmin2011-06-26T23:13:00ZJesus makes himself known to those who know their need of a Savior

John 4:1-26

Rev. George C. Hammond

 

]]>A Success?http://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2011/6/19/a-success.htmlAdmin2011-06-19T23:49:50ZJohn handles his success by rejoicing in Jesus' popularity, remembering his own purpose, and saying the same thing about Jesus as he says about himself.

John 3:22-36

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The Thread of Faithhttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2011/6/12/the-thread-of-faith.htmlAdmin2011-06-12T20:00:00ZOn Baptism and the continuation of faith from generation to generation. 

Psalm 145

Rev. George C. Hammond

 

]]>Night of the Living Deadhttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2011/6/5/night-of-the-living-dead.htmlAdmin2011-06-05T20:53:05ZWhat we need is not resolve or reform; we need regeneration, that is, to be brought from death to life.

John 3:1-21

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>I'll See It When I Believe Ithttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2011/5/29/ill-see-it-when-i-believe-it.htmlAdmin2011-05-29T19:12:00ZThere is a difference between belief based on beholding, and beholding based on belief.

John 2:12-25

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Signshttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2011/5/22/signs.htmlAdmin2011-05-22T18:45:00ZWhen Jesus performed miracles, it wasn't to entertain us. If you see the miracle but miss the sign, you've missed the point.

John 2:1-11

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Why A Man Of Sorrowshttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2011/5/15/why-a-man-of-sorrows.htmlAdmin2011-05-15T18:00:00ZOur thoughts about Jesus as often too small. He does for us beyond what we could ask for imagine because He is beyond what we could ask or imagine.

John 1:35-51

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>A True Witness To a True Saviorhttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2011/5/8/a-true-witness-to-a-true-savior.htmlAdmin2011-05-08T19:00:00ZBy time John wrote his Gospel, many false prophets and pseudo-Christs were in the world. The Apostle John not only points us to the true Christ, but through John the Baptist enables us to see who the true witnesses of the Christ are.

John 1:19-34

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Starting At The Beginninghttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2011/5/1/starting-at-the-beginning.htmlAdmin2011-05-01T18:00:00ZWhile the Gospel of Mark starts with the public ministry of John the Baptist and Jesus, and Matthew and Luke start with the annunciation and nativity of Jesus, John starts at the beginning - at the very beginning.

John 1:1-18

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>He Is Risenhttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2011/4/24/he-is-risen.htmlAdmin2011-04-24T18:00:00ZChristians worship on the first day of the week because Jesus rose on the first day of the week. But why did he rise on the first day? Was it coincidence? The answer lies in what Jesus came to do.

Luke 24:1-12

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Why A Man Of Sorrowshttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2011/4/17/why-a-man-of-sorrows.htmlAdmin2011-04-17T19:00:00ZIt's called "the Triumphal Entry," but Jesus is subdued. He is anything but triumphalistic. His somberness arose from what he knew that the others could not. He would be completely alone. The sheep would scatter. But he had a goal to fulfill, and he would not be dissuaded. The triumph would come later.

John 12:1-28

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>When In Doubthttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2011/4/10/when-in-doubt.htmlAdmin2011-04-10T19:00:00ZThe importance of the church in maintaining a right perspective. When Asaph had doubts, he recounts not HOW they were resolved, but WHERE they were, viz. in the formal worship of God.

Psalm 73

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Bright Hope for Tomorrowhttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2011/4/3/bright-hope-for-tomorrow.htmlAdmin2011-04-03T21:15:00ZWhen all else that we put our hope in fails, God will not.

Hosea 14:1-9

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>A Glimmer of Hopehttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2011/3/27/a-glimmer-of-hope.htmlAdmin2011-03-27T21:59:00ZGod hates our sins, but remembers his covenant.

Hosea 12, 13

Rev. George C. Hammond

 

]]>A Sure Path to Judgmenthttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2011/3/20/a-sure-path-to-judgment.htmlAdmin2011-03-20T20:01:10ZOur sins have been our downfall! When we 'think positively' as a means of rejecting God's Word; when we shift the blame for our own sin to others; when we forget our Creator in the days of our youth, and persist in these ways, we are like chaff that the wind blows away, and we will not stand in the judgment.

Hosea 9, 10

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Giving In, Giving Up, Given Overhttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2011/3/13/giving-in-giving-up-given-over.htmlAdmin2011-03-13T18:50:08ZThe promises of God are not made to a vacuum. They are made to faith. To give up and give in to sin is to be given over to it.

Hosea 8:1-14

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The Bride and Briberyhttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2011/2/27/the-bride-and-bribery.htmlAdmin2011-02-27T22:30:00ZRighteousness cannot be subverted by a bribe, but unrighteousness can be paid for.

Hosea 5

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>As You Received Him, So Walk in Himhttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2011/2/20/as-you-received-him-so-walk-in-him.htmlAdmin2011-02-20T22:37:00ZOur sufficiency is found only in Christ. We don't know what we need until we know who He is.

Colossians 2:6-12

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Love Right from the Wordhttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2011/2/13/love-right-from-the-word.htmlAdmin2011-02-13T18:00:00ZWe get love right only when we get it right from the Word.

Matthew 5:43-48

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Reading of 1st Thessalonianshttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2011/1/23/reading-of-1st-thessalonians.htmlAdmin2011-01-23T18:00:00ZAn introduction to, then a reading of Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians.

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Presbyterians and Pagans Alikehttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2011/1/16/presbyterians-and-pagans-alike.htmlAdmin2011-01-16T23:30:00ZWe need to a Redeemer, but the Redeemer has come to us away from our futile way of life.

Hosea 4:1-19

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>At Long Lasthttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2011/1/9/at-long-last.htmlAdmin2011-01-09T23:27:00ZWe often do not appreciate God's great love until every illegitimate distraction and legitimate blessing is stripped away.

Hosea 3:1-5

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>He Makes All Things Newhttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2011/1/2/he-makes-all-things-new.htmlAdmin2011-01-02T23:25:00ZOld things can be new. Newness is not to be found in novelty, but in freshness, vitality, and abundant life. This is what Jesus came to accomplish, and he will bring it to pass.

Revelation 21:1-5

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>A Vision of Angelshttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2010/12/26/a-vision-of-angels.htmlAdmin2010-12-26T20:12:00ZThe angelic hosts burst forth into praise at the birth of Christ. Although God's incarnation brought the angels no benefit they marveled at the wonder, and longed to gaze into it. How much more should we long to look into it and praise God for it, since it brought us salvation?

Luke 2:8-15

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The Eve of Christmashttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2010/12/24/the-eve-of-christmas.htmlAdmin2010-12-25T03:58:00ZA special Christmas Eve service at Bethel Church.

 

]]>A New Beginninghttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2010/12/12/a-new-beginning.htmlAdmin2010-12-13T01:34:00ZThe Son of God became the son that Israel was called to be so what we might receive the right to be the children of God.

Hosea 11:1-11

Rev. George C. Hammond

 

]]>Doing Our Parthttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2010/12/5/doing-our-part.htmlAdmin2010-12-05T22:38:00ZThe covenant must be kept. God will not do it for us. A man must do it. But we cannot do it. So in the fullness of time God became man. Man must do his part. In Christ, he did.

Hosea 6:1-10

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Giving Thanks - How and Whyhttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2010/11/28/giving-thanks-how-and-why.htmlAdmin2010-11-28T22:13:00ZColossians 3:15-17

Rev. George C. Hammond

 

]]>A Remedy for the Faithless Hearthttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2010/11/21/a-remedy-for-the-faithless-heart.htmlAdmin2010-11-21T22:22:00ZGod disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

Hosea 2:2-23

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>No Hope Without Changehttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2010/11/14/no-hope-without-change.htmlAdmin2010-11-14T22:20:00ZThe Scriptures tell us, "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Do not be deceived" (1 Cor. 6:9). The grace of God brings forgiveness and change. No change is evidence of no forgiveness. Without repentance, any claim to hope is a false claim.

Hosea 1:2 - 2:1

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Introducing Hoseahttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2010/11/7/introducing-hosea.htmlAdmin2010-11-07T22:31:18ZWhile we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Hosea 1:1-3

Rev. George C. Hammond

 

]]>The Soul-Killing Confusionhttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2010/10/31/the-soul-killing-confusion.htmlAdmin2010-10-31T21:28:00ZJustification by faith. The Reformation, and the recovery of the heart of the gospel.

Galatians 3:10-26

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Don't Drifthttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2010/10/17/dont-drift.htmlAdmin2010-10-17T19:08:49ZThe danger of drift, the pattern and purpose, and the crucial congregation.

Hebrews 2:1-12

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>A Final Word: Hold On To The Gospelhttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2010/10/10/a-final-word-hold-on-to-the-gospel.htmlAdmin2010-10-10T20:18:59ZIt is easy to drift from the gospel. Paul warns us to guard ourselves in the gospel.

Romans 16:3-27

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The Deacon of Cenchreahttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2010/10/3/the-deacon-of-cenchrea.htmlAdmin2010-10-03T19:00:00ZWhat is a "Deacon" and what do the scriptures principally teach about the leadership of the church?

Romans 16:1-2

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The What of Prayer is the How of Prayerhttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2010/9/26/the-what-of-prayer-is-the-how-of-prayer.htmlAdmin2010-09-26T20:31:00ZIntercessory prayer for one another, for the work of the gospel.

Romans 15:30-33

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The Pleasant Debthttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2010/9/19/the-pleasant-debt.htmlAdmin2010-09-19T22:26:58ZWe owe a debt to those spiritual parents who sacrificed to bring us the gospel that we should be glad to discharge.

Romans 15:25-29

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Ancillary or Integral?http://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2010/9/5/ancillary-or-integral.htmlAdmin2010-09-05T18:51:45ZIs love and unity in the church something ancillary to the gospel, or is it integral to the gospel?

Romans 15:7-13

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The Unity of the Spirit, The Bond of Peacehttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2010/8/29/the-unity-of-the-spirit-the-bond-of-peace.htmlAdmin2010-08-29T19:00:00ZWhen it comes to maintaining the Unity of the Spirit in the Church, the strong carry the lion's share of the load.

Romans 15:1-6

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>True Libertyhttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2010/8/22/true-liberty.htmlAdmin2010-08-22T21:00:00ZJudging the value of truth, weighing the value of truth, and avoiding the erroneous extremes.

Romans 14:13-23

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Living With Those Who Differhttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2010/8/15/living-with-those-who-differ.htmlAdmin2010-08-15T19:26:00ZFor those who really bow to Jesus, his Lordship penetrates into every area of live. There are implications of Christ's lordship for us, even where the Word is not explicit. But because the Word is not explicit, Christians sometimes draw different conclusions. How should they behave toward each other when they do?

Romans 14:1-12

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The Times We Live Inhttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2010/8/8/the-times-we-live-in.htmlAdmin2010-08-08T19:24:00ZWhat must we do to love the way God calls and enables me to love? We must understanding the times we live in.

Romans 13:11-14

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>An Occasion to Remember or Forget?http://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2010/8/1/an-occasion-to-remember-or-forget.htmlAdmin2010-08-01T19:00:00ZGod's grace to us is free, but it is not cheap. It cost him dearly to give us his grace. It demands from us a proper response.

Deut 6:10-12

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Readying Yourself for Jesus' Returnhttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2010/7/18/readying-yourself-for-jesus-return.htmlAdmin2010-07-18T21:00:00ZMatthewMatthew 25:14-30

Rev. Vincent Tauriello

]]>A Nation Under Godhttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2010/7/4/a-nation-under-god.htmlAdmin2010-07-04T20:33:33ZWas our nation established by God? Indeed! Paul tells us that ALL nations have been established by God. The very best nations in this age may reflect a deference to the Kingdom of God and a degree of submission to it's principle, but no nation of this age will ever become the Kingdom of God. All national governments, including ours, will one day be relegated to the ash heap of history. When the Kingdom of God comes in it's fullness the Scriptures say it will "destroy" all other authority and power. But in the meantime, Christians have a duty and obligation to the nations they are citizens of.

Romans 13:1-7

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Love's Bridgehttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2010/6/27/loves-bridge.htmlAdmin2010-06-27T20:31:00ZThose who are in Christ will be marked by love; love for other Christians, love for mankind in general, and even love for our enemies. But what is love?

Romans 12:9-21

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Inside and Outhttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2010/6/20/inside-and-out.htmlAdmin2010-06-20T20:28:00ZBy the mercies of God, because of what Christ has done for us, we present our lives to God as a living sacrifice in worship, a summation of how we have lived for the week. Knowing, believing, and living in the grace of God has a transformative effect. Fear that we may fail will keep us from boldly exercising the gifts God has given us. But fear is incompatible with faith. If we understand that grace of God, we know that even our failures cannot separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus. We we are bold to exercise our gifts in the body. Understanding grace also means that we accept those who have gifts that differ from ours and rejoice in them.

Romans 12:3-8

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>It's Imperativehttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2010/6/13/its-imperative.htmlAdmin2010-06-13T20:00:00ZGod's grace is free. We don't earn it or deserve it. God does not treat His children as their sins deserve, but as the righteousness of Christ deserves. But God's grace does not simply expiate our sins. It changes us, so that the truth does not have dominion over us is more and more realized in our lives.

Romans 12:1-2

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>It's A Mysteryhttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2010/6/6/its-a-mystery.htmlAdmin2010-06-06T17:00:00ZIn the promise made to Abraham and brought to fruition through Moses, God established an elect nation (Deut 7). And yet as Paul makes clear in chapter 9, not all the people in the elect nation were elect individuals. Not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. Paul specifically points out Ishmael and Esau. Even in the OT there were elect gentiles who were grafted in to the elect people, Rahab and Ruth being the most well-known. When the Son of God came into the world he was rejected by most of the elect nation, and received only the elect within the nation. As time went by, fewer and fewer of the elect nation trusted in him, but more and more of the gentiles did. They were not a different, separate people. They were the people of God, the "natural branches" broken off for their unbelief so that the "wild branches" could be grafted in to Israel. But now Paul tells us a "mystery" - not a puzzle to be solved, but rather a revelation of something would could not otherwise know - that the hardening of the Israelites is not only partial, but it is temporary. Once the fullness of the gentiles comes in, the physical descendants of Abraham will return, and thus "all Israel will be saved" - an Israel made up of the elect and redeemed of all the nations.

Romans 11:25-36

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>THE People of Godhttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2010/5/30/the-people-of-god.htmlAdmin2010-05-30T17:00:00ZGoing back as far as Hyppolytus of Rome, some in the Church have taught "supersessionism," the idea that God cast off the descendants of Abraham in favor of the Gentiles. Much as one might draw that conclusion by observing events, and the Gentiles in the church at Rome drew that conclusion, the Scriptures say something different. They indicated in Romans 11 and Ephesians 2 that the Gentiles who have believed in the promised Christ have not replaced the children of Abraham, but have been grafted in to them. There is not, never has been, and never will be any other than ONE People of God.

Romans 11:13-24

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>A People, A Promise, A Prophecyhttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2010/5/23/a-people-a-promise-a-prophecy.htmlAdmin2010-05-23T21:00:00ZSince the advent of Dispensationalism there has been a hope placed in a reconstitution of nation of Israel. The creation of the modern state of Israel in 1948 caused Dispenationalists to proclaim that prophecy had been fulfilled. As a result a segment of Reformed Christianity today denies any special blessing to or for the physical descendants of Abraham. But it was not always this way.

Reformation theologians John Calvin and John Knox, and later theologians such as Jonathan Edwards and Charles Spurgeon maintained that the plain reading of Romans 11 meant that there would be a turning to Christ by the physical descendants of Abraham. As late as 1965 John Murray wrote that Romans 11 indicated that the hardening of the Jewish people was neither total (since Paul believed), nor permanent.

We should not throw out the baby with the bathwater in reaction to erroneous theology. What is in focus is not the reconstitution of a nation, but the conversion of a people.

Romans 11:1-12

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>No Better, No Worsehttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2010/5/16/no-better-no-worse.htmlAdmin2010-05-16T19:00:00ZAre the Jewish Christians, who brought the faith to the Gentiles, better? Are they worse? How do they respond? How to we? The Kingdom of God does not belong to any nation. It belongs to those who bear the fruit of it (Mt. 21.43).
Romans 10:14-21
Rev. George C. Hammond
]]>The Good Confessionhttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2010/5/9/the-good-confession.htmlAdmin2010-05-09T17:00:00ZFor there is no difference between Jew and Gentile - the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

Romans 10:1-13

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The Holy Scandalhttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2010/5/2/the-holy-scandal.htmlAdmin2010-05-03T02:19:05ZIn Matthew 9:13, Jesus said, "I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." Jesus is a scandal, and the gospel is very bad news for "the righteous."

Romans 9:30-33

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>It's Personalhttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2010/4/18/its-personal.htmlAdmin2010-04-18T20:59:51ZThe doctrine of election and the people of God.

Romans 9:6-29

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>One Generation to the Nexthttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2010/4/11/one-generation-to-the-next.htmlAdmin2010-04-11T22:37:56ZBeing born into the church is an advantage, but it is not a guarantee as Paul makes clear in the book of Romans. Yet God established his covenant and works his grace through faithful families.

Psalm 145

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Resurrection Dayhttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2010/4/4/resurrection-day.htmlAdmin2010-04-04T22:35:00Z"Conceived by the Holy Spirit... Crucified, Died, and Was Buried... The Third Day He Rose Again From the Dead"

Matthew 28:1-10

Rev. George C. Hammond

 

]]>For the Joy Set Before Himhttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2010/3/28/for-the-joy-set-before-him.htmlAdmin2010-03-28T22:32:00ZJesus went to Jerusalem and for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame.

Matthew 21:1-11

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The Unsettling Settlinghttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2010/3/21/the-unsettling-settling.htmlAdmin2010-03-21T20:00:00ZGod's Sovereignty in Election means that God always keep his promises, but they may not work out the way we anticipated. God's promises do not back him into a corner, or force him to accept sin.

Romans 9:1-13

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>A Working Godhttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2010/3/7/a-working-god.htmlAdmin2010-03-07T20:00:00ZThe sufferings Christians undergo are not proof that God does not love them, or has abandoned them. The effect of them is our good, and not only negatively. It is not merely that God is consuming our dross, but he is refining our gold. So give thanks to God for all things (even when it seems counter intuitive to do so).

Romans 8:28-39

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Ugly Ducklings and the Kingdom of Godhttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2010/2/28/ugly-ducklings-and-the-kingdom-of-god.htmlAdmin2010-02-28T19:00:00ZBeloved, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears,we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.

Romans 8:18-27

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Evidence of Another Agehttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2010/2/21/evidence-of-another-age.htmlAdmin2010-02-21T23:00:00ZFor those who are not "in the flesh," but are "in the Spirit" (viz. all true Christians), the evidence of our being justified with God and our being of another realm of existence is subjective (that is, within us - others can't see it, and we can only sense it through conscience and persuasion). Is there any objective evidence that we belong to Another Age? Yes. It is the fact that since we don't fit in this one, we will have a fair amount of suffering and discomfort here, a suffering and discomfort which we could avoid if we belonged to this age. But entering into the sufferings of Christ is an objective testimony that we will also share with him in his glory.

Romans 8:12-17

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The Point of Referencehttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2010/2/14/the-point-of-reference.htmlAdmin2010-02-14T22:00:00ZIn Paul's theology, "flesh" and "spirit" are not anthropological components, but redemptive historical realities. To be "in the flesh" is to have one's point of reference in his perishing age. To be "in the Spirit" is to have one's point of reference on the New Creation, which Christ in his resurrection is and anticipates, and of which we, if we are in Christ, are made partakers of.

Romans 8:5-11

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The Epic Strugglehttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2010/1/17/the-epic-struggle.htmlAdmin2010-01-17T23:00:00ZThe struggle that Paul details is a struggle, not before he was a Christian, but after. It is a struggle that every Christian will have until his justified spirit is made perfect with a view to the resurrection of the body. But more significantly, is the struggle is between Paul as he is in himself and Paul as he is in Christ. The perfectionist heresy taught that man in this life could be free from doing any sin if he tried really hard because of the power of Christ in him. John says that such a man is a liar, and the truth is not in him. The lesson with regard to sanctification, though, is this: that those who truly are justified long for sanctification.

Romans 7:7-8:4

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Prelude to the Epic Strugglehttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2010/1/10/prelude-to-the-epic-struggle.htmlAdmin2010-01-10T17:55:00ZA crucial principle, an earthly example, and the spiritual analog.

Romans 7:1-6

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Change We Can Believe Inhttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2010/1/3/change-we-can-believe-in.htmlAdmin2010-01-03T17:53:00ZChange is part and parcel with life. If don’t like your circumstance, just wait – it will change. Unfortunately, the circumstances we like will change too. But God, who does not change, has ordained the circumstances of our life, and in Christ he has meant them for good and not for harm. God is present in the changing circumstances of our lives, and we ought to trust him.

Exodus 2:11 - 3:14

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Christmas By The Numbershttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2009/12/27/christmas-by-the-numbers.htmlAdmin2009-12-27T20:00:00ZCaesar wanted to number the people for the reason for all census taking – to tax accurately and completely. The One who came to His own, but His own did not receive Him was instead by them numbered with transgressors. But he came to redeem number of people, certain and definite, that cannot be increased or diminished.

Luke 2:1-20

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Free Slaveshttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2009/12/13/free-slaves.htmlAdmin2009-12-13T20:00:00ZEver since man succumbed to the first temptation, we have been inclined to think that freedom means autonomy. So Paul takes a different approach: he says that we have been set free from sin and now serve a new master. We have been made servants of God.

Romans 6:15-23

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The Transferhttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2009/12/6/the-transfer.htmlAdmin2009-12-06T19:30:00ZPaul told the Corinthians that Christ has become for us, not only our justification, but also our sanctification (1 Cor 1:30). Perhaps counterintuitively, to live under law is to live as a slave to sin. To live under grace is to live as a son, and a servant of God and righteousness.

Romans 6:8-14

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>A Thankful Perspectivehttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2009/11/29/a-thankful-perspective.htmlAdmin2009-11-29T19:30:00ZMatthew 20:1-16

Rev. George C. Hammond

 

]]>Free To Be Mehttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2009/11/15/free-to-be-me.htmlAdmin2009-11-15T20:00:00ZIn Romans 5, Paul tells us that for the parallels between Adam and Christ, there is one great disparity. Condemned in Adam, we may increase our guilt by our own sin. But we may not increase our justification before God with any acts of righteousness. Christ’s work is complete and finished, and our acceptance with God is assured, and full in him. There is a corollary to this: if we may not increase our justification before God by our righteousness, we may not diminish it either by our sin. When the gospel is grasped it sets us free to be who we really are: Who would you be if what you did couldn’t diminish your acceptance with God? Do you love his Word only in order to get something out of him? Some in Rome were saying, “If this is how it is, then I am free to sin.” Free to be me. What when chooses to do when one is free will show the true state of his heart, and whether he is in Adam or in Christ.

Romans 6:1-7

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Like It Or Nothttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2009/11/8/like-it-or-not.htmlAdmin2009-11-08T20:00:00ZTheme: All of humanity falls into two categories: in Adam, and under God's wrath and curse for sin; or In Christ, and under God's love and mercy for the righteousness of Christ.

Rev. George C. Hammond

Romans 5:12-21

]]>The Tranquility of Trusthttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2009/11/1/the-tranquility-of-trust.htmlAdmin2009-11-01T19:00:00ZHard as it may be to hear what the Scriptures have to say out our natural state before God, and that nothing in us makes us acceptable to God (not even our faith, which only recieves God's gift but adds nothing to it), when and to the degree that we lay hold of the trust that is it all of grace, nothing can shake us.

Romans 5:1-11

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The Alone Instrumenthttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2009/10/25/the-alone-instrument.htmlAdmin2009-10-25T19:00:00ZTheme: Grace is not a "new way" of God dealing with people. It is what he's always done. The coming of Christ "revealed" grace in that it gave a ground and basis for it.

Romans 4

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Our Righteousnesshttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2009/10/18/our-righteousness.htmlAdmin2009-10-18T20:30:42ZTheme: Our righteousness, our standing with God is not by our works or character, but by Christ alone in his life, death, and resurrection.

Romans 3

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>A Global Pandemichttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2009/10/11/a-global-pandemic.htmlAdmin2009-10-11T17:00:00ZTheme: Our sinfulness, inability, need of Christ

Romans 1:18-2:29

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>Why Write Rome?http://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2009/10/4/why-write-rome.htmlAdmin2009-10-04T20:00:00ZTheme: Our perpetual dependance on God's grace

Romans 1:8-18

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>The Pauline Magnum Opushttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/2009/9/27/the-pauline-magnum-opus.htmlAdmin2009-09-27T19:00:00ZThe book of Romans is Paul's most comprehensive statement of the gospel. All the Reformers saw Romans as the God-given key to understanding all of Scripture, since here Paul brings together all of the Bible's greatest themes. The introduction of this epistle is steeped in God's grace and the person of Christ.

Romans 1:1-7

Rev. George C. Hammond

]]>One Lord, One Faith, One Baptismhttp://www.bethelpres.com/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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/sermons/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

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