Oct 31

Oct 31 Deus Vult | How Should Christians Vote? | Phil 2:9-11, Psalm 94:20-21, Proverbs 24:11-12

Voting is a significant topic in our present era. Notably, there is tension among Christians as political candidates seldom perfectly reflect biblical values. The Democrat Party platform explicitly supports that which God calls hates (homosexuality, transgenderism, abortion, entitlement programs, etc.). However, the Republican Party regularly puts forth candidates with questionable morals and has recently removed the pro-life plank from its platform. How should Christians vote? Should Christians vote? This sermon addresses several critical passages of Scripture related to Christ’s Kingship over all the nations, the call to not ally ourselves with wicked rulers, and the command to rescue the innocent being led away to death. While voting was not a part of biblical cultures, the command to rescue the innocent is clear. The choice is between a party/candidate that actively wishes to increase abortions and a party/candidate that does not. Faithful Christians must vote to stop abortion.

Dec 18

Dec 18 Acts 5 | Holy Spirit Unity and Civil Disobedience for the Gospel

Daniel Samms

Obey God

The book of Acts is about the proclamation of the Gospel, and the Holy Spirit is the Star. The recurring pattern of this book is that the Holy Spirit does something, and the gospel is preached. Chapter five is no exception. In the first section, we see the account of Ananias and Sapphire lying about their donation to the Church. Pastor Dan clarifies some misconceptions about why these two faced such a severe punishment. Along the way, we learn that the voluntary donation of resources in the church, which provides for the poor, is nothing like Marxism/Communism. The last part of the chapter addresses the apostles’ civil disobedience against the apostate religious leaders of Jerusalem and the magisterial authority of the Roman government, which they welded.

When should we disobey governing authorities? When should we defy religious authorities? Acts 5 provides a clear example of when to obey God rather than men. Praise God that the gospel remains as its enemies are converted, destroyed, or forgotten.

Sep 4

Sep 4 Obedience to Christ Against Tyranny

Daniel Samms

Obey God

Tyranny is when an authority or group of authorities steps outside their God-ordained roles either through overstep or abdication of responsibilities. 1 Samuel 8 warns against tyranny as the prophet reminds God's people that the tyrant will seek to place himself in the role of God, taking a tenth, conscripting for war, and taking children for his purposes. The ultimate solution is to obey God and defy tyrants. The choice is between Christ and chaos. Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Mark 12:28ff, and Matthew 28:18-20 provide clear directions on how to battle tyranny through faithful living. However, there are a few other key passages such as Exodus 1, Daniel 1,3, and 6, Acts 5:29, and Judges 3 and 4 that give models for how to respond to tyranny.