Hating the High Places (2nd Commandment) — Law Homily

The Effectual Doer (James 1:19–27) — Wisdom for Pilgrims

James 1:19–27 presses a searching question: are we merely hearing the Word, or are we receiving it with meekness and becoming doers? The implanted Word of God does not leave us unchanged. It humbles the proud heart, bridles the tongue, restrains sinful anger, moves us toward the afflicted, and teaches us to walk unspotted from the world. James warns us that it is possible to sit under the Word, admire the Word, know the Word, and still deceive ourselves if we refuse to obey it. True religion is not decorative. It is not mere talk, mere zeal, or mere agreement. It is the fruit of a heart brought under the saving Word of God. So do not only glance into the mirror and walk away. Look into the perfect law of liberty and continue in it. Receive the Word meekly. Lay aside sin honestly. Bridle your tongue. Visit the afflicted. Keep yourself unstained from the world. Christ does not merely forgive sinners; He frees and remakes them. The Word that saves also sanctifies. Be doers of the Word, and not hearers only. Title: The Effectual Doer Series: Wisdom for Pilgrims (The General Epistle of James) Main Passage: James 1:19–27 Preacher: Derrick Taylor Date: July 12, 2026 For more information about Christ the King Reformed Church please visit our website: https://ctkreformed.com

What is God’s “Name?” (3rd Commandment) — Law Homily

We often think that taking God's name in vain is just about swearing or flippant language, but God's "name" means so much more. It speaks of His reputation, His character, His divine attributes, and the very order of His creation. We must not only examine what we say, but how we honor God through our thoughts, conduct, and the way we influence those around us. “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” —Exodus 20:7 Title: What Is God’s “Name?” Series: Law Homilies Preacher: Robert J. Hewitt III (Elder Candidate) Date: July 12, 2026 For more information about Christ the King Reformed Church please visit our website: https://ctkreformed.com

Hating the High Places (2nd Commandment) — Law Homily

The Second Commandment does not merely forbid private acts of idolatry; it teaches us how to think about all false worship. Christians are called to preserve and strengthen right worship first in our homes and in the church, confessing where we have lacked conviction or courage, and praying that civil leaders would honor their responsibility before God. False worship should not be treated as a harmless feature of religious pluralism, but as something God’s people must disapprove, detest, oppose, and — according to each person’s place and calling — remove. Repentance begins where God has given us responsibility: teaching our households, strengthening the church, speaking truth courageously, and preparing ourselves to act faithfully when God gives opportunity. "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments." —Exodus 20:4–6 Title: Hating the High Places Series: Law Homilies Preacher: Derrick Taylor Date: July 5, 2026 For more information about Christ the King Reformed Church please visit our website: https://ctkreformed.com

The Crown of Life (James 1:12–18) — Wisdom for Pilgrims

James 1:12–18 shows us that every trial forces a question: will we interpret hardship through the serpent’s lie, or through the Father’s goodness? Temptation begins when we start to believe that God is withholding something good from us. From there, lust conceives sin, and sin brings forth death. But James calls us to a better verdict: “Do not err.” Every good and perfect gift comes from the Father of lights, who does not change. Even the trials we would never choose are being used by God to prove, refine, and grow His people. The world, the flesh, and the devil mean hardship for our destruction, but our Father means it for our good. The crown of life is not earned by our endurance; it was won by Christ, who endured every temptation without sin. Christians endure not to become beloved children, but because we already are beloved in Christ. So whatever trial comes this week, do not interpret it as abandonment. Receive it by faith from the Father who gives good gifts, strengthens His people, and has promised life through His Son. Title: The Crown of Life Series: Wisdom for Pilgrims (The General Epistle of James) Main Passage: James 1:12–18 Preacher: Derrick Taylor Date: July 5, 2026 For more information about Christ the King Reformed Church please visit our website: https://ctkreformed.com

The Truth of the LORD Endureth (James 1:9–11) — Wisdom for Pilgrims

The grass withers. The flower falls. But the Word of our God stands forever. This sermon on James 1:9–11 considers poverty, wealth, and the temptation to read God’s favor through earthly circumstances—and calls us to boast only in the Lord. Title: The Truth of the LORD Endureth Series: Wisdom for Pilgrims (The General Epistle of James) Main Passage: James 1:9–11 Preacher: Derrick Taylor Date: June 28, 2026 For more information about Christ the King Reformed Church please visit our website: https://ctkreformed.com