Episodes

  • Each of Us Deserves God's Wrath

    Each of Us Deserves God's Wrath
    Jan 10 2026
    What does every sin deserve? Deuteronomy 27:11–26 looks forward to the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these sixteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that every sin deserves the wrath and curse of God. This passage presents a solemn covenantal ceremony in which the Levites pronounce curses upon individuals who commit specific abominable sins, ranging from secret idolatry and contempt for parents to exploitation of the vulnerable, sexual perversions, and murder. These curses, delivered in a public, communal setting with the people responding 'Amen' to each, underscore the individual guilt of every human before a holy God, revealing that every sin—especially those hidden in the heart—deserves divine wrath. The final curse, which condemns anyone who fails to uphold the entire law, points to the impossibility of human righteousness and the need for a substitute. The devotional emphasizes that only Christ, who knew no sin, became a curse in our place, bearing the full weight of God's wrath so that believers might receive His righteousness—making salvation possible only through faith in Christ.
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    15 mins
  • Living in Relation to YHWH

    Living in Relation to YHWH
    Jan 9 2026
    How does YHWH emphasize to us that all of life is lived in relationship to Him? Proverbs 20:20–28 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these nine verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that, in relating to parents, kings, and even ourselves, we discover that all of life is a relating to YHWH. The devotional culls us to live wisely by cultivating a reverent, trusting relationship with YHWH in every sphere of life—toward parents, oneself, and earthly authorities. Proverbs 20:20–28 emphasizes that honoring parents reflects our ultimate duty to God, Whom they represent to their children, while reckless pursuit of personal gain or vengeance reveals a failure to trust Him. The passage warns against self-reliance, highlighting that human understanding is limited and that dishonesty—whether in business or in thought—is abominable to the Lord, Who sees the depths of the heart. It further calls for a godly fear of earthly rulers as reflections of God's sovereign authority, urging believers to honor them not for their perfection but as stewards under the King of Kings, Whose mercy and truth are of the essence of His governance. Ultimately, the fear of the Lord is presented as the foundation of wisdom, expressed in how we relate to others and ourselves with humility, integrity, and covenant faithfulness.
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    18 mins
  • Wisdom Under Rulers Under the Sun

    Wisdom Under Rulers Under the Sun
    Jan 7 2026
    What should we do when rulers rise against us? Ecclesiastes 10:4–7 prepares us for the hearing of God's Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we should be faithful and gentle, not hoping in the ruler's response, but in the living God. The devotional calls believers to exercise wisdom and faithfulness in the face of unjust or hostile authority, emphasizing that remaining steadfast in one's post—even when the ruler's spirit rises against them—is a mark of godly discernment. While conciliation can pacify great offenses and sometimes lead to restored relationships, the preacher warns that earthly outcomes are not guaranteed, as wisdom is often not rewarded in this life. The book of Ecclesiastes exposes the reality that folly is frequently exalted while the wise and faithful are humbled, reflecting the brokenness of life under the sun. Yet Christians are called not to seek immediate vindication, but to live wisely for God's glory, trusting in His ultimate justice and finding opportunity to reflect Christ's character in suffering. This faithful endurance, especially under unjust treatment, becomes a powerful testimony of the gospel, as believers embody the humility and trust of Christ, who entrusted Himself to the Father. Ultimately, the believer's reward is not in earthly recognition, but in the sanctifying work of the Spirit and the eternal glory of Christ.
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    12 mins
  • Great Need for Great Wisdom

    Great Need for Great Wisdom
    Jan 7 2026
    Our need for grace is increased by the greatness of our need for wisdom.
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    28 mins
  • The Perils of Pride

    The Perils of Pride
    Jan 7 2026
    Why was it impossible for the cup to pass from Jesus? Matthew 26:30–46 looks forward to the morning sermon in the holy assembly on the coming Lord's Day. In these seventeen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that it was impossible for Jesus not to drink the cup of wrath, because, in our sinfulness, we are exactly opposite His righteousness. This passage reveals the profound contrast between our pride and Christ's humility. Jesus, fully aware of His impending betrayal and crucifixion, submits completely to the Father's will, praying with deep anguish yet unwavering obedience. In stark contrast, Peter's pride leads him to deny his own weakness, contradict Scripture, despise his fellow disciples, and fail to depend on the Lord by prayer—exposing the fatal danger of self-reliance even among believers. The devotional underscores that pride distorts truth, breeds contempt for others, and blinds one to spiritual need, while Christ exemplifies the opposite: humble submission, selfless love, and dependence on God. Ultimately, Christ's not only atones for our pride but also transforms us by His Spirit, conforming us to His image through grace, watchfulness, and prayer.
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    19 mins
  • The Glory of the Groom

    The Glory of the Groom
    Jan 6 2026
    How does Christ glorify Himself? Song of Songs 3:7–11 prepares us for the evening sermon on the coming Lord's Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Christ glorifies Himself most of all in His bride. The devotional unfolds Song of Songs 3:7–11, which portrays Christ as the glorified Bridegroom, Whose wedding procession glorifies His redemptive work in the Church's ultimate destiny. Through progressive praise—from His secure comfort guarded by valiant servants, to His exalted conveyance adorned with divine materials, and finally to His crowned glory—the bride redirects all admiration from herself to Christ, recognizing that every good thing in the Church is His work. The passage emphasizes that Christ's joy is fulfilled in the perfection and glorification of His bride, who is not merely beloved, but serves as His crowning glory, reflecting His wisdom, love, and faithfulness. The devotional calls the Church to a posture of humble adoration, where every expression of praise for the Church's beauty ultimately glorifies Christ, the Source and Sustainer of all grace. This culminates in the vision of the final day—the day of the gladness of His heart—when the Church, fully sanctified, will be presented to Him in eternal joy.
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    20 mins
  • You Sinned and Died in Adam

    You Sinned and Died in Adam
    Jan 5 2026
    Pastor walks his children through Children's Catechism question 34—especially explaining how Adam was acting for us in the Covenant of Works. Q34. Did Adam act for himself alone in the covenant of works? No; he represented all his posterity. The lesson centers on the biblical doctrine of federal representation, emphasizing that Adam did not act solely for himself in the covenant of works but served as a representative head for all humanity, including his wife and all who would come from him, after him. Drawing from Romans 5:12 and 1 Corinthians 15:22, it underscores that sin and death entered the world through Adam's disobedience and spread to all people because all sinned in him. Christ, the new Adam, born of a virgin, stands outside of Adam's lineage and thus offers a new federal headship of a new race. The unity of humanity in Adam anticipates the hope of redemption in Christ.
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    4 mins
  • The Glory of the Bride

    The Glory of the Bride
    Jan 4 2026
    The Bride's glory consists entirely of what the Bridegroom has done for her: redeeming her, drawing her near, and likening her to Himself.
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    32 mins
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