Month: July 2022

This Sunday the sermon is from 1 Thessalonians 1:6-8 – “The Evidences of Election”.    “… you received the word with much affliction …” – 1 Thessalonians 1:6

Salvation, according to the Bible, is by grace alone. Salvation is the gift of God. One cannot earn it and we, as sinners, certainly do not deserve it. But when one professes his or her faith publicly, persecution may come. This was certainly true for the Thessalonians and it has been true for many Christians from generation to generation. The Apostle Paul prepared us for this, “… all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, …” (2 Timothy 3:12).

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

This Sunday the sermon is from 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5 – “Chosen by God”. “For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, …” – 1 Thessalonians 1:4

Do you believe in the doctrine of election? If one is a Bible-believing Christian, he must believe something about the doctrine of election. It is found repeatedly in the Bible (Romans 9:11-12; Ephesians 1:3-4; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:1-2). Jesus Christ Himself underscored this truth when He stated, “You did not choose me, but I chose you …” (John 15:16). Initially this teaching might disturb us, but upon further reflection it encourages us. Our salvation is solely dependent upon the grace and mercy of God. If we are in Christ, we are secure (Romans 8:33).

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

This Sunday the sermon is from 1 Thessalonians 1:1-3 – “Thanks Be to God for the Thessalonians”.  “We give thanks to God always for all of you …” – 1 Thessalonians 1:2

Paul’s thanksgiving for the Thessalonian church was God-centered. He gave thanks to God for the existence of this church. Read Acts 17:1-9. The early Thessalonian believers faced great persecution for their new-found faith from a hostile culture. Only God by omnipotent power could establish and grow a congregation in these conditions. The gospel is still the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16). He still establishes and sustains His Church in difficult environments.

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

This Sunday the sermon is from Psalm 139 – “Searched and Known by God”.  “How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!” – Psalm 139:17

The Lord knows us thoroughly and intimately. Psalm 139 teaches us this truth. He is omniscient (Vss. 2-6); He is omnipresent (Vss. 7-12); and He is omnipotent (Vss. 13-16). He knows all things; He is present everywhere; and He can do all things. We cannot run from Him and we cannot hide from Him. Doing so is a fool’s errand. If you are running from God, turn toward Him today. Confess your sin and your need for salvation. He forgives any and all who come to Him through Christ His only Son. (John 6:37)

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