Month: June 2024

The sermon is from Romans 9:19-24 – “God in the Dock?” “But who are you, O man, to answer back to God?” – Romans 9:20

God in the Dock is a collection of essays and speeches by the 20th Century British Christian apologist, C. S. Lewis. Someone has said that Lewis’s premise in a number of these writings is “… that modern human beings, rather than seeing themselves as standing before God in judgment, prefer to place God on trial while acting as his judge.” Mr. Lewis also wrote about “Aslan” the lion in his children’s series The Chronicles of Narnia. He said, in one of these books that “Aslan is not a tame lion.” The Lion of the Tribe of Judah, Jesus Christ, is not a “tame lion” either. Let us place ourselves in the dock (Romans 3:19) and from that position of humiliation, see our desperate need of this Lion’s forgiveness and mercy.

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

The sermon is from Romans 9:14-18 – “Have We Truly Understood the Mercy of God?”  “Is there injustice on God’s part?” – Romans 9:14

Christians respond to the above question with clarity and conviction, “Perish the thought!” Abraham certainly responded in a similar way in Genesis 18:25, “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?” But the doctrine of election is often called “unfair” or “unjust” by foes and friends of the Bible. Paul knows this, of course; he is anticipating the accusation and he is providing his answer in Romans 9:14-24. Let me encourage you to set to the side for a moment any arguments you have with the Biblical doctrine of election; read, meditate, pray, and ask God for understanding. Paul also teaches this doctrine in Ephesians 1:3-14; this passage is one continuous, paean of praise. My prayer for you is that you would join with Paul and rejoice in God’s unsearchable riches in Christ.

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

The sermon is from Romans 9:10-13 – “Set Apart Before I was Born”. “… though they were not yet born and had done anything either good or bad …” – Romans 9:11

Christians have squabbled for centuries over the Bible’s teaching on election. It is a Biblical word; it is found in the pages of Scripture. If one is going to be a “Bible-believing” Christian, he must believe something about the teaching. One camp says, “God chooses those who choose him. God knows all things that will occur in human history. He, therefore, ‘looks down through the tunnel of time’ and sees who will choose him. And, then, he chooses those who choose him.” The other camp says, “God chooses those who would never choose him.” Based on Romans 9:11, which of these two views would the Apostle Paul approve?

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

The sermon is from Psalm 69:13-17 – “Magnificent Mercy”.  “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!” – Romans 11:33

In Romans Chapter 11, verses 33-36, Paul concludes his three-chapter treatment related to God’s sovereign purposes in world history and in redemptive history. He brings this section to a close with adoration, worship, and praise. He has imparted to his readers “… a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory.” (1 Corinthians 2:7) God’s redemptive purposes in Christ cannot be hindered or thwarted. And this is great reason for praise, exultation, and heart-felt worship for God’s people. God in grace has scripted us into his grand designs. If we know Christ, we are recipients of an eternal inheritance “… that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us ….” (1 Peter 1:4)

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