Sermons from February 2008

The Need for Self-Examination
Revelation 3:17-18 John Flavel, a puritan minister, found that self-examination was an invaluable aspect of his Christian life. His ministry was considerably more effective because he had learned in God’s presence and in the light of His Word to know his own heart.

The School of Tyrannus
Acts 19:8-12 Paul continues his ministry in Ephesus, first in the synagogue and then in the school of Tyrannus for 2 years. All Asia hears the Gospel as a result. We learn the following lessons from this account and apply them to our situation:

The Law of God – WCF Chapter 19, Part 2
We look at sections 19.3 and 19.4 of the Westminster Confession of Faith, focusing on the Ceremonial Law and the Civil Law.

The Problem of Counterfeits
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 We finish our evaluation of Solomon Stoddard’s views on the Marks of Grace. We see: * The problem of counterfeits * That true grace can be distinguished from counterfeits * How we can tell the difference between them

The Disciples at Ephesus
Acts 19:1-7 In Ephesus, Paul finds disciples who had received only the baptism of John the Baptist. After they accept the Gospel, they are baptized into the name of Jesus and receive the Holy Spirit.

The Law of God – WCF Chapter 19, Part 1
We begin an evaluation of chapter 19 of the Westminster Confession of Faith: Of the Law of God. We see that the Moral Law was a part of the original Covenant of Works and look at its relationship to the Ten Commandments.

How to Know Sincerity
2 Corinthians 4:6 Again, we consider Solomon Stoddard’s views on the marks of grace. From our text and other places, we examine the signs that our love for Christ is sincere:

Mighty in the Scriptures
Acts 18:24-28 Luke draws our attention to the character of Apollos and gives us, in effect, a short biography of his life in these few verses.

Assurance of Grace and Salvation – WCF Chapter 18, Part 2
We continue our evaluation of chapter 18 of the Westminster Confession of Faith. We see that not all believers have the same level of assurance, and that a believer’s level of assurance may increase or decrease.

Whoever Practices Sin Is the Slave of Sin
John 8:34 This evening, continuing to consider Solomon Stoddard’s understanding of those marks that belong to a true believer only, we learn how to recognize true conversion despite the sins which continue to plague the believer.

Assurance of Grace and Salvation – WCF Chapter 18, Part 1
We study chapter 18 sections 1 and 2 in the Westminster Confession on assurance of salvation. We see that it is possible to know that we have eternal life, and consider how strong that assurance can be.

Return to Antioch
Acts 18:18-23 Paul returns to Antioch to end his second missionary journey.