Month: August 2023

The sermon is from 2 Chronicles 20:1-30 – “Jehoshaphat and the Choir”. “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” – 2 Chronicles 20:12

Prosperity preachers “sell a bill of goods.” They promise their hearers peace and popularity. To those with enough “faith,” health and wealth are just around the corner. This runs totally counter to the teaching of the Apostles – “… through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God (Acts 14:23).” Tribulations (and at times confusion) cause true disciples to look to God in newfound dependence, trust, and hope (See Romans 5:1-5; 1 Peter 5:6-11). On our knees, we pray like Jehoshaphat; and we confess with Paul – “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; …. (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).”

Sunday Service Streamed Live at 11:00 AM – YouTube.com – Hickory Withe PCA

The sermon is from Luke 18:9-14 – “The Physicians for Pharisees”.   “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” – Luke 18:13

Is divine forgiveness and salvation from sin this easy? Does the simple recitation of these words or the repetition of a formulaic prayer usher one into the kingdom of God? No, salvation requires a work of divine grace in order to convict us and humble us. We see such a humbled man in verse 13. He stands far off from the temple; his face is to the ground; and he is beating his breast. So, hard hearts need breaking. We must be born again of the Holy Spirit (John 3:1-8). Apart from such a work, we will be like the Pharisee in verses 11-12 rather than the tax collector in verse 13. We will go down to our house condemned rather than justified (Luke 18:14).

Sunday Service Streamed Live at 11:00 AM – YouTube.com – Hickory Withe PCA

The sermon is from Luke 16:19-31 – “Crying for Mercy from Hell”.   “… and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes …” – Luke 16:23

Christ repeatedly warned us about the reality of final judgment and of the eternal punishment which follows. He often preached about Hell; he said it is a place of “… weeping and gnashing of teeth (Luke 13:28).” He taught that its flames burn forever, “… their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched (Mark 9:48).” If you disagree with the above assertions, let me encourage you to read the Gospels. Read also the book of Acts noting the sermons of Christ’s Apostles; they too preached about the certainty of final judgment. What about your pastor or favorite radio or TV preacher? Does he address this theme Biblically and appropriately? Does he ever tell you and his other hearers to “flee from the wrath to come? (Luke 3:7)”

Sunday Service Streamed Live at 11:00 AM – YouTube.com – Hickory Withe PCA

The sermon is from Luke 15:11-32 – “When the Prodigal Comes Home”.    “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him ….” – Luke 15:20

How many times had the father in Christ’s parable gazed up the road leading to the far country? He probably had done this daily and longingly since his son had left home, lived recklessly, spent everything he had, and wound up in pig stye. But on one of those days, he spotted movement in the distance. Could this be the day in which his son returned home? Indeed, this was the day and the prodigal returned home to a celebration rather than a beating. The Triune God of Scripture is like the father of this parable. He showers his mercy and compassion on repentant sinners who return home.

Sunday Service Streamed Live at 11:00 AM – YouTube.com – Hickory Withe PCA

The sermon is from Habakkuk 1:1-4; 3:17-19 – “Misplaced Expectations and Rediscovered Faith”.  “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.” – Luke 15:6

Have you ever been lost? Maybe this has occurred to you in a strange city. Or, if you are an outdoorsman, you may have been lost in the woods or on a large body of water. Thanks to GPS, Google Maps, and Waze, being lost is not so common in our modern world. Nevertheless, being lost is a frightening experience. One’s mind races; one’s heart starts to pound; and one’s palms begin to sweat. Christ uses this concept to describe sinful men and women. Without Christ, we are “lost.” We are wandering in this dark, fallen world without a compass or a GPS; we are in danger of “losing” our souls. Yet, Christ is on a mission; he is come to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10).

Sunday Service Streamed Live at 11:00 AM – YouTube.com – Hickory Withe PCA