Belgic Confession Sermons Archives - Covenant United Reformed Church

Discerning the True Church Confession: Belgic Confession: Article 29 (1-4) Scripture: Acts 2:36-42, Matthew 18:15-21 Preacher: Rev. David Inks   SERMON OUTLINE: * Introduction * I. Diligent Discernment Par. 1 II. Not a Question of Hypocrites Par. 2 III. The Three Marks of the True Church Par. 3-4 * Conclusion   SERMON VIDEO: https://youtu.be/JuZeHHd1Rfw [https://youtu.be/JuZeHHd1Rfw]   BELGIC CONFESSION: ARTICLE 29: THE MARKS OF THE TRUE CHURCH We believe that we ought to discern diligently and very carefully, by the Word of God, what is the true church—for all sects in the world today claim for themselves the name of “the church.” We are not speaking here of the company of hypocrites who are mixed among the good in the church and who nonetheless are not part of it, even though they are physically there. But we are speaking of distinguishing the body and fellowship of the true church from all sects that call themselves “the church.” The true church can be recognized if it has the following marks: The church engages in the pure preaching of the gospel; it makes use of the pure administration of the sacraments as Christ instituted them; it practices church discipline for correcting faults. In short, it governs itself according to the pure Word of God, rejecting all things contrary to it and holding Jesus Christ as the only Head. By these marks one can be assured of recognizing the true church—and no one ought to be separated from it. As for those who are of the church, we can recognize them by the distinguishing marks of Christians: namely by faith, and by their fleeing from sin and pursuing righteousness, once they have received the one and only Savior, Jesus Christ. They love the true God and their neighbors, without turning to the right or left, and they crucify the flesh and its works. Though great weakness remains in them, they fight against it by the Spirit all the days of their lives, appealing constantly to the blood, suffering, death, and obedience of the Lord Jesus, in whom they have forgiveness of their sins, through faith in him. As for the false church, it assigns more authority to itself and its ordinances than to the Word of God; it does not want to subject itself to the yoke of Christ; it does not administer the sacraments as Christ commanded in his Word; it rather adds to them or subtracts from them as it pleases; it bases itself on men, more than on Jesus Christ; it persecutes those who live holy lives according to the Word of God and who rebuke it for its faults, greed, and idolatry. These two churches are easy to recognize and thus to distinguish from each other.   SCRIPTURE READING: ACTS 2:36-42 (KING JAMES VERSION) 36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. 37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. MATTHEW 18:15-21 (KING JAMES VERSION) 15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. 18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. 21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?   FIND US ON: Web Site – www.fresnourc.com [http://www.fresnourc.com] Facebook – www.facebook.com/fresnourc [http://www.facebook.com/fresnourc] YouTube – www.youtube.com/user/fresnocurc [http://www.youtube.com/user/fresnocurc] iTunes – itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/covenant-urcs/id373736493?mt=2 [http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/covenant-urcs/id373736493?mt=2] The post Discerning the True Church [https://www.fresnourc.com/discerning-the-true-church/] appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church [https://www.fresnourc.com].

The Justification of Sinners Confession: Belgic Confession: Article 22 Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:21 (King James Version) Preacher: Elder Matt Balocca   SERMON VIDEO: https://youtu.be/1c66anMa4GQ [https://youtu.be/1c66anMa4GQ]   BELGIC CONFESSION: ARTICLE 23: THE JUSTIFICATION OF SINNERS We believe that our blessedness lies in the forgiveness of our sins because of Jesus Christ, and that in it our righteousness before God is contained, as David and Paul teach us when they declare that man blessed to whom God grants righteousness apart from works. And the same apostle says that we are justified “freely” or “by grace” through redemption in Jesus Christ. And therefore we cling to this foundation, which is firm forever, giving all glory to God, humbling ourselves, and recognizing ourselves as we are; not claiming a thing for ourselves or our merits and leaning and resting only on the obedience of Christ crucified, which is ours when we believe in him. That is enough to cover all our sins and to make us confident, freeing the conscience from the fear, dread, and terror of God’s approach, without doing what our first father, Adam, did, who trembled as he tried to cover himself with fig leaves. In fact, if we had to appear before God relying—no matter how little—on ourselves or some other creature, then, alas, we would be swallowed up. Therefore everyone must say with David: “Lord, do not enter into judgment with your servants, for before you no living person shall be justified.”   SCRIPTURE READING: 2 CORINTHIANS 5:21 (KING JAMES VERSION) 21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.   FIND US ON: Web Site – www.fresnourc.com [http://www.fresnourc.com] Facebook – www.facebook.com/fresnourc [http://www.facebook.com/fresnourc] YouTube – www.youtube.com/user/fresnocurc [http://www.youtube.com/user/fresnocurc] iTunes – itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/covenant-urcs/id373736493?mt=2 [http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/covenant-urcs/id373736493?mt=2] The post The Justification of Sinners [https://www.fresnourc.com/the-justification-of-sinners-2/] appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church [https://www.fresnourc.com].

It is Impossible to Love Christ and Leave His Bride Confession: Belgic Confession: Article 28 Scripture: Acts 2 Preacher: Rev. David Inks   SERMON OUTLINE: * Introduction * I. Christ Loves the Church — Satan Hates the Church P.1 II. You are Obligated to Join P.2 III. Unjoin from the World P.3 IV. It is a Grave Sin to Miss Church P.4 * Conclusion   SERMON VIDEO: https://youtu.be/cfIuRH7gxG4 [https://youtu.be/cfIuRH7gxG4]   BELGIC CONFESSION: ARTICLE 28: THE OBLIGATIONS OF CHURCH MEMBERS We believe that since this holy assembly and congregation is the gathering of those who are saved and there is no salvation apart from it, no one ought to withdraw from it, content to be by himself, regardless of his status or condition. But all people are obliged to join and unite with it, keeping the unity of the church by submitting to its instruction and discipline, by bending their necks under the yoke of Jesus Christ, and by serving to build up one another, according to the gifts God has given them as members of each other in the same body. And to preserve this unity more effectively, it is the duty of all believers, according to God’s Word, to separate themselves from those who do not belong to the church, in order to join this assembly wherever God has established it, even if civil authorities and royal decrees forbid and death and physical punishment result. And so, all who withdraw from the church or do not join it act contrary to God’s ordinance.   SCRIPTURE READING: ACTS 2 (KING JAMES VERSION) 1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. 7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? 8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? 9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, 10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. 12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? 13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine. 14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: 15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. 16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: 19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come: 21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. 22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: 23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: 24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. 25 For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: 26 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: 27 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 28 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. 29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. 30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; 31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. 32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. 33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. 34 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, 35 Until I make thy foes thy footstool. 36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. 37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.   FIND US ON: Web Site – www.fresnourc.com [http://www.fresnourc.com] Facebook – www.facebook.com/fresnourc [http://www.facebook.com/fresnourc] YouTube – www.youtube.com/user/fresnocurc [http://www.youtube.com/user/fresnocurc] iTunes – itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/covenant-urcs/id373736493?mt=2 [http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/covenant-urcs/id373736493?mt=2] The post It is Impossible to Love Christ and Leave His Bride [https://www.fresnourc.com/it-is-impossible-to-love-christ-and-leave-his-bride/] appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church [https://www.fresnourc.com].

What Kind of Body? Confession: Belgic Confession: Article 37 Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:20-22, 35-58 Preacher: Rev. David Inks   SERMON OUTLINE: * Introduction * I. 2 Adams II. A Change in KIND III. A KIND Achieved & Applied by Christ * Conclusion   SERMON VIDEO: https://youtu.be/louWg2_8bjY [https://youtu.be/louWg2_8bjY]   BELGIC CONFESSION: ARTICLE 37: THE LAST JUDGMENT Finally, we believe, according to God’s Word, that when the time appointed by the Lord is come (which is unknown to all creatures) and the number of the elect is complete, our Lord Jesus Christ will come from heaven, bodily and visibly, as he ascended, with great glory and majesty, to declare himself the judge of the living and the dead. He will burn this old world, in fire and flame, in order to cleanse it. Then all human creatures will appear in person before that great judge—men, women, and children, who have lived from the beginning until the end of the world. They will be summoned there by the voice of the archangel and by the sound of the divine trumpet. For all those who died before that time will be raised from the earth, their spirits being joined and united with their own bodies in which they lived. And as for those who are still alive, they will not die like the others but will be changed “in the twinkling of an eye” from “corruptible to incorruptible.”   SCRIPTURE READING: 1 CORINTHIANS 15:20-22 (KING JAMES VERSION) 20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 1 CORINTHIANS 15:35-58 (KING JAMES VERSION) 35 But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? 36 Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: 37 And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: 38 But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body. 39 All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. 40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. 41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. 42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: 43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. 46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. 47 The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven. 48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. 49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. 50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.   FIND US ON: Web Site – www.fresnourc.com [http://www.fresnourc.com] Facebook – www.facebook.com/fresnourc [http://www.facebook.com/fresnourc] YouTube – www.youtube.com/user/fresnocurc [http://www.youtube.com/user/fresnocurc] iTunes – itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/covenant-urcs/id373736493?mt=2 [http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/covenant-urcs/id373736493?mt=2] The post What Kind of Body? [https://www.fresnourc.com/what-kind-of-body/] appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church [https://www.fresnourc.com].

Christ’s Global and Growing Church Confession: Belgic Confession: Article 27 Scripture: Matthew 16:13-19, Ephesians 4:9-16 Preacher: Rev. David Inks   SERMON OUTLINE: * Introduction * I. The Church’s Call to Worship II. To the End of the Age III. To the Whole Globe IV. The Church Growing Yet Shrinking * Conclusion   SERMON VIDEO: Christ’s Global and Growing Church [https://img.youtube.com/vi/tI3YW9CWjYs/2.jpg]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tI3YW9CWjYs Click here to view the video on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tI3YW9CWjYs]. https://youtu.be/tI3YW9CWjYs [https://youtu.be/tI3YW9CWjYs]   BELGIC CONFESSION: ARTICLE 27: THE HOLY CATHOLIC CHURCH We believe and confess One single catholic or universal church—a holy congregation and gathering of true Christian believers, awaiting their entire salvation in Jesus Christ being washed by his blood, and sanctified and sealed by the Holy Spirit. This church has existed from the beginning of the world and will last until the end, as appears from the fact that Christ is eternal King who cannot be without subjects. And this holy church is preserved by God against the rage of the whole world, even though for a time it may appear very small in the eyes of men—as though it were snuffed out. For example, during the very dangerous time of Ahab the Lord preserved for himself seven thousand men who did not bend their knees to Baal. And so this holy church is not confined, bound, or limited to a certain place or certain persons. But it is spread and dispersed throughout the entire world, though still joined and united in heart and will, in one and the same Spirit, by the power of faith.   SCRIPTURE READING: MATTHEW 16:13-19 (KING JAMES VERSION) 13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? 14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. 15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. EPHESIANS 4:9-16 (KING JAMES VERSION) 9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.   FIND US ON: Web Site – www.fresnourc.com [http://www.fresnourc.com] Facebook – www.facebook.com/fresnourc [http://www.facebook.com/fresnourc] YouTube – www.youtube.com/user/fresnocurc [http://www.youtube.com/user/fresnocurc] iTunes – itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/covenant-urcs/id373736493?mt=2 [http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/covenant-urcs/id373736493?mt=2] The post Christ’s Global and Growing Church [https://www.fresnourc.com/christs-global-and-growing-church/] appeared first on Covenant United Reformed Church [https://www.fresnourc.com].