Feeding the Sheep the Word: Read & Proclaimed

The Empty Tomb (Matt 28:1-15)

Matthew 28:1-15 shows us the tomb was empty and that the women saw Jesus. While everyone agrees that the tomb was empty on the first day of the week, the disagreement is over the reason it was empty. The sermon confronts you with the authority of the risen and reigning Lord Jesus. Sinners will interpret these things through sin-stained glasses, believers will respond to the statement "He is Risen" with "Risen indeed." May God give you grace to interpret these things as He does.

Click here to listen to the one from 8am.

Click here or the title to listen to the 11am sermon.

Labels: apologetics, christ, resurrection, tomb, word of God

The Last Temptation (Matt 27:32-54)

Matthew 27:32-54 shows us the third temptation again but now on the lips of the seed of Satan: "If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross." It was a temptation of "save yourself." We too are often tempted to try to save ourselves rather than to depend on the salvation Christ accomplished. The Judas method was to try to fix it himself by offering his own blood for atonement. The Pilate method was to wash his hands of it and pass the blame onto others. Neither way works. Your blood, sweat and tears cannot save you. You cannot save yourself or ignore your sins and thereby make everything ok. Depend on God for grace and salvation.

Click here or the title to listen.

Labels: atonement, christ, cross, death, Judas, Pilate, salvation, temptation

Unity in the Message (Shepard Memorial)

1 Corinthians 1:17-2:5 shows us how we can have unity in the message of Christ crucified. Paul was not trying to draw attention to himself, but to Christ crucified. This message is foolish to unbelieving Greeks and scandalous to unbelieving Jews, but for believing Jews and Greeks it is the power of God for salvation. Paul did not try to dress up the image of Christ crucified with flowery language or rhetorical flair, but he let it have its full effect. There are two reasons I look at briefly to show why we should be united behind this message. The first is that the philosophers, Torah scribes, and orators never would or could find this way of salvation. It is revealed by God through the preaching of Christ crucified. And secondly, we should be united behind this message because not many of us were wise, powerful, or of noble birth according to the world, but we were called by God through this shocking word of the cross. To clarify, Apollos is not Greek but he is apparently a Hellenistic Jew.

Click here or the title to listen.

Labels: 1 corinthians, christ, cross, salvation, unity

Unity in the Message (Peter Creek)

1 Corinthians 1:17-2:5 shows us how we can have unity in the message of Christ crucified. Paul was not trying to draw attention to himself, but to Christ crucified. This message is foolish to unbelieving Greeks and scandalous to unbelieving Jews, but for believing Jews and Greeks it is the power of God for salvation. Paul did not try to dress up the image of Christ crucified with flowery language or rhetorical flair, but he let it have its full effect. There are two reasons I look at briefly to show why we should be united behind this message. The first is that the philosophers, Torah scribes, and orators never would or could find this way of salvation. It is revealed by God through the preaching of Christ crucified. And secondly, we should be united behind this message because not many of us were wise, powerful, or of noble birth according to the world, but we were called by God through this shocking word of the cross.

Click here or the title to listen.

Labels: 1 corinthians, christ, cross, salvation, unity

For the Reputation of God (Shepard Memorial)

Ezekiel 36:16-38 shows that God will act for the people of Israel not because of the people but because of His concern for His own name and reputation. After looking at the catechisms on the ninth commandment and mentioning current events (Jon & Kate Plus Eight), we looked at three ways this text comforts the people without causing us to think too highly of ourselves. The first way was by looking at the contrast between your character and God's character -- knowing yourself apart from the grace of God, knowing yourself in Christ, and knowing God. Secondly, in how the text points us to the death and resurrection of Christ. And third primarily looking at the giving of the Spirit on Pentecost. All three points provide comfort without being puffed up with conceit.

Click here or the title to listen.

Labels: character, christ, comfort, death, ezekiel, name, pentecost, reputation, resurrection, spirit

For the Reputation of God (Peter Creek)

Ezekiel 36:16-38 shows that God will act for the people of Israel not because of the people but because of His concern for His own name and reputation. After looking at the catechisms on the ninth commandment and mentioning current events (Jon & Kate Plus Eight), we looked at three ways this text comforts the people without causing us to think too highly of ourselves. The first way was by looking at the contrast between your character and God's character -- knowing yourself apart from the grace of God, knowing yourself in Christ, and knowing God. Secondly, in how the text points us to the death and resurrection of Christ. And third primarily looking at the giving of the Spirit on Pentecost. All three points provide comfort without being puffed up with conceit.

Click here or the title to listen.

Labels: character, christ, comfort, death, ezekiel, name, ninth commandment, pentecost, reputation, resurrection, spirit

The Shepherd & The Spirit (Fifth Sunday at Pikeville)

This Judges 2 is a bonus sermon today...the Fifth Sunday service at First Presbyterian of Pikeville, Kentucky. The sermon is a farewell message for Scott and a challenge to the congregation to be faithful to Jesus and to continue to teach the next generation all that Jesus has commanded us to observe and all that Jesus has done for us and them. The challenge is to keep attending to the means of grace (in particular, the word, sacraments and corporate prayer in Sunday worship). The message focuses on the difference between the situation of Judges and the present because of the coming of Christ the Shepherd and the coming of the Spirit on Pentecost. I should explain as background the motorcycle comment -- Scott drives a motorcycle and likes to say that Jesus will return on a Harley because shepherds in New Zealand drive motorcycles to keep their sheep.

Click here or title to listen.

Labels: christ, David, judges, Saul, shepherd, spirit, Sunday worship

Shepherding the Sheep (Shepard Memorial)

Ezekiel 34 shows us that we are like sheep in need of Jesus as our shepherd. Answering the most common objection to being compared to sheep -- that sheep are weak and dumb -- I began by offending the congregation by telling them that they are weak and dumb. Then we looked at the themes of accountability and abundance in the passage. Both of these are ways that the gospel is indeed good news for the weak and stupid sheep who depend on God. Let us not muddy the waters or trample the good pasture of others, but let us be accountable to the Chief Shepherd who pours out upon us showers of blessing. It was a blessing to baptize George afterwards.

Click here or the title to listen.

Labels: abundance, accountability, christ, ezekiel, sheep, shepherd, stupid, weak

Shepherding the Sheep (Peter Creek)

Ezekiel 34 shows us that we are like sheep in need of Jesus as our shepherd. Answering the most common objection to being compared to sheep -- that sheep are weak and dumb -- I began by offending the congregation by telling them that they are weak and dumb. Then we looked at the themes of accountability and abundance in the passage. Both of these are ways that the gospel is indeed good news for the weak and stupid sheep who depend on God. Let us not muddy the waters or trample the good pasture of others, but let us be accountable to the Chief Shepherd who pours out upon us showers of blessing.

Click here or the title to listen.

Labels: abundance, accountability, christ, ezekiel, sheep, shepherd, stupid, weak

The Empty Tomb (Shepard Memorial)

Matthew 28:1-15 shows us that everyone agrees that the tomb was empty on the first day of the week. Where they disagree is on the question: Why is the tomb empty? In this sermon several of the most persuasive evidences and arguments for the resurrection are mentioned, but the sermon means to confront people with the authority of the risen and reigning Lord. And the sermon takes seriously that unbelievers will interpret these things through sin-stained glasses but believers have been changed by the work of the Spirit so that they will interpret these things wanting to believe the truth as we find it in the Scriptures.

Click here or the title to listen.

The Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 45 says this, "What benefit do we receive from the resurrection of Christ? First, by his resurrection he has overcome death that he might make us share in the righteousness which he has obtained for us through his death. Second, we too are now raised by his power to a new life. Third, the resurrection of Christ is a sure pledge to us of our blessed resurrection."

Labels: apologetics, christ, evidences, heidelberg catechism, Matthew, resurrection

The Empty Tomb (Peter Creek)

Matthew 28:1-15 shows us that everyone agrees that the tomb was empty on the first day of the week. Where they disagree is on the question: Why was the tomb empty? In this sermon several of the most persuasive evidences and arguments for the resurrection are mentioned, but the sermon means to confront people with the authority of the risen and reigning Lord. And the sermon takes seriously that unbelievers will interpret these things through sin-stained glasses but believers have been changed by the work of the Spirit so that they will interpret these things wanting to believe the truth as we find it in the Scriptures.

Click here or the title to listen.

The Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 45 says this, "What benefit do we receive from the resurrection of Christ? First, by his resurrection he has overcome death that he might make us share in the righteousness which he has obtained for us through his death. Second, we too are now raised by his power to a new life. Third, the resurrection of Christ is a sure pledge to us of our blessed resurrection."

Labels: apologetics, christ, evidences, heidelberg catechism, Matthew, resurrection

Authority & Power (Peter Creek)

The cleansing of the temple (Matt 21:12-17), the chief priests and elders of Israel questioning Jesus about the source of His authority (21:23-27) and the trial of Jesus before the Sanhedrin (26:57-68) are tied together by the theme of authority and power. Jesus Christ speaks and acts with authority from God. The priests, scribes and elders response was, "Who made you king?" Jesus never responded defensively, and when forced to respond under oath, He responded offensively. He offended them. He is the kind of preacher that no one would choose to be their pastor, but He is the pastor of every true church. And seeing the abuse that He endured: He is the kind of king you would not choose to lead you into battle, but He has been made king and judge over you. Is He your Lord? Or are you still asking, "Who made you king?"

Click here or the title to listen to this message.

Labels: christ, elders, king, Matthew, pastor, priests, scribes, servant, temple

Your Last and Complete Warning (Shepard Memorial)

Matthew 23 contains the seven woes Jesus pronounces upon the scribes and the Pharisees and his lament over Jerusalem. These warnings really were reminders to the leaders of the early church of what it means to be a servant of the kingdom of heaven. The sermon divides the text into sections and then attempts to explain the section, look at how it points us to Jesus, and then how we might apply it. Whether you are a scribe or other leader in the church or not, if you follow Jesus you need to remember to point people to Jesus.

Click here or title to listen.

Labels: christ, lament, Matthew, Pharisees, shema, warning, woe

Your Last and Complete Warning (Peter Creek)

Matthew 23 contains the seven woes Jesus pronounces upon the scribes and the Pharisees and his lament over Jerusalem. These warnings really were reminders to the leaders of the early church of what it means to be a servant of the kingdom of heaven. The sermon divides the text into sections and then attempts to explain the section, look at how it points us to Jesus, and then how we might apply it. Whether you are a scribe or other leader in the church or not, if you follow Jesus you need to remember to point people to Jesus Christ.

Click here or title to listen.

Labels: christ, lament, Matthew, Pharisees, warning, woe

Trick Questions on Divorce (Shepard Memorial)

Matthew 19:1-12 includes the two trick questions the Pharisees ask Jesus about divorce. These are trick questions because they want Jesus to denounce the marriage of Herod and Herodias. Instead, Jesus challenged the Pharisees who interpreted the law in order to empty it of all meaning and replace it with their own commandments and traditions. The Pharisees, like you, need Jesus. Christ was single (a figurative eunuch for the sake of the kingdom) during this life because the resurrection began His wedding feast. Jesus sent the Spirit to purify you, the church, as His spotless bride. Now we can begin to discuss marriage, divorce, and singleness.

Click here or the title to listen.

Labels: christ, divorce, eunuchs, marriage, Matthew, Pharisees, spirit

Trick Questions on Divorce (Peter Creek)

Matthew 19:1-12 includes the two trick questions the Pharisees ask Jesus about divorce. These are trick questions because they want Jesus to denounce the marriage of Herod and Herodias. Instead, Jesus challenged the Pharisees who interpreted the law in order to empty it of all meaning and replace it with their own commandments and traditions. The Pharisees, like you, need Jesus. Christ was single (a figurative eunuch for the sake of the kingdom) during this life because the resurrection began His wedding feast. Jesus sent the Spirit to purify you, the church, as His spotless bride. Now we can begin to discuss marriage, divorce, and singleness.

Click here or the title to listen.

Labels: christ, divorce, eunuchs, marriage, Matthew, Pharisees, spirit

Plundering the Temple (Shepard Memorial)

In our first of several sermons on the clash between the Pharisees and Jesus, Matthew 12 shows us the god and idol of the religious, the heart of the religious, and the attitudes and actions of the religious. Religion here means the opposite of grace -- salvation through works. The religious, from evil hearts, worship Satan as their god using the idol of rules. As a result it is no surprise that their actions (especially their words) and attitudes are evil. They look for a way to accuse Jesus, they are judgmental, compare themselves to others defensively, and defensively assert their own righteousness instead of resting in Christ's righteousness. The religious way to avoid Jesus is to attempt to avoid sin. But the only way of salvation is Jesus Christ.

Click here or the title to listen.

Labels: christ, grace, heart, idolatry, idols, judge, Matthew, Pharisees, sacrifices, satan, worship

Plundering the Temple (Peter Creek)

In our first of several sermons on the clash between the Pharisees and Jesus, Matthew 12 shows us the god and idol of the religious, the heart of the religious, and the attitudes and actions of the religious. Religion here means the opposite of grace -- salvation through works. The religious, from evil hearts, worship Satan as their god using the idol of rules. As a result it is no surprise that their actions (especially their words) and attitudes are evil. They look for a way to accuse Jesus, they are judgmental, compare themselves to others defensively, and defensively assert their own righteousness instead of resting in Christ's righteousness. The religious way to avoid Jesus is to attempt to avoid sin. But the only way of salvation is Jesus Christ.

Click here or the title to listen.

Labels: christ, grace, heart, idolatry, idols, judge, Matthew, Pharisees, righteousness, salvation, satan

Worship & the Next Six Days (Shepard Memorial)

The Joshua 24:29-33 burial notices for Joshua, Joseph's bones, and Eleazar, mark the fulfillment of the reign of Ephraim and means the transition can begin to the reign of Judah. The prophet greater than Moses, Jesus Christ, of the tribe of Judah, was buried and is resurrected and has poured out His Spirit on His people as a down-payment on the inheritance of the whole earth. We saw the difference it makes if our final destination is heaven or the new creation for how we live today. We saw that our innermost being is already a part of the new creation and can bear visible "new creation" fruit. And we saw that everything we do to serve the Lord Christ (at home, school, work, in our hobbies, etc.) can demonstrate that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is making all things new. May all of the glory go to God.

Click here or the title to listen to this sermon.

Labels: burial, christ, death, eleazar, ephraim, heaven, inheritance, joseph, joshua, judah, new creation, resurrection, serve, spirit

Worship & the Next Six Days (Peter Creek)

The Joshua 24:29-33 burial notices for Joshua, Joseph's bones, and Eleazar, mark the fulfillment of the reign of Ephraim and means the transition can begin to the reign of Judah. The prophet greater than Moses, Jesus Christ, of the tribe of Judah, was buried and is resurrected and has poured out His Spirit on His people as a down-payment on the inheritance of the whole earth. We saw the difference it makes if our final destination is heaven or the new creation for how we live today. We saw that our innermost being is already a part of the new creation and can bear visible "new creation" fruit. And we saw that everything we do to serve the Lord Christ (at home, school, work, in our hobbies, etc.) can demonstrate that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is making all things new. May all of the glory go to God.

Click here or the title to listen to this sermon.

Labels: burial, christ, death, eleazar, ephraim, heaven, inheritance, joseph, joshua, judah, new creation, resurrection, serve, spirit

Worship the True God in Wholeness & Truth (Shepard Memorial)

Joshua 24:1-28 again challenges and encourages the people of God to follow the LORD God in wholeness (with all of your heart and soul, or in spirit, or in Spirit) and in truth. The most quoted passage in Joshua, "Choose this day whom you will serve...But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (24:15) is not directed to people out there (evangelism) but to the people of God. The passage reminds us on this side of the cross of God's story that is our story in Christ and that we are able to serve the LORD wholeheartedly because we have the Holy Spirit He poured out on Pentecost. Able to choose not to sin because of the Spirit, Christians live a lifestyle of putting off idols of the heart. The challenge of the message is to identify and attack your idols one by one. May you grow in grace as you hear the proclamation of the word. Amen.

Click the title or here to listen.

Labels: christ, evangelism, heart, idolatry, idols, joshua, serve, soul, spirit, worship

Worship the True God in Wholeness & Truth (Peter Creek)

Joshua 24:1-28 again challenges and encourages the people of God to follow the LORD God in wholeness (with all of your heart and soul, or in spirit, or in Spirit) and in truth. The most quoted passage in Joshua, "Choose this day whom you will serve...But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (24:15) is not directed to people out there (evangelism) but to the people of God. The passage reminds us on this side of the cross of God's story that is our story in Christ and that we are able to serve the LORD wholeheartedly because we have the Holy Spirit He poured out on Pentecost. Able to choose not to sin because of the Spirit, Christians live a lifestyle of putting off idols of the heart. The challenge of the message is to identify and attack your idols one by one. May you grow in grace as you hear the proclamation of the word. Amen.

Click the title or here to listen.

Labels: christ, evangelism, heart, idolatry, idols, joshua, serve, soul, spirit, worship

Live Nativity Resumes (Shepard Memorial)

This is an advent sermon on Matthew 25:31-46 called "The Live Nativity Resumes" since we find sheep and goats and shepherds at the nativity of Christ and we find Christ is the shepherd separating the sheep and goats when He returns. He can tell the sheep and goats apart easily because the sheep are active in ministry to fellow Christians and the goats fail to serve other Christians. In a sense you "earn" eternal life because it is a reward for doing what God prepared beforehand for you to walk in.

Click Post Title or Here to Listen to MP3

Labels: christ, deacon, eternal life, goats, Matthew, minister, ministry, reward, servant, sheep, shepherd

Live Nativity Resumes (Peter Creek)

This is an advent sermon on Matthew 25:31-46 called "The Live Nativity Resumes" since we find sheep and goats and shepherds at the nativity of Christ and we find Christ is the shepherd separating the sheep and goats when He returns. He can tell the sheep and goats apart easily because the sheep are active in ministry to fellow Christians and the goats fail to serve other Christians.

Click here or post title to listen to the MP3

Labels: christ, deacon, eternal life, goats, Matthew, minister, ministry, servant, sheep, shepherd

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