The Ascension of Christ and the Heidelberg Catechism

Fred H. Klooster in his commentary of the Heidelberg Catechism (HC) makes a seemingly bold statement when discussing the questions and answers on the Ascension of Christ.  He says, “In fact, if there had been no theological controversy concerning the ascension of Christ after the completion of his earthly ministry, there might never have been [...]

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Transfiguration and the Lenten Journey

I realize that this post is a couple of weeks late, but the more I work through our lenten journey at our church the more importance Transfiguration Day takes.  I have come to appreciate the placement of the story of the Transfiguration in the Gospels in a completely different way since becoming a pastor.  A few days [...]

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The Absurdity of Advent

A Summary of This Sunday’s Sermon Texts: Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8, 2 Peter 3:8-13. Israel and Judah were going to be judged for their disobedience and they’re turning away from the LORD and His ways.  This was referred to in Leviticus 26, thus showing that God’s word is more sure than man’s, as we fade [...]

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Pentecost and the Church Triumphant

Pessimism surely has a stronghold in the church today.  Yet, it is this season, the season of Pentecost, that should actually provoke us to boldness is working for the Kingdom – that is transforming culture.  It is clear in the entire Scriptures that wherever God is there is victory or success for the Kingdom.  The [...]

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Church Calendar and the Gospel

Despite that there are many that reject using the Church Calendar as a helpful tool for the growth of the congregation in grace.  In reflection, I have noticed that using the Calendar forces the church and the preacher to declare the whole Gospel.  By July 1 I will have preached for a entire year, minus [...]

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Heidelberg Catechism & Christ’s Ascension

Q. What do you mean by saying, “He ascended to heaven”?  A. That Christ was taken up from the earth into heaven before the very eyes of his disciples and remains there on our behalf until he comes again to judge the living and the dead. Q. But isn’t Christ with us until the end of [...]

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The Easter Season

The Lord IS Risen! Easter truly is the greatest celebration in the Church calendar. It is on this day that we celebrate God’s awe-some triumph over His enemies as put on display in the Resurrection of Jesus the Messiah. Yet, after the day is done the church goes back to business as usual, forgetting the [...]

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Advent Readings Dec. 17-Dec. 23

Monday Isaiah 7:10-16 Tuesday Psalm 80:1-7 Wednesday Psalm 80:17-19 Thursday Romans 1:1-7 Friday Matthew 1:18 Saturday Matthew 1:19-25 Sunday Fourth Sunday of Advent

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Advent Readings Dec. 10-Dec. 16

Monday Isaiah 35:1-7 Tuesday Isaiah 35:8-10 Wednesday Psalm 146:5-7 Thursday Psalm 146:8-10 Friday James 5:7-10 Saturday Matthew 11:2-11 Sunday Third Sunday of Advent

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Advent Readings Dec. 3-9

Monday Isaiah 11:1-5 Tuesday Isaiah 11:6-10 Wednesday Psalm 72:1-4 Thursday Psalm 72:5-7, 18-19 Friday Romans 15:4-13 Saturday Matthew 3:1-12 Sunday Second Sunday of Advent

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