Month: November 2023

The sermon is from Luke 23:32-43 – “The Dying Thief Rejoiced.”  “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” – Luke 23:42

Preachers must fuss on occasion; so, please allow me to fuss a little today. Most 21st Century American churches have jettisoned the old hymnbooks. In doing so, they have sold their birthright for a “mess of pottage.” (Genesis 25:29-34; Hebrews 12:15-17). Modern, man-centered ditties cannot convey the robust doctrines of God’s grace found in the Bible. Case in point (for anyone who might remember it; and there are many other old hymns I could cite; refer to the Trinity Hymnal, if you can find one!), William Cowper memorialized our passage in Luke 23 by penning these lyrics – “The dying thief rejoiced to see that fountain in his day; and there have I, as vile as he, washed all my sins away, ….” There, enough said. I feel better already and with Cowper’s assistance, I have pointed you to the sinner’s only comfort in life and in death – Jesus Christ.

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

The sermon is from Luke 17:11-19 – “Where are the Nine?”  “Then Jesus answered, ‘Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine?’” – Luke 17:17

Thankfulness characterizes Christians who embrace the good news of the Gospel. They have understood the “bad news;” by nature, they are rebels who have broken God’s moral law and who deserve eternal punishment in hell. But by the grace of God, they now understand the “good news;” God loves sinners enough to send his Son to bear the wrath they deserve and to free them from the cursed load of sin. Little wonder Paul writes to Christians, “… give thanks in all circumstances …” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). One person wrote, “I cried to him in time of need: Lord God, O hear my calling! For death he gave me life indeed and kept my feet from falling. For this my thanks shall endless be; O thank him, thank our God with me, To God all praise and glory!” This Thanksgiving, let us begin on earth what will occupy our time forever in heaven.

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

The sermon is from Jude 1:1-3 – “Contending for the Faith.”  “… I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith …” – Jude 3

Most Christians prefer discussing the exhilarating doctrines of God’s covenantal love, grace, and kindness to them in the Gospel. They agree with John Newton that God’s grace is “amazing” and it has a “sweet” sound. But Christians also need the sobering reminder as Isaac Watts wrote, “This vile world is no friend of grace.” The message of God’s grace is attacked from without the Church and at times perverted from within. Therefore, Jude admonished his hearers “… to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.” Peter, as well, prepares us for such a responsibility when he states, “… but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks a reason for the hope that is in you; …” (1 Peter 3:15). Such a reminder was apropos in the 1st Century and is apropos for today.

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

The sermon is from Luke 23:26-31 – “A Time to Weep for Ourselves and Our Children.” “… they seized one Simon of Cyrene …” – Luke 23:26

God’s providence in our lives often amazes and surprises us. Plans change. Expectations wither and die. The trajectory of our life changes in an instant. Well, place yourself in the sandals of Simon of Cyrene. You have arrived in Jerusalem (probably to observe Passover). You see a mob carrying out a crucifixion and then, suddenly, you are seized and forced to carry the condemned man’s cross. Do you think Simon was ever the same? He unknowingly participated in the most significant event in human history. He certainly bore witness to this event. His sons and his wife are mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament (Mark 15:21; Romans 16:13)

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