Month: June 2025

The sermon on Sunday, June 29, 2025, will be from 2 Corinthians 1:8-11 – Our Extremity and God’s Opportunity. “But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.” – 2 Corinthians 1:9

Someone has wisely stated, “There are no atheists in foxholes.” Some critics make fun of ‘foxhole prayers.’ But at least the soldier prayed. I think we would be surprised to know just how ready the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ is to answer the prayers of the desperate and the destitute. A very wise Scottish Presbyterian minister, Thomas Boston wrote, “Our extremity is God’s opportunity.” (See Ephesians 3:20-21)

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

The sermon on Sunday, June 22, 2025, will be from 2 Corinthians 1:1-7 – The God of All Comfort. “… the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, …”  -2 Corinthians 1:1-7

Conscientious preachers and pastors struggle to present to their congregations an accurate description of the Triune God. Some lean toward an emphasis upon God’s severity – his holiness, majesty, righteousness, and wrath. Others lean in the direction of his kindness – his love, grace, mercy, and patience. Scripture assists us greatly; faithful pastors should emphasize both of these attributes, “Note then the kindness and severity of God: ….” (Romans 11:22). In 2 Corinthians 1:3, Paul focuses upon his kindness, and aren’t we glad? He is, “The Father of mercies and God of all comfort ….”

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

The sermon on Sunday, June 15, 2025, will be from Romans 16:25-27 – Doctrine and Doxology. “… to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.” – Romans 16:27

At Hickory Withe Presbyterian Church, we began our studies of Romans in February of 2019; we completed the first 8 chapters in March of 2020; we took an extended break from April of 2020 until April of 2024; we resumed our studies in May of 2024 starting in chapter 9; and we will conclude these studies this Sunday, June 15th with our 94th sermon from this majestic letter – ‘The Constitution of Christianity.’ First, I give thanks to God for allowing me to finish what I started. Next, I give thanks for the HWPC congregation and for their love for the Scriptures and for the Savior who has revealed himself to them through these studies. Finally, let me close these sermons like Paul concluded this exhilarating letter, “… to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.”

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

The sermon on Sunday, June 8, 2025, will be from Romans 16:17-20 – Tying Up Loose Ends: WATCH OUT! “I Tertius, who wrote this letter, greet you in the Lord.” – Romans 16:22

Studying the Scripture is like digging for buried treasure. It requires mental ‘sweat equity,’ but the reward for one’s labor is priceless. Such is the case in Romans 16:22. Paul had an ‘amanuensis’ named Tertius. He served as Paul’s secretary; he wrote the letter of Romans as Paul dictated it. Think of the majestic doctrines of Romans concerning justification, sanctification, adoption, glorification, and God’s sovereign purposes in our world. Think of the privilege to hear these teachings directly from the mouth of the Apostle Paul. Think of the privilege and responsibility that is ours to “take up and read.”

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