Luke’s gospel begins with two angelic announcements and two prophetic songs. In these narratives, through both the words of the angel and the doxologies of Mary and Zechariah, we are given a further glimpse into God’s plan of salvation that would soon find its fulfillment in Christ Jesus. John’s miraculous birth prompted Zechariah to use his loosed tongue […]
In the early stages of Luke’s gospel, before Jesus Christ is even laid in the manger, we are given a foretaste of his life, his ministry, and his mission. Gabriel tells Mary that he will be great, the Son of the Most High and holy, and will reign over his kingdom forever. Then, the Spirit reveals to Elizabeth that Mary […]
In this sermon delivered on Christmas morning, Pastor Dave opens up God’s Word to reveal and explain the gracious gift of the incarnation: how God himself came to dwell among us, live for us, suffer like us, and die to save us from our sins.
“Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep” (Ps. 121:4). Traditionally sung by pilgrims traveling up to the temple in Jerusalem, this Song of Ascent declares the faithful, vigilant, keeping power of God over his chosen people. But can we Gentiles sing and apply this Psalm today? If we aren’t making pilgrimages to Jerusalem, celebrating Jewish feasts, or even […]
In this final psalm in the collection of psalms sung during the celebration of the Passover (Pss 113-118), God is thanked because of his perfect goodness and his unending mercies toward his covenant people. Though the church may be surrounded by enemies on all sides, though Satan himself seeks to accuse, to oppress, and to devour, and though we might […]
Just as we were once characterized by our spiritual death and alienation from and hatred of God, his immeasurable power in the gospel of grace has miraculously brought us from death to life for good works: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in […]
“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked” (Eph. 2:1-2). So begins one of the most well-known and comprehensive gospel summaries in all of Scripture. Paul, writing to the Ephesian church, is determined to explain the immeasurable power of God that is at work in those who believe: just as Christ has been […]
It is often the case that the gospel which people want to hear preached is not the gospel that we preach from Scripture. The unregenerate desires a gospel that will promise physical health, wealth, prosperity, comfort, emotional/mystical experiences, and a better life now. However, the gospel of Jesus Christ offers forgiveness from sins, a right standing before God, growth […]
Psalm 14 is rather unique in that, unlike the more familiar psalms of thanksgiving and praise, it is entirely centered on the total depravity and deplorable condition of the human race. Moreover, this psalm is repeated almost verbatim in Psalm 53 and is also quoted at length in one of the most pivotal chapters in the New Testament! […]
