Month: December 2024

The sermon is from Romans 13:6-7 – “The IRS and You”. “Pay to all what is owed to them; taxes to whom taxes are owed …” – Romans 13:7

None of us looks forward to “tax season.” April 15^th, arrives with annual regularity, but many Americans wait until 11:59 PM on that date to file, grousing their way to the Post Office. But the Apostle Paul and our Lord Jesus call upon Christians to adopt a different attitude. Paul, as you see, teaches that we owe taxes; we are in debt to local, state, and national governments for services received. And, our Lord Jesus commands his followers, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s …” (Mark 12:17). The civil magistrate has a legitimate, God-given role in society (Romans 13:1-4, 6). Let us thank God for the services he provides for us and let us remember 1 Thessalonians 5:18 on April 15^th.

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

The sermon is from Isaiah 9:6-7– “ Handel Nailed It”. “… and his name shall be called …” – Isaiah 9:6

Parents think seriously and prayerfully when naming their child. One’s name is significant. It communicates something important about the person. Ponder the names that Isaiah gave to Jesus Christ – “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Do you ever need counsel in this life? Jesus provides counsel that is wonderful. Do you ever need strength in weakness? Jesus leads his people on “from strength to strength.” Do you ever long for the compassion of a kind father? Jesus abounds in such love for sinners. Do you pine for peace without and peace within? Jesus bestows both in lavishing ways. Come to him for rest this Christmas season.

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

The sermon is from Isaiah 9:6-7– “ The Eternal Kingdom of the Eternal King”. “Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, …” – Isaiah 9:7

God calls civil magistrates his “servants for good.” He establishes authority in human societies and he also establishes the individual authorities. He “removes kings and sets up kings” (Rom. 13:1-4; Dan. 2:21). And, yet, these kings, presidents, and governors are far from being perfectly effective in their rule; turmoil, societal breakdown, and even wars can still exist in their domains. The world pines for peace (Rom. 8:19-23). The peace for which we groan is now being realized through Christ as his rule advances throughout the nations and as it marches toward its ultimate victory when “of peace there will be no end.”

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

The sermon is from Isaiah 9:6-7– “ A Child Born and a Son Given”. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; …” – Isaiah 9:6

In the Christian community, we hear the truth of Isaiah 9:6 affirmed frequently from our pulpits, confessed repeatedly in our confessions of faith, and enshrined in our hymnals. We have heard John 3:16 since we were in children’s Sunday school and were required to memorize it. But I must ask us all during Advent 2025, “Has the wonder of Isaiah’s announcement ever truly gripped us?” Ponder Isaiah’s declaration, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; ….” Digest the Apostle’s message, “For God so loved that he gave his only Son, ….” Numerous church councils after Christ’s birth were required to wonder and to ponder over this astounding, great “mystery of godliness” – “He was manifested in the flesh,” (1 Timothy 3:16).

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