Bethel Presbyterian, Leesburg VA, Sermons

Faithful Service to the Master

Admin — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 23:05:52 +0000

The Gift, The Reckoning, The Result

Matthew 25:14-30

Mr. Mark Green

The Word That Makes People True

Admin — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 22:49:00 +0000

We 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 Separate

Admin — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 22:45:18 +0000

Truth 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 Change

Admin — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 22:37:00 +0000

Jesus 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 Become

Admin — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 20:46:00 +0000

The 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?

Admin — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 18:31:00 +0000

Prince 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?

Admin — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 17:20:00 +0000

Advent 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 Now

Admin — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 18:12:00 +0000

The 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 Thankful

Admin — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 21:17:18 +0000

We 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?

Admin — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 21:33:00 +0000

Christ 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?

Admin — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 18:00:00 +0000

In 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 Knows

Admin — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 18:23:00 +0000

Jesus came that we might have true knowledge of God and true knowledge of ourselves.

John 7:14-24

Rev. Chip Hammond

Semper Reformanda

Admin — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 18:17:00 +0000

The 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?

Admin — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 20:49:07 +0000

Receiving Jesus means more than just being his fans.

John 7:1-13

Rev. Chip Hammond

Taste and See

Admin — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 17:18:00 +0000

To partake of Jesus, we must partake of him wholly.

John 6:35-59

Rev. Chip Hammond

What Are You Looking For?

Admin — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 18:00:00 +0000

Christ 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?

Admin — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 18:28:00 +0000

If 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 Source

Admin — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 20:26:00 +0000

Seeking 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 Power

Admin — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 19:23:00 +0000

On 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?

Admin — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 20:26:00 +0000

If 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 Matters

Admin — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 21:08:16 +0000

"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 Blessing

Admin — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 02:15:00 +0000

Many 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 faith

Admin — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 20:11:38 +0000

It'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 Truth

Admin — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 21:02:49 +0000

We 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 Truth

Admin — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 20:49:04 +0000

The 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?

Admin — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 20:58:00 +0000

Malachi 1:1-5

Mark Green

Father of All Things

Admin — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 20:53:00 +0000

Colossians 1:9-14

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

Putting the Nation in Its Rightful Place

Admin — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 23:15:00 +0000

When 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 Known

Admin — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 23:13:00 +0000

Jesus makes himself known to those who know their need of a Savior

John 4:1-26

Rev. George C. Hammond

A Success?

Admin — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 23:49:50 +0000

John 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 Faith

Admin — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 20:00:00 +0000

On Baptism and the continuation of faith from generation to generation.

Psalm 145

Rev. George C. Hammond

Night of the Living Dead

Admin — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 20:53:05 +0000

What 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 It

Admin — Sun, 29 May 2011 19:12:00 +0000

There is a difference between belief based on beholding, and beholding based on belief.

John 2:12-25

Rev. George C. Hammond

Signs

Admin — Sun, 22 May 2011 18:45:00 +0000

When 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 Sorrows

Admin — Sun, 15 May 2011 18:00:00 +0000

Our 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 Savior

Admin — Sun, 08 May 2011 19:00:00 +0000

By 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 Beginning

Admin — Sun, 01 May 2011 18:00:00 +0000

While 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 Risen

Admin — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 18:00:00 +0000

Christians 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 Sorrows

Admin — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 19:00:00 +0000

It'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 Doubt

Admin — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 19:00:00 +0000

The 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 Tomorrow

Admin — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 21:15:00 +0000

When all else that we put our hope in fails, God will not.

Hosea 14:1-9

Rev. George C. Hammond

A Glimmer of Hope

Admin — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 21:59:00 +0000

God hates our sins, but remembers his covenant.

Hosea 12, 13

Rev. George C. Hammond

A Sure Path to Judgment

Admin — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 20:01:10 +0000

Our 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 Over

Admin — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 18:50:08 +0000

The 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 Bribery

Admin — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 22:30:00 +0000

Righteousness 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 Him

Admin — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 22:37:00 +0000

Our 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 Word

Admin — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 18:00:00 +0000

We get love right only when we get it right from the Word.

Matthew 5:43-48

Rev. George C. Hammond

Reading of 1st Thessalonians

Admin — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 18:00:00 +0000

An introduction to, then a reading of Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians.

Rev. George C. Hammond

Presbyterians and Pagans Alike

Admin — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 23:30:00 +0000

We 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 Last

Admin — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 23:27:00 +0000

We 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 New

Admin — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 23:25:00 +0000

Old 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 Angels

Admin — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 20:12:00 +0000

The 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 Christmas

Admin — Sat, 25 Dec 2010 03:58:00 +0000

A special Christmas Eve service at Bethel Church.

A New Beginning

Admin — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 01:34:00 +0000

The 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 Part

Admin — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 22:38:00 +0000

The 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 Why

Admin — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 22:13:00 +0000

Colossians 3:15-17

Rev. George C. Hammond

A Remedy for the Faithless Heart

Admin — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 22:22:00 +0000

God 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 Change

Admin — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 22:20:00 +0000

The 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 Hosea

Admin — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 22:31:18 +0000

While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Hosea 1:1-3

Rev. George C. Hammond

The Soul-Killing Confusion

Admin — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 21:28:00 +0000

Justification by faith. The Reformation, and the recovery of the heart of the gospel.

Galatians 3:10-26

Rev. George C. Hammond

Don't Drift

Admin — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 19:08:49 +0000

The 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 Gospel

Admin — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 20:18:59 +0000

It 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 Cenchrea

Admin — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 19:00:00 +0000

What 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 Prayer

Admin — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 20:31:00 +0000

Intercessory prayer for one another, for the work of the gospel.

Romans 15:30-33

Rev. George C. Hammond

The Pleasant Debt

Admin — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 22:26:58 +0000

We 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?

Admin — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 18:51:45 +0000

Is 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 Peace

Admin — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 19:00:00 +0000

When 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 Liberty

Admin — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 21:00:00 +0000

Judging 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 Differ

Admin — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 19:26:00 +0000

For 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 In

Admin — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 19:24:00 +0000

What 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?

Admin — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 19:00:00 +0000

God'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' Return

Admin — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 21:00:00 +0000

Matthew 25:14-30

Rev. Vincent Tauriello

A Nation Under God

Admin — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 20:33:33 +0000

Was 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 Bridge

Admin — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 20:31:00 +0000

Those 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 Out

Admin — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 20:28:00 +0000

By 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 Imperative

Admin — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 20:00:00 +0000

God'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 Mystery

Admin — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 17:00:00 +0000

In 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 God

Admin — Sun, 30 May 2010 17:00:00 +0000

Going 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 Prophecy

Admin — Sun, 23 May 2010 21:00:00 +0000

Since 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 Worse

Admin — Sun, 16 May 2010 19:00:00 +0000

Are 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 Confession

Admin — Sun, 09 May 2010 17:00:00 +0000

For 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 Scandal

Admin — Mon, 03 May 2010 02:19:05 +0000

In 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 Personal

Admin — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 20:59:51 +0000

The doctrine of election and the people of God.

Romans 9:6-29

Rev. George C. Hammond

One Generation to the Next

Admin — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 22:37:56 +0000

Being 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 Day

Admin — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 22:35:00 +0000

"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 Him

Admin — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 22:32:00 +0000

Jesus 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 Settling

Admin — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 20:00:00 +0000

God'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 God

Admin — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 20:00:00 +0000

The 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 God

Admin — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 19:00:00 +0000

Beloved, 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 Age

Admin — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 23:00:00 +0000

For 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 Reference

Admin — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 22:00:00 +0000

In 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 Struggle

Admin — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 23:00:00 +0000

The 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 Struggle

Admin — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 17:55:00 +0000

A crucial principle, an earthly example, and the spiritual analog.

Romans 7:1-6

Rev. George C. Hammond

Change We Can Believe In

Admin — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 17:53:00 +0000

Change 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 Numbers

Admin — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 20:00:00 +0000

Caesar 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 Slaves

Admin — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 20:00:00 +0000

Ever 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 Transfer

Admin — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 19:30:00 +0000

Paul 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 Perspective

Admin — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 19:30:00 +0000

Matthew 20:1-16

Rev. George C. Hammond

Free To Be Me

Admin — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:00:00 +0000

In 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 Not

Admin — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:00:00 +0000

Theme: 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 Trust

Admin — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 19:00:00 +0000

Hard 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 Instrument

Admin — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:00:00 +0000

Theme: 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 Righteousness

Admin — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 20:30:42 +0000

Theme: 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 Pandemic

Admin — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 17:00:00 +0000

Theme: Our sinfulness, inability, need of Christ

Romans 1:18-2:29

Rev. George C. Hammond

Why Write Rome?

Admin — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 20:00:00 +0000

Theme: Our perpetual dependance on God's grace

Romans 1:8-18

Rev. George C. Hammond

The Pauline Magnum Opus

Admin — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 19:00:00 +0000

The 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 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