Grace & Peace PGH https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org no en-us ℗ & © 2024 Grace and Peace Presbyterian Church: Pittsburgh, PA Sermons from Grace and Peace Presbyterian Church: Pittsburgh, PA Grace and Peace Presbyterian Church: Pittsburgh, PA Weekly sermons from Grace & Peace PCA in Pittsburgh, PA. Weekly sermons from Grace & Peace PCA in Pittsburgh, PA. Travis Scott travis@graceandpeacepgh.org The Woman and the Dragon The Woman and the Dragon https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2024-03-24/the-woman-and-the-dragon “From the expulsion from Eden, God’s people have been an expectant mother, awaiting the birth of the Seed who would champion their cause against Satan the liar, accuser, and murderer.” – Dennis E. Johnson “From the expulsion from Eden, God’s people have been an expectant mother, awaiting the birth of the Seed who would champion their cause against Satan the liar, accuser, and murderer.” – Dennis E. Johnson https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2024-03-24/304/the-woman-and-the-dragon Sun, 24 Mar 2024 11:30:00 -0400 Interlude Two: The Witnessing Church Interlude Two: The Witnessing Church https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2024-03-17/interlude-two-the-witnessing-church “The contribution of the Revelation to the work of witness is not instruction, telling us how to make a coherent apology of the faith, but imagination, strengthening the spirit with images that keep us ‘steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord’ (1 Cor 15:58). Instruction in witness is important, but courage is critical, for it takes place in pitched battle.” – Eugene H. Peterson “The contribution of the Revelation to the work of witness is not instruction, telling us how to make a coherent apology of the faith, but imagination, strengthening the spirit with images that keep us ‘steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord’ (1 Cor 15:58). Instruction in witness is important, but courage is critical, for it takes place in pitched battle.” – Eugene H. Peterson https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2024-03-17/303/interlude-two-the-witnessing-church Sun, 17 Mar 2024 11:30:00 -0400 Interlude One: The 144,000 and the Great Multitude Interlude One: The 144,000 and the Great Multitude https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2024-03-10/interlude-one-the-144-000-and-the-great-multitude “…not because Christians in the late first century were actually innumerable, but because of John’s faith in the fulfillment of all the promises of God through Christ, the church is depicted as an innumerable company drawn from all nations.” – Richard Bauckham, The Theology of the Book of Revelation, 77. “…not because Christians in the late first century were actually innumerable, but because of John’s faith in the fulfillment of all the promises of God through Christ, the church is depicted as an innumerable company drawn from all nations.” – Richard Bauckham, The Theology of the Book of Revelation, 77. https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2024-03-10/302/interlude-one-the-144-000-and-the-great-multitude Sun, 10 Mar 2024 11:30:00 -0500 The Seven Seals & Seven Trumpets The Seven Seals & Seven Trumpets https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2024-03-03/the-seven-seals-seven-trumpets “Seven is the number of perfection, implying something done according to the divine design, the number of completion. Three implies the greatest or ultimate expression of something. So seven times three indicates triple perfection! These judgments describe the complete, perfect erasure of evil.” – Scot McKnight, Revelation for the Rest of Us, 110. “Seven is the number of perfection, implying something done according to the divine design, the number of completion. Three implies the greatest or ultimate expression of something. So seven times three indicates triple perfection! These judgments describe the complete, perfect erasure of evil.” – Scot McKnight, Revelation for the Rest of Us, 110. https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2024-03-03/300/the-seven-seals-seven-trumpets Sun, 3 Mar 2024 11:30:00 -0500 Open Discussion: February 25 Open Discussion: February 25 https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2024-02-25/open-discussion-february-25 “Questions are never indiscreet, answers sometimes are.” – Oscar Wilde “Questions are never indiscreet, answers sometimes are.” – Oscar Wilde https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2024-02-25/301/open-discussion-february-25 Sun, 25 Feb 2024 11:30:00 -0500 The Lamb Upon the Throne The Lamb Upon the Throne https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2024-02-18/the-lamb-upon-the-throne “In the heart of ultimate reality, John saw a Savior who still bears the marks of his suffering – a Lamb who was slain, yet conquered death.” – Nancy Guthrie, Blessed, 98. “In the heart of ultimate reality, John saw a Savior who still bears the marks of his suffering – a Lamb who was slain, yet conquered death.” – Nancy Guthrie, Blessed, 98. https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2024-02-18/299/the-lamb-upon-the-throne Sun, 18 Feb 2024 11:30:00 -0500 The Throne in Heaven The Throne in Heaven https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2024-02-11/the-throne-in-heaven “The worship of God is the heartbeat of the cosmos, even when we humans on earth do not see it, participate in it, or value it. Only God is worthy to receive what others, especially powerful political figures, may want or demand: our total devotion, our praise, our crowns.” – Michael J. Gorman, Reading Revelation Responsibly, 107. “The worship of God is the heartbeat of the cosmos, even when we humans on earth do not see it, participate in it, or value it. Only God is worthy to receive what others, especially powerful political figures, may want or demand: our total devotion, our praise, our crowns.” – Michael J. Gorman, Reading Revelation Responsibly, 107. https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2024-02-11/298/the-throne-in-heaven Sun, 11 Feb 2024 11:30:00 -0500 The Purpose of Christ's Letters The Purpose of Christ's Letters https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2024-02-04/the-purpose-of-christs-letters “The messages to the seven churches establish a context in which readers of Revelation can ponder the meaning of the visions that will unfold in the next chapters. We have seen that those who were first addressed by the book faced issues ranging from persecution, to assimilation, to the complacency that arises from prosperity… The promises that were made at the end of each message are not forgotten in the visions that follow but points us to the final chapters of Revelation, when the faithful find everlasting life in the New Jerusalem.” – Craig R. Koester, Revelation and the End of All Things, 73-74 “The messages to the seven churches establish a context in which readers of Revelation can ponder the meaning of the visions that will unfold in the next chapters. We have seen that those who were first addressed by the book faced issues ranging from persecution, to assimilation, to the complacency that arises from prosperity… The promises that were made at the end of each message are not forgotten in the visions that follow but points us to the final chapters of Revelation, when the faithful find everlasting life in the New Jerusalem.” – Craig R. Koester, Revelation and the End of All Things, 73-74 https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2024-02-04/297/the-purpose-of-christs-letters Sun, 4 Feb 2024 11:30:00 -0500 The Letter to the Church in Laodicea The Letter to the Church in Laodicea https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2024-01-28/the-letter-to-the-church-in-laodicea “The reproof is startling and designed to bring change. The goal is to shake the congregation out of its complacency and into a renewed relationship with Christ.” – Craig R. Koster, Revelation and the End of All Things, 73. “The reproof is startling and designed to bring change. The goal is to shake the congregation out of its complacency and into a renewed relationship with Christ.” – Craig R. Koster, Revelation and the End of All Things, 73. https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2024-01-28/296/the-letter-to-the-church-in-laodicea Sun, 28 Jan 2024 11:30:00 -0500 Learning Contentment Learning Contentment https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2024-01-21/learning-contentment This is a sermon from guest preacher, Gavin Breeden. This is a sermon from guest preacher, Gavin Breeden. https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2024-01-21/295/learning-contentment Sun, 21 Jan 2024 11:30:00 -0500 Open Discussion: January 14, 2024 Open Discussion: January 14, 2024 https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2024-01-14/open-discussion-january-14-2024 “Could it be that the Christian faith is unthinkable for many people today more from prejudice, misinformation, and neglect than from honest investigation?” – Dick Keyes, “A Crisis of Meaning” in Finding God at Harvard, 85. “Could it be that the Christian faith is unthinkable for many people today more from prejudice, misinformation, and neglect than from honest investigation?” – Dick Keyes, “A Crisis of Meaning” in Finding God at Harvard, 85. https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2024-01-14/294/open-discussion-january-14-2024 Sun, 14 Jan 2024 11:30:00 -0500 We Shall Be Like Him We Shall Be Like Him https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-12-31/we-shall-be-like-him This is a sermon from guest preacher, Gavin Breeden. This is a sermon from guest preacher, Gavin Breeden. https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-12-31/293/we-shall-be-like-him Sun, 31 Dec 2023 11:30:00 -0500 Advent & Consummation Advent & Consummation https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-12-24/advent-consummation “…to be heavenly minded is to live in light of the age to come. To maintain a heavenly orientation is not to withdraw from the earthly creation but rather to view the earthly in light of the heavenly.” – Michael D. Williams, Far As the Curse is Found, 301. “…to be heavenly minded is to live in light of the age to come. To maintain a heavenly orientation is not to withdraw from the earthly creation but rather to view the earthly in light of the heavenly.” – Michael D. Williams, Far As the Curse is Found, 301. https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-12-24/292/advent-consummation Sun, 24 Dec 2023 11:30:00 -0500 Advent & Redemption Advent & Redemption https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-12-17/advent-redemption “God’s answer to everything that ever terrorized us is a child. The power of God is so far superior to the Assyrias and all the big shots of this world that he can defeat them by coming as a mere child. His answer to the bullies swaggering through history is not to become an even bigger bully. His answer is Jesus.” – Raymond C. Ortlund Jr., Isaiah: God Saves Sinners, 99. “God’s answer to everything that ever terrorized us is a child. The power of God is so far superior to the Assyrias and all the big shots of this world that he can defeat them by coming as a mere child. His answer to the bullies swaggering through history is not to become an even bigger bully. His answer is Jesus.” – Raymond C. Ortlund Jr., Isaiah: God Saves Sinners, 99. https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-12-17/291/advent-redemption Sun, 17 Dec 2023 11:30:00 -0500 Advent & the Fall Advent & the Fall https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-12-10/advent-the-fall “God’s first word to fallen man has all the marks of grace. It is a question, since to help him He must draw rather than drive him out of hiding.” – Derek Kidner, Genesis, 70. “God’s first word to fallen man has all the marks of grace. It is a question, since to help him He must draw rather than drive him out of hiding.” – Derek Kidner, Genesis, 70. https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-12-10/290/advent-the-fall Sun, 10 Dec 2023 11:30:00 -0500 Advent & Creation Advent & Creation https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-12-03/advent-creation “You have made us for yourself and restless is our heart until it comes to rest in you.” – Augustine “You have made us for yourself and restless is our heart until it comes to rest in you.” – Augustine https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-12-03/289/advent-creation Sun, 3 Dec 2023 11:30:00 -0500 More Than We Can Imagine: The Security of Our New Community More Than We Can Imagine: The Security of Our New Community https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-11-26/more-than-we-can-imagine-the-security-of-our-new-community This is a sermon from the guest preacher, Derek Bates. This is a sermon from the guest preacher, Derek Bates. https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-11-26/288/more-than-we-can-imagine-the-security-of-our-new-community Sun, 26 Nov 2023 11:30:00 -0500 The Letter to the Church in Philadelphia The Letter to the Church in Philadelphia https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-11-19/the-letter-to-the-church-in-philadelphia “The letter to the church at Philadelphia invites us to ask ourselves: Am I walking through the doors that Jesus has opened for me to share the gospel?” – Nancy Guthrie, Blessed: Experiencing the Promise of the Book of Revelation, 82 “The letter to the church at Philadelphia invites us to ask ourselves: Am I walking through the doors that Jesus has opened for me to share the gospel?” – Nancy Guthrie, Blessed: Experiencing the Promise of the Book of Revelation, 82 https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-11-19/287/the-letter-to-the-church-in-philadelphia Sun, 19 Nov 2023 11:30:00 -0500 Open Discussion: November 12, 2023 Open Discussion: November 12, 2023 https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-11-12/open-discussion-november-12-2023 This week's open discussion. This week's open discussion. https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-11-12/286/open-discussion-november-12-2023 Sun, 12 Nov 2023 11:30:00 -0500 The Gospel Defined The Gospel Defined https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-11-05/the-gospel-defined This is a sermon from guest preacher, Nameun Cho. This is a sermon from guest preacher, Nameun Cho. https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-11-05/283/the-gospel-defined Sun, 5 Nov 2023 11:30:00 -0400 The Letter to the Church in Sardis The Letter to the Church in Sardis https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-10-29/the-letter-to-the-church-in-sardis Travis' comments on the Letter to the Church of Sardis: "Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy." - Revelation 3:4 Sardis is one of two churches in Revelation 2-3 that receives only a rebuke and no commendation. Some folks wonder if that is correct? Isn't 3:4 a commendation of this church? That is obviously a valid question, but I think the answer is no. Without going too far into the weeds here, I think what we find in 3:4 is more of an acknowledgement than a commendation. That is, while the church in Sardis overall is receiving no commendation, Jesus is acknowledging that there are a few people in the church who are walking in faithful allegiance to him. There a few reasons why I say this. First, the overall tone of this letter should guide how we interpret verse 4. Second, when compared to the other letters that receive both commendation and rebuke, the letter to Sardis is more negative in its tone. Third, even though there is commendable behavior mention in 3:4 (they are worthy), the emphasis in this verse seems to fall on the small number of people this represents (only a few names). Thus, the idea seems to be that though there are a small number of people who are faithful in Sardis, the church overall is dead and needs to wake up (3:1-3). So, while a few people receive an encouraging word of commendation, the church as a whole doesn't. That's different from most of the other letters. Travis' comments on the Letter to the Church of Sardis: "Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy." - Revelation 3:4 Sardis is one of two churches in Revelation 2-3 that receives only a rebuke and no commendation. Some folks wonder if that is correct? Isn't 3:4 a commendation of this church? That is obviously a valid question, but I think the answer is no. Without going too far into the weeds here, I think what we find in 3:4 is more of an acknowledgement than a commendation. That is, while the church in Sardis overall is receiving no commendation, Jesus is acknowledging that there are a few people in the church who are walking in faithful allegiance to him. There a few reasons why I say this. First, the overall tone of this letter should guide how we interpret verse 4. Second, when compared to the other letters that receive both commendation and rebuke, the letter to Sardis is more negative in its tone. Third, even though there is commendable behavior mention in 3:4 (they are worthy), the emphasis in this verse seems to fall on the small number of people this represents (only a few names). Thus, the idea seems to be that though there are a small number of people who are faithful in Sardis, the church overall is dead and needs to wake up (3:1-3). So, while a few people receive an encouraging word of commendation, the church as a whole doesn't. That's different from most of the other letters. https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-10-29/285/the-letter-to-the-church-in-sardis Sun, 29 Oct 2023 11:30:00 -0400 The Letter to the Church in Thyatira The Letter to the Church in Thyatira https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-10-22/the-letter-to-the-church-in-thyatira Some challenges of idolatry for the modern believer: Far from idolatry being a relic of the distant past of paganism, idolatry is an ever present temptation and struggle for believers in every age, including our materialistic, rationalistic, and scientific one. Some challenges of idolatry for the modern believer: Far from idolatry being a relic of the distant past of paganism, idolatry is an ever present temptation and struggle for believers in every age, including our materialistic, rationalistic, and scientific one. https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-10-22/284/the-letter-to-the-church-in-thyatira Sun, 22 Oct 2023 11:30:00 -0400 The Letter to the Church in Pergamum The Letter to the Church in Pergamum https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-10-15/the-letter-to-the-church-in-pergamum "Seven churches, different in so many ways from one another. Seven churches, similar in so many ways to the churches in which we live and serve Jesus. What one thing do all these churches need to fortify them against the enemy's frontal assaults, to make them savvy to his subtle stratagems, and to make them loyal to God and compassionate toward their oppressors? They need to hear Jesus' voice... His voice addresses us today in his letters to the seven churches of Asia, for each letter is what the Spirit says to all the churches." —Dennis E. Johnson "Seven churches, different in so many ways from one another. Seven churches, similar in so many ways to the churches in which we live and serve Jesus. What one thing do all these churches need to fortify them against the enemy's frontal assaults, to make them savvy to his subtle stratagems, and to make them loyal to God and compassionate toward their oppressors? They need to hear Jesus' voice... His voice addresses us today in his letters to the seven churches of Asia, for each letter is what the Spirit says to all the churches." —Dennis E. Johnson https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-10-15/282/the-letter-to-the-church-in-pergamum Sun, 15 Oct 2023 11:30:00 -0400 The Letter to the Church in Smyrna, Pt. 2 The Letter to the Church in Smyrna, Pt. 2 https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-10-08/the-letter-to-the-church-in-smyrna-pt-2 "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." —Jim Elliot "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." —Jim Elliot https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-10-08/281/the-letter-to-the-church-in-smyrna-pt-2 Sun, 8 Oct 2023 11:30:00 -0400 The Letter to the Church in Smyrna The Letter to the Church in Smyrna https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-10-01/the-letter-to-the-church-in-smyrna "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." —Jim Elliot "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." —Jim Elliot https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-10-01/280/the-letter-to-the-church-in-smyrna Sun, 1 Oct 2023 11:30:00 -0400 The Letter to the Church in Ephesus The Letter to the Church in Ephesus https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-09-24/the-letter-to-the-church-in-ephesus "A church can continue only for so long on a loveless course. Continuing on that course means ceasing to be a church. Its lampstand is removed." —Leon Morris "A church can continue only for so long on a loveless course. Continuing on that course means ceasing to be a church. Its lampstand is removed." —Leon Morris https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-09-24/279/the-letter-to-the-church-in-ephesus Sun, 24 Sep 2023 11:30:00 -0400 Jesus and the Seven Churches Jesus and the Seven Churches https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-09-10/jesus-and-the-seven-churches Note: This recording had an error part way through and ended abruptly. Apologies for the delayed upload and partial sermon. Note: This recording had an error part way through and ended abruptly. Apologies for the delayed upload and partial sermon. https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-09-10/278/jesus-and-the-seven-churches Sun, 10 Sep 2023 11:30:00 -0400 The Vision of the Son of Man The Vision of the Son of Man https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-09-03/the-vision-of-the-son-of-man "From this point onwards, the centrality of Christ is the ruling theme of Revelation. All things depend on their relation to him." —Michael Wilcock "From this point onwards, the centrality of Christ is the ruling theme of Revelation. All things depend on their relation to him." —Michael Wilcock https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-09-03/277/the-vision-of-the-son-of-man Sun, 3 Sep 2023 11:30:00 -0400 It's the End of the World As We Know It It's the End of the World As We Know It https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-08-27/its-the-end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it "It's the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine." —R.E.M. "It's the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine." —R.E.M. https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-08-27/276/its-the-end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it Sun, 27 Aug 2023 11:30:00 -0400 Rejoice With Me Rejoice With Me https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-08-20/rejoice-with-me "When a sinner turns to God, heaven throws a party. The prospect of such joy keeps Jesus associating with sinners." —Darrel L. Bock "When a sinner turns to God, heaven throws a party. The prospect of such joy keeps Jesus associating with sinners." —Darrel L. Bock https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-08-20/275/rejoice-with-me Sun, 20 Aug 2023 11:30:00 -0400 Mephibosheth's Mercy-Molded Love Mephibosheth's Mercy-Molded Love https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-08-13/mephibosheths-mercy-molded-love This week's sermon from guest preacher Gavin Breeden. This week's sermon from guest preacher Gavin Breeden. https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-08-13/274/mephibosheths-mercy-molded-love Sun, 13 Aug 2023 11:30:00 -0400 More Than We Can Imagine: New Life in a New Society More Than We Can Imagine: New Life in a New Society https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-08-06/more-than-we-can-imagine-new-life-in-a-new-society "In sum: 'to be saved' in the Pauline view means to become part of the people of God, who by the Spirit are born into God's family and therefore joined to one another as one body, whose gatherings in the Spirit form them into God's temple. God is not simply saving diverse people and preparing them for heaven; rather he is creating a people for his name, among whom God can dwell and who in their life together will reproduce God's life and character in all its unity and diversity." —Gordon Fee "In sum: 'to be saved' in the Pauline view means to become part of the people of God, who by the Spirit are born into God's family and therefore joined to one another as one body, whose gatherings in the Spirit form them into God's temple. God is not simply saving diverse people and preparing them for heaven; rather he is creating a people for his name, among whom God can dwell and who in their life together will reproduce God's life and character in all its unity and diversity." —Gordon Fee https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-08-06/273/more-than-we-can-imagine-new-life-in-a-new-society Sun, 6 Aug 2023 11:30:00 -0400 More Than We Can Imagine: Our New Life More Than We Can Imagine: Our New Life https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-07-30/more-than-we-can-imagine-our-new-life This week's sermon is the first of a two-part series from Derek Bates out of Ephesians. This week's sermon is the first of a two-part series from Derek Bates out of Ephesians. https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-07-30/272/more-than-we-can-imagine-our-new-life Sun, 30 Jul 2023 11:30:00 -0400 Babel: The Reverse Pentecost Babel: The Reverse Pentecost https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-07-16/babel-the-reverse-pentecost Today's sermon from guest speaker Nameun Cho on the Tower of Babel and how it relates to Pentecost. Today's sermon from guest speaker Nameun Cho on the Tower of Babel and how it relates to Pentecost. https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-07-16/270/babel-the-reverse-pentecost Sun, 16 Jul 2023 11:30:00 -0400 Mercy for Mephibosheth Mercy for Mephibosheth https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-07-09/mercy-for-mephibosheth "Kindness, which is an ability to serve others practically in a way which makes me vulnerable, comes from having a deep inner security. Its opposite is envy, which leaves me unable to rejoice in another's joy. And its fake alternative is manipulative good deeds, doing good for others so I can congratulate myself and feel I am 'good enough' for others or for God." —Tim Keller "Kindness, which is an ability to serve others practically in a way which makes me vulnerable, comes from having a deep inner security. Its opposite is envy, which leaves me unable to rejoice in another's joy. And its fake alternative is manipulative good deeds, doing good for others so I can congratulate myself and feel I am 'good enough' for others or for God." —Tim Keller https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-07-09/269/mercy-for-mephibosheth Sun, 9 Jul 2023 11:30:00 -0400 God's Covenant With David God's Covenant With David https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-07-02/gods-covenant-with-david The next part of guest speaker Gavin Breeden's series on King David. The next part of guest speaker Gavin Breeden's series on King David. https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-07-02/268/gods-covenant-with-david Sun, 2 Jul 2023 11:30:00 -0400 Your Joy Come Your Joy Come https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-06-25/your-joy-come "...[O]ne of the main themes of the biblical story and stories is that even some of the ablest human beings who have ever lived, such as Abraham and David, could not rise above the brutality of their own cultures nor the self-centeredness of their own hearts. But by clinging to the wondrous promise that God's grace is given to moral failures, they triumphed." —Timothy J. Keller "...[O]ne of the main themes of the biblical story and stories is that even some of the ablest human beings who have ever lived, such as Abraham and David, could not rise above the brutality of their own cultures nor the self-centeredness of their own hearts. But by clinging to the wondrous promise that God's grace is given to moral failures, they triumphed." —Timothy J. Keller https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-06-25/267/your-joy-come Sun, 25 Jun 2023 11:30:00 -0400 Your Confidence Come Your Confidence Come https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-06-18/your-confidence-come "These modern beliefs—that we must all be committed to equal rights and justice but that there are no God-given moral absolutes—undermine each other. Modern secular education teaches every child that they must be true to themselves, that they must identify their deepest desires and dreams and pursue them, no letting family, community, tradition, or religion stand in their way. Then it calls for justice, reconciliation, and benevolence, all of which are basic forms of self-denial, even as it encourages self-assertion. It teaches relativism and calls people to be ethical. It encourages self-seeking and calls people to be sacrificial." —Timothy Keller "These modern beliefs—that we must all be committed to equal rights and justice but that there are no God-given moral absolutes—undermine each other. Modern secular education teaches every child that they must be true to themselves, that they must identify their deepest desires and dreams and pursue them, no letting family, community, tradition, or religion stand in their way. Then it calls for justice, reconciliation, and benevolence, all of which are basic forms of self-denial, even as it encourages self-assertion. It teaches relativism and calls people to be ethical. It encourages self-seeking and calls people to be sacrificial." —Timothy Keller https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-06-18/265/your-confidence-come Sun, 18 Jun 2023 11:30:00 -0400 Your Way Come Your Way Come https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-06-11/your-way-come The second sermon on God's Kingdom from Matthew 13 in guest speaker Roger Woodworth's four-part series. The second sermon on God's Kingdom from Matthew 13 in guest speaker Roger Woodworth's four-part series. https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-06-11/266/your-way-come Sun, 11 Jun 2023 11:30:00 -0400 Your Word Come Your Word Come https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-06-04/your-word-come "The gospel comes from that kingdom, and conducts to that kingdom; the word of the gospel is the word of the kingdom; it is the word of the King, and where that is, there is power; it is a law, by which we must be ruled and governed. This word is the seed sown, which seems a dead, dry thing, but all the product is virtually in it. It is incorruptible seed (1 Peter 1:23); it is the gospel that brings forth fruit in souls (Colossians 1:5-6)." —Matthew Henry "The gospel comes from that kingdom, and conducts to that kingdom; the word of the gospel is the word of the kingdom; it is the word of the King, and where that is, there is power; it is a law, by which we must be ruled and governed. This word is the seed sown, which seems a dead, dry thing, but all the product is virtually in it. It is incorruptible seed (1 Peter 1:23); it is the gospel that brings forth fruit in souls (Colossians 1:5-6)." —Matthew Henry https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-06-04/264/your-word-come Sun, 4 Jun 2023 11:30:00 -0400 Unseen and Unexpected Unseen and Unexpected https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-05-21/unseen-and-unexpected This week's sermon from guest speaker Gavin Breeden begins his mini series on David. This week's sermon from guest speaker Gavin Breeden begins his mini series on David. https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-05-21/263/unseen-and-unexpected Sun, 21 May 2023 11:30:00 -0400 In All My Remembrance of You In All My Remembrance of You https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-05-14/in-all-my-remembrance-of-you "If you believe in a God who controls the big things, you have to believe in a God who controls the little things. It is we, of course, to whom things look 'little' or 'big'." —Elizabeth Elliot "If you believe in a God who controls the big things, you have to believe in a God who controls the little things. It is we, of course, to whom things look 'little' or 'big'." —Elizabeth Elliot https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-05-14/262/in-all-my-remembrance-of-you Sun, 14 May 2023 11:30:00 -0400 Open Discussion: May 7, 2023 Open Discussion: May 7, 2023 https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-05-07/open-discussion-may-7-2023 https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-05-07/261/open-discussion-may-7-2023 Sun, 7 May 2023 11:30:00 -0400 I Am Not I Am Not https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-04-30/i-am-not "The humblebrag is a way for us to glory in ourselves without sounding glorious, being proud while sounding humble. No one likes the guy who is always bringing attention to himself, and we roll our eyes at overtly proud people. But deep in our hearts, we want to be acknowledged, honored, and we want glory." —John Pennylegion "The humblebrag is a way for us to glory in ourselves without sounding glorious, being proud while sounding humble. No one likes the guy who is always bringing attention to himself, and we roll our eyes at overtly proud people. But deep in our hearts, we want to be acknowledged, honored, and we want glory." —John Pennylegion https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-04-30/260/i-am-not Sun, 30 Apr 2023 11:30:00 -0400 I Am the True Vine I Am the True Vine https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-04-23/i-am-the-true-vine "The branch needs leaves for the maintenance of its own life, and the perfection of its fruit: the fruit itself it bears to give away to those around. As the believer enters into his calling as a branch, he sees that he has to forget himself and live entirely for his fellowmen. To love them, and to save them, Jesus came: for this, every branch on the Vine has to live as much as the Vine itself. It is for fruit, much fruit, that the Father has made us one with Jesus." —Andrew Murray "The branch needs leaves for the maintenance of its own life, and the perfection of its fruit: the fruit itself it bears to give away to those around. As the believer enters into his calling as a branch, he sees that he has to forget himself and live entirely for his fellowmen. To love them, and to save them, Jesus came: for this, every branch on the Vine has to live as much as the Vine itself. It is for fruit, much fruit, that the Father has made us one with Jesus." —Andrew Murray https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-04-23/259/i-am-the-true-vine Sun, 23 Apr 2023 11:30:00 -0400 I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-04-16/i-am-the-way-the-truth-and-the-life "If you insist that no one can determine which beliefs are right and wrong, why should I believe what you are saying? The reality is that we all make truth-claims of some sort and it is very hard to weigh them responsibly, but we have no alternative but to try to do so. It is no more narrow to claim that one religion is right than to claim that one way to think about all religions (namely that all are equal) is right. We are all exclusive in our beliefs, but in different ways." —Timothy Keller "If you insist that no one can determine which beliefs are right and wrong, why should I believe what you are saying? The reality is that we all make truth-claims of some sort and it is very hard to weigh them responsibly, but we have no alternative but to try to do so. It is no more narrow to claim that one religion is right than to claim that one way to think about all religions (namely that all are equal) is right. We are all exclusive in our beliefs, but in different ways." —Timothy Keller https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-04-16/258/i-am-the-way-the-truth-and-the-life Sun, 16 Apr 2023 11:30:00 -0400 I Am the Resurrection and the Life I Am the Resurrection and the Life https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-04-09/i-am-the-resurrection-and-the-life "The life he gives is nothing less than the indestructible life of the resurrection, the very life of the deathless God himself. Moreover, it is his gift here and now. Martha believes in some such life at the distant horizon of history when the Messiah eventually appears. Jesus invites her to reshape her hope radically." —Bruce Milne "The life he gives is nothing less than the indestructible life of the resurrection, the very life of the deathless God himself. Moreover, it is his gift here and now. Martha believes in some such life at the distant horizon of history when the Messiah eventually appears. Jesus invites her to reshape her hope radically." —Bruce Milne https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-04-09/257/i-am-the-resurrection-and-the-life Sun, 9 Apr 2023 11:30:00 -0400 I Am the Good Shepherd I Am the Good Shepherd https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-04-02/i-am-the-good-shepherd "Jesus is God incarnate, the Good Shepherd. By his death and resurrection, he not only claims us for himself, but actually unites us to himself. We're not called to follow a mere man whose authority and ways will be detrimental to us, but we are called to follow the Good Shepherd who defends us and secures for us eternal life." —John Pennylegion "Jesus is God incarnate, the Good Shepherd. By his death and resurrection, he not only claims us for himself, but actually unites us to himself. We're not called to follow a mere man whose authority and ways will be detrimental to us, but we are called to follow the Good Shepherd who defends us and secures for us eternal life." —John Pennylegion https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-04-02/255/i-am-the-good-shepherd Sun, 2 Apr 2023 11:30:00 -0400 Open Discussion: March 26, 2023 Open Discussion: March 26, 2023 https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-03-26/open-discussion-march-26-2023 https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-03-26/256/open-discussion-march-26-2023 Sun, 26 Mar 2023 11:30:00 -0400 I Am the Door I Am the Door https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-03-12/i-am-the-door "There is but one door to a fold, and sheep and shepherds alike must enter by this door. There is no other way for them. But Jesus does provide the way." —Leon Morris "There is but one door to a fold, and sheep and shepherds alike must enter by this door. There is no other way for them. But Jesus does provide the way." —Leon Morris https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-03-12/253/i-am-the-door Sun, 12 Mar 2023 11:30:00 -0500 I Am the Light of the World I Am the Light of the World https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-03-05/i-am-the-light-of-the-world "Jesus is the light of the world; the light of the world is Jesus. He himself in person is that light. He—no one else beside him—is that light, for it is only in and through him that God's glorious attributes shine forth most brilliantly in the midst of the world." —William Hendriksen "Jesus is the light of the world; the light of the world is Jesus. He himself in person is that light. He—no one else beside him—is that light, for it is only in and through him that God's glorious attributes shine forth most brilliantly in the midst of the world." —William Hendriksen https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-03-05/252/i-am-the-light-of-the-world Sun, 5 Mar 2023 11:30:00 -0500 I Am the Bread of Life I Am the Bread of Life https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-02-26/i-am-the-bread-of-life "By offering himself as bread, Jesus declares that he is the satisfier of our spiritual, emotional, and rational cravings." —John Pennylegion "By offering himself as bread, Jesus declares that he is the satisfier of our spiritual, emotional, and rational cravings." —John Pennylegion https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-02-26/251/i-am-the-bread-of-life Sun, 26 Feb 2023 11:30:00 -0500 Ash Wednesday 2023 Ash Wednesday 2023 https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-02-22/ash-wednesday-2023 The message from our Ash Wednesday service. The message from our Ash Wednesday service. https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-02-22/250/ash-wednesday-2023 Wed, 22 Feb 2023 11:30:00 -0500 Before Abraham Was, I Am Before Abraham Was, I Am https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-02-05/before-abraham-was-i-am "No one could tell that Jesus was God just by looking at him. It's just the same today; no one can conclude that Jesus is God using human sensory and reasoning capacity alone; it remains an article of faith. Yet this faith is not a stab in the dark." —Harold L. Senkbeil "No one could tell that Jesus was God just by looking at him. It's just the same today; no one can conclude that Jesus is God using human sensory and reasoning capacity alone; it remains an article of faith. Yet this faith is not a stab in the dark." —Harold L. Senkbeil https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-02-05/249/before-abraham-was-i-am Sun, 5 Feb 2023 11:30:00 -0500 God of All Empathy God of All Empathy https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-01-29/god-of-all-empathy Today's sermon from guest preacher Nameun Cho. Today's sermon from guest preacher Nameun Cho. https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-01-29/248/god-of-all-empathy Sun, 29 Jan 2023 11:30:00 -0500 I Am Who I Am I Am Who I Am https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-01-22/i-am-who-i-am "There is but one only, living, and true God, who is infinite in being and perfection, a most pure spirit, invisible, without body, parts, or passions; immutable, immense, eternal, incomprehensible, almighty, most wise, most holy, most free, most absolute..." —Westminster Confession of Faith, 2:1 "There is but one only, living, and true God, who is infinite in being and perfection, a most pure spirit, invisible, without body, parts, or passions; immutable, immense, eternal, incomprehensible, almighty, most wise, most holy, most free, most absolute..." —Westminster Confession of Faith, 2:1 https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-01-22/247/i-am-who-i-am Sun, 22 Jan 2023 11:30:00 -0500 Believing Thomas Believing Thomas https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-01-15/believing-thomas Today's sermon from Pitt RUF campus minister Gavin Breeden. Today's sermon from Pitt RUF campus minister Gavin Breeden. https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-01-15/246/believing-thomas Sun, 15 Jan 2023 11:30:00 -0500 Open Discussion: January 8, 2023 Open Discussion: January 8, 2023 https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-01-08/open-discussion-january-8-2023 "All the wonder of God happens right above our arithmetic and formula. The more I climb outside my pat answers, the more invigorating the view, the more my heart enters into worship... By reducing Christian spirituality to formula, we deprive our hearts of wonder." —Donald Miller "All the wonder of God happens right above our arithmetic and formula. The more I climb outside my pat answers, the more invigorating the view, the more my heart enters into worship... By reducing Christian spirituality to formula, we deprive our hearts of wonder." —Donald Miller https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2023-01-08/245/open-discussion-january-8-2023 Sun, 8 Jan 2023 11:30:00 -0500 Christ as a Gift Christ as a Gift https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-12-25/christ-as-a-gift "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." —John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." —John 3:16 https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-12-25/244/christ-as-a-gift Sun, 25 Dec 2022 11:30:00 -0500 Christ as Man Christ as Man https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-12-18/christ-as-man "He is man as man was meant to be... Through his victory over death, the one true man—who is also the one true Son of God—brings the heavenly life of the resurrection to earth, and we who are in Christ shall also bear the image of the man from heaven." —Michael D. Williams "He is man as man was meant to be... Through his victory over death, the one true man—who is also the one true Son of God—brings the heavenly life of the resurrection to earth, and we who are in Christ shall also bear the image of the man from heaven." —Michael D. Williams https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-12-18/243/christ-as-man Sun, 18 Dec 2022 11:30:00 -0500 Christ as King Christ as King https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-12-11/christ-as-king Does this quote work? "When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace." —Jimi Hendrix Does this quote work? "When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace." —Jimi Hendrix https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-12-11/242/christ-as-king Sun, 11 Dec 2022 11:30:00 -0500 Christ as Priest Christ as Priest https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-12-04/christ-as-priest "Christ is the better high priest since he, being sinless (Heb. 4:15; 9:14), did not have to offer sacrifice for himself (Heb. 7:27), and he holds his priesthood permanently (Heb. 7:23). As the better high priest, Christ provides a better hope 'by which we draw near to God' (Heb. 7:19), a better covenant (Heb. 7:22; 9:15) based better promises (Heb. 8:6), and a better sacrifice (Heb. 9:23)." —Michael D. William "Christ is the better high priest since he, being sinless (Heb. 4:15; 9:14), did not have to offer sacrifice for himself (Heb. 7:27), and he holds his priesthood permanently (Heb. 7:23). As the better high priest, Christ provides a better hope 'by which we draw near to God' (Heb. 7:19), a better covenant (Heb. 7:22; 9:15) based better promises (Heb. 8:6), and a better sacrifice (Heb. 9:23)." —Michael D. William https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-12-04/241/christ-as-priest Sun, 4 Dec 2022 11:30:00 -0500 Christ as Prophet Christ as Prophet https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-11-27/christ-as-prophet The first sermon from our series on the roles of the coming Christ during this Advent season. The first sermon from our series on the roles of the coming Christ during this Advent season. https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-11-27/240/christ-as-prophet Sun, 27 Nov 2022 11:30:00 -0500 Ruth: A Story of Origins Ruth: A Story of Origins https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-11-20/ruth-a-story-of-origins "As the book's concluding word... David sounded the triumph of God's providence over the vicissitudes suffered by the names listed. Considering Judah's irresponsibility (Gen. 38), the perilous intervening centuries, and Ruth's earlier infertility (1:4-5), that David was born at all amply attested the presence of that providence. Further, given Saul's cruel vengeance (1 Sam. 18-28), David's ascent to power provided weighty corroborating evidence. God is, indeed, King!" —Robert L. Hubbard Jr. "As the book's concluding word... David sounded the triumph of God's providence over the vicissitudes suffered by the names listed. Considering Judah's irresponsibility (Gen. 38), the perilous intervening centuries, and Ruth's earlier infertility (1:4-5), that David was born at all amply attested the presence of that providence. Further, given Saul's cruel vengeance (1 Sam. 18-28), David's ascent to power provided weighty corroborating evidence. God is, indeed, King!" —Robert L. Hubbard Jr. https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-11-20/239/ruth-a-story-of-origins Sun, 20 Nov 2022 11:30:00 -0500 Open Discussion: November 13, 2022 Open Discussion: November 13, 2022 https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-11-13/open-discussion-november-13-2022 https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-11-13/238/open-discussion-november-13-2022 Sun, 13 Nov 2022 11:30:00 -0500 Walking Worthily Walking Worthily https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-11-06/walking-worthily And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. —Colossians 1:9-14 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. —Colossians 1:9-14 https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-11-06/237/walking-worthily Sun, 6 Nov 2022 11:30:00 -0400 Ruth: A Story of Bitterness Defeated Ruth: A Story of Bitterness Defeated https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-10-30/ruth-a-story-of-bitterness-defeated "Ruth's offspring for many generations would be there to show this bitter woman the healing grace of God. In this way, grace flowed to Naomi. In her arms, she saw the living, suckling, crying example of God's faithfulness. This was his answer to her bitterness. Obed's descendant Christ can be as well the answer to bitterness in our life." —Robert A. Wauzzinski "Ruth's offspring for many generations would be there to show this bitter woman the healing grace of God. In this way, grace flowed to Naomi. In her arms, she saw the living, suckling, crying example of God's faithfulness. This was his answer to her bitterness. Obed's descendant Christ can be as well the answer to bitterness in our life." —Robert A. Wauzzinski https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-10-30/236/ruth-a-story-of-bitterness-defeated Sun, 30 Oct 2022 11:30:00 -0400 Ruth: A Story of Redemption Ruth: A Story of Redemption https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-10-23/ruth-a-story-of-redemption "Jesus Christ is the ultimate kinsman-redeemer. He redeems us, buys us out of our slavery to sin, gives us a hope and a future, showers us with daily blessings, and gives us a land we must call the new heavens and the new earth." —Robert A. Wauzzinkski "Jesus Christ is the ultimate kinsman-redeemer. He redeems us, buys us out of our slavery to sin, gives us a hope and a future, showers us with daily blessings, and gives us a land we must call the new heavens and the new earth." —Robert A. Wauzzinkski https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-10-23/235/ruth-a-story-of-redemption Sun, 23 Oct 2022 11:30:00 -0400 The Lord Is Your Keeper The Lord Is Your Keeper https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-10-16/the-lord-is-your-keeper I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore. —Psalm 121 I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore. —Psalm 121 https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-10-16/234/the-lord-is-your-keeper Sun, 16 Oct 2022 11:30:00 -0400 Ruth: A Story of Better Plans Ruth: A Story of Better Plans https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-10-09/ruth-a-story-of-better-plans Today's sermon from Ruth chapter 3. Today's sermon from Ruth chapter 3. https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-10-09/233/ruth-a-story-of-better-plans Sun, 9 Oct 2022 11:30:00 -0400 Ruth: A Story of Providential Care Ruth: A Story of Providential Care https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-10-02/ruth-a-story-of-providential-care "The awareness of a master storyteller weaving my life lets me pause and, like an artist, see hidden blessings and patterns when I begin to bear the cost of narrowing my life. It lets me endure in love because I know Someone is guiding the story toward resurrection." —Paul E. Miller "The awareness of a master storyteller weaving my life lets me pause and, like an artist, see hidden blessings and patterns when I begin to bear the cost of narrowing my life. It lets me endure in love because I know Someone is guiding the story toward resurrection." —Paul E. Miller https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-10-02/232/ruth-a-story-of-providential-care Sun, 2 Oct 2022 11:30:00 -0400 Ruth: A Story of Radical Conversion Ruth: A Story of Radical Conversion https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-09-25/ruth-a-story-of-radical-conversion "This pledge made negatively as a rejection of all that was familiar for this Moabitess, is a whole-life conversion; everything changes for Ruth, because of her commitment. Life, land, loyalties, and her destiny change because of commitment." —Robert A. Wauzzinski "This pledge made negatively as a rejection of all that was familiar for this Moabitess, is a whole-life conversion; everything changes for Ruth, because of her commitment. Life, land, loyalties, and her destiny change because of commitment." —Robert A. Wauzzinski https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-09-25/231/ruth-a-story-of-radical-conversion Sun, 25 Sep 2022 11:30:00 -0400 Ruth: A Story of Bitter Faith Ruth: A Story of Bitter Faith https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-09-11/ruth-a-story-of-bitter-faith "Naomi's losses would be staggering for any culture, but in the ancient Near East for a mother to lose not only her husband but also her sons was the epitome of suffering." —Paul E. Miller "Naomi's losses would be staggering for any culture, but in the ancient Near East for a mother to lose not only her husband but also her sons was the epitome of suffering." —Paul E. Miller https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-09-11/230/ruth-a-story-of-bitter-faith Sun, 11 Sep 2022 11:30:00 -0400 Psalm 8 Psalm 8 https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-09-04/psalm-8 This week's sermon from guest speaker Derek Bates on Psalm 8. This week's sermon from guest speaker Derek Bates on Psalm 8. https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-09-04/229/psalm-8 Sun, 4 Sep 2022 11:30:00 -0400 The Day of the Lord The Day of the Lord https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-08-28/the-day-of-the-lord "I would warn against any doctrine of the last things which places all the emphasis on the fact that the believer will rejoice in the absence of pain, worry...sickness, etc., but forgets that it is especially the absence of sin (as the root of all of these) that should cause us to rejoice." —William Hendriksen "I would warn against any doctrine of the last things which places all the emphasis on the fact that the believer will rejoice in the absence of pain, worry...sickness, etc., but forgets that it is especially the absence of sin (as the root of all of these) that should cause us to rejoice." —William Hendriksen https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-08-28/228/the-day-of-the-lord Sun, 28 Aug 2022 11:30:00 -0400 False Teachers and the Way of the Lord False Teachers and the Way of the Lord https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-08-21/false-teachers-and-the-way-of-the-lord "When the wicked are successful and their misdeeds go unrequited, men tend to imagine that God is asleep... but His slumber and apparent inactivity should not be misunderstood... The verdict has already been pronounced on them, and the doom which will surely overtake them has been set in motion from of old..." —J.N.D. Kelley "When the wicked are successful and their misdeeds go unrequited, men tend to imagine that God is asleep... but His slumber and apparent inactivity should not be misunderstood... The verdict has already been pronounced on them, and the doom which will surely overtake them has been set in motion from of old..." —J.N.D. Kelley https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-08-21/227/false-teachers-and-the-way-of-the-lord Sun, 21 Aug 2022 11:30:00 -0400 Where should Christians be? Where should Christians be? https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-08-14/where-should-christians-be Today's sermon from guest speaker David Augustine, of Reformed University Fellowship at IUP, on 1 Kings. Today's sermon from guest speaker David Augustine, of Reformed University Fellowship at IUP, on 1 Kings. https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-08-14/226/where-should-christians-be Sun, 14 Aug 2022 11:30:00 -0400 Open Discussion: August 7, 2022 Open Discussion: August 7, 2022 https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-08-07/open-discussion-august-7-2022 "We do not dishonor God if we struggle honestly with questions about how we are to best understand his self-revelation. It is not insulting to him if we sincerely express our puzzlement and frustrations in his presence. But because we also know that he is sovereign—and that he does not have to justify his ways to us—we must eventually get around to the praise songs." —Richard J. Mouw "We do not dishonor God if we struggle honestly with questions about how we are to best understand his self-revelation. It is not insulting to him if we sincerely express our puzzlement and frustrations in his presence. But because we also know that he is sovereign—and that he does not have to justify his ways to us—we must eventually get around to the praise songs." —Richard J. Mouw https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-08-07/225/open-discussion-august-7-2022 Sun, 7 Aug 2022 11:30:00 -0400 Scripture: A Lamp Shining In a Dark Place Scripture: A Lamp Shining In a Dark Place https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-07-31/scripture-a-lamp-shining-in-a-dark-place "God acts through his words, the Word is 'alive and active' (Heb 4:12), and therefore the way to have God dynamically active in our lives is through the Bible. To understand the Scripture is not simply to get information about God. If attended to with trust and faith, the Bible is the way to actually hear God speaking and also to meet God himself..." —Timothy Keller "God acts through his words, the Word is 'alive and active' (Heb 4:12), and therefore the way to have God dynamically active in our lives is through the Bible. To understand the Scripture is not simply to get information about God. If attended to with trust and faith, the Bible is the way to actually hear God speaking and also to meet God himself..." —Timothy Keller https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-07-31/224/scripture-a-lamp-shining-in-a-dark-place Sun, 31 Jul 2022 11:30:00 -0400 Avoiding Spiritual Myopia Avoiding Spiritual Myopia https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-07-24/avoiding-spiritual-myopia "They are blind in that they fail to see what they should see. They have become so shortsighted that they have forgotten the most important reality of all. Peter observed that those who are not practicing these virtues have forgotten their baptism and their forgiveness of sins. In other words, they are not living as forgiven sinners. They are behaving like unconverted people. If members of the church are living immoral lives, they bear witness that forgiveness means little to them. Those who treasure being forgiven live in a way that pleases God." —Thomas R. Schreiner "They are blind in that they fail to see what they should see. They have become so shortsighted that they have forgotten the most important reality of all. Peter observed that those who are not practicing these virtues have forgotten their baptism and their forgiveness of sins. In other words, they are not living as forgiven sinners. They are behaving like unconverted people. If members of the church are living immoral lives, they bear witness that forgiveness means little to them. Those who treasure being forgiven live in a way that pleases God." —Thomas R. Schreiner https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-07-24/223/avoiding-spiritual-myopia Sun, 24 Jul 2022 11:30:00 -0400 Settling the Score Settling the Score https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-07-17/settling-the-score "When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints? Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life! So if you have such cases, why do you lay them before those who have no standing in the church? I say this to your shame. Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute between the brothers, but brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers? To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded? But you yourselves wrong and defraud—even your own brothers! Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." —1 Corinthians 6:1-11 "When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints? Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life! So if you have such cases, why do you lay them before those who have no standing in the church? I say this to your shame. Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute between the brothers, but brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers? To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded? But you yourselves wrong and defraud—even your own brothers! Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." —1 Corinthians 6:1-11 https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-07-17/222/settling-the-score Sun, 17 Jul 2022 11:30:00 -0400 The True Grace of God The True Grace of God https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-07-10/the-true-grace-of-god "The delicate balance between the indicative and imperative is preserved here. Grace has grasped every believer in Jesus Christ, and believers have been begotten by God's grace (1:3). Still, they must stand in the grace that has secured them. Grace does not cancel out the imperative but establishes it." —Thomas R. Schreiner "The delicate balance between the indicative and imperative is preserved here. Grace has grasped every believer in Jesus Christ, and believers have been begotten by God's grace (1:3). Still, they must stand in the grace that has secured them. Grace does not cancel out the imperative but establishes it." —Thomas R. Schreiner https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-07-10/221/the-true-grace-of-god Sun, 10 Jul 2022 11:30:00 -0400 Be Watchful! Be Watchful! https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-07-03/be-watchful "...Christians resist the devil by standing firm in the faith... What Peter is talking about is not putting strength into believing but drawing strength from what we believe." —I. Howard Marshall "...Christians resist the devil by standing firm in the faith... What Peter is talking about is not putting strength into believing but drawing strength from what we believe." —I. Howard Marshall https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-07-03/220/be-watchful Sun, 3 Jul 2022 11:30:00 -0400 On Church Leadership On Church Leadership https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-06-19/on-church-leadership "What does the picture [of a shepherd] convey? As developed in the various biblical passages, it brings out the desperate need of sheep for a shepherd: to keep them from wandering away in their stupidity; to protect them from dangers from wild animals and thieves; to feed them; to find them, even at personal risk, when they are lost; to prevent one animal from taking advantage of others; to maintain unity within the flock; and to exercise individual care. Many of these applications were made exclusively with reference to Jesus, but they apply by extension also to those who are his under shepherds in the church." —I. Howard Marshall "What does the picture [of a shepherd] convey? As developed in the various biblical passages, it brings out the desperate need of sheep for a shepherd: to keep them from wandering away in their stupidity; to protect them from dangers from wild animals and thieves; to feed them; to find them, even at personal risk, when they are lost; to prevent one animal from taking advantage of others; to maintain unity within the flock; and to exercise individual care. Many of these applications were made exclusively with reference to Jesus, but they apply by extension also to those who are his under shepherds in the church." —I. Howard Marshall https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-06-19/219/on-church-leadership Sun, 19 Jun 2022 11:30:00 -0400 Open Discussion: June 12, 2022 Open Discussion: June 12, 2022 https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-06-12/open-discussion-june-12-2022 https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-06-12/218/open-discussion-june-12-2022 Sun, 12 Jun 2022 11:30:00 -0400 The Great Spirit's Greater Work The Great Spirit's Greater Work https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-06-05/the-great-spirits-greater-work "Missions is not the ultimate goal of the church. Worship is. Missions exists because worship doesn’t. Worship is ultimate, not missions, because God is ultimate, not man. When this age is over, and the countless millions of the redeemed fall on their faces before the throne of God, missions will be no more. It is a temporary necessity. But worship abides forever." —John Piper "Missions is not the ultimate goal of the church. Worship is. Missions exists because worship doesn’t. Worship is ultimate, not missions, because God is ultimate, not man. When this age is over, and the countless millions of the redeemed fall on their faces before the throne of God, missions will be no more. It is a temporary necessity. But worship abides forever." —John Piper https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-06-05/217/the-great-spirits-greater-work Sun, 5 Jun 2022 11:30:00 -0400 A New Way of Life A New Way of Life https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-05-29/a-new-way-of-life "They dwell in their own countries, but simply as sojourners. As citizens, they share in all things with others, and yet endure all things as if foreigners. Every foreign land is to them as their native country, and every land of their birth as a land of strangers. They marry, as do all [others]; they beget children; but they do not destroy their offspring. They have a common table, but not a common bed. They are in the flesh, but they do not live after the flesh. They pass their days on earth, but they are citizens of heaven. They obey the prescribed laws, and at the same time surpass the laws by their lives. They love all men, and are persecuted by all. They are unknown and condemned; they are put to death, and restored to life. They are poor, yet make many rich; they are in lack of all things, and yet abound in all; they are dishonoured, and yet in their very dishonour are glorified. They are evil spoken of, and yet are justified; they are reviled, and bless; they are insulted, and repay the insult with honour; they do good, yet are punished as evil-doers." —The Epistle to Diognetus (c. AD 130-200) "They dwell in their own countries, but simply as sojourners. As citizens, they share in all things with others, and yet endure all things as if foreigners. Every foreign land is to them as their native country, and every land of their birth as a land of strangers. They marry, as do all [others]; they beget children; but they do not destroy their offspring. They have a common table, but not a common bed. They are in the flesh, but they do not live after the flesh. They pass their days on earth, but they are citizens of heaven. They obey the prescribed laws, and at the same time surpass the laws by their lives. They love all men, and are persecuted by all. They are unknown and condemned; they are put to death, and restored to life. They are poor, yet make many rich; they are in lack of all things, and yet abound in all; they are dishonoured, and yet in their very dishonour are glorified. They are evil spoken of, and yet are justified; they are reviled, and bless; they are insulted, and repay the insult with honour; they do good, yet are punished as evil-doers." —The Epistle to Diognetus (c. AD 130-200) https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-05-29/216/a-new-way-of-life Sun, 29 May 2022 11:30:00 -0400 A Puzzling Passage A Puzzling Passage https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-05-22/a-puzzling-passage “This is a strange text and certainly a more obscure passage than any other passage in the New Testament. I still do not know for sure what the apostle meant.” —Martin Luther “This is a strange text and certainly a more obscure passage than any other passage in the New Testament. I still do not know for sure what the apostle meant.” —Martin Luther https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-05-22/215/a-puzzling-passage Sun, 22 May 2022 11:30:00 -0400 A Call to Suffer for the Gospel A Call to Suffer for the Gospel https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-05-15/a-call-to-suffer-for-the-gospel "The heart is the origin of human behavior (cf. 1:22; 3:4), and from it flows everything people do. Hence, setting apart Christ as in the heart is not merely a private reality but will be evident to all when believers suffer for their faith. The inner and outer life are inseparable, for what happens within will inevitably be displayed to all, especially when one suffers." —Thomas R. Schreiner "The heart is the origin of human behavior (cf. 1:22; 3:4), and from it flows everything people do. Hence, setting apart Christ as in the heart is not merely a private reality but will be evident to all when believers suffer for their faith. The inner and outer life are inseparable, for what happens within will inevitably be displayed to all, especially when one suffers." —Thomas R. Schreiner https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-05-15/214/a-call-to-suffer-for-the-gospel Sun, 15 May 2022 11:30:00 -0400 Marriage in Exile Marriage in Exile https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-05-08/marriage-in-exile "For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening. Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered." —1 Peter 2:21-3:7 "For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening. Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered." —1 Peter 2:21-3:7 https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-05-08/213/marriage-in-exile Sun, 8 May 2022 11:30:00 -0400 Open Discussion: May 1, 2022 Open Discussion: May 1, 2022 https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-05-01/open-discussion-may-1-2022 Here is our Open Discussion from May 1, 2022. Here is our Open Discussion from May 1, 2022. https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-05-01/212/open-discussion-may-1-2022 Sun, 1 May 2022 11:30:00 -0400 The Emmaus Road Experience The Emmaus Road Experience https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-04-17/the-emmaus-road-experience "'Slow of heart' calls attention to their failure to orient themselves fully around Jesus' teaching, not to their need for remedial education. 'Heart' refers here... to the inner commitments, the dispositions and attitudes of the person that determines his or her life. Failure of insight comes from failure to embrace the ways of God." —Joel B. Green "'Slow of heart' calls attention to their failure to orient themselves fully around Jesus' teaching, not to their need for remedial education. 'Heart' refers here... to the inner commitments, the dispositions and attitudes of the person that determines his or her life. Failure of insight comes from failure to embrace the ways of God." —Joel B. Green https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-04-17/211/the-emmaus-road-experience Sun, 17 Apr 2022 11:30:00 -0400 Guides for Exilic Engagement, Pt. 2 Guides for Exilic Engagement, Pt. 2 https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-04-10/guides-for-exilic-engagement-pt-2 "We fear circumstances so much because we fear God so little." —LeCrae "We fear circumstances so much because we fear God so little." —LeCrae https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-04-10/210/guides-for-exilic-engagement-pt-2 Sun, 10 Apr 2022 11:30:00 -0400 Guides for Exilic Engagement, Pt. 1 Guides for Exilic Engagement, Pt. 1 https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-03-27/guides-for-exilic-engagement-pt-1 "The remarkable thing about God is that when you fear God, you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God, you fear everything else." —Oswald Chambers "The remarkable thing about God is that when you fear God, you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God, you fear everything else." —Oswald Chambers https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-03-27/208/guides-for-exilic-engagement-pt-1 Sun, 27 Mar 2022 11:30:00 -0400 Are You the Messiah, Or Should We Keep Looking? Are You the Messiah, Or Should We Keep Looking? https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-03-20/are-you-the-messiah-or-should-we-keep-looking "We expect anything and everything. We expect the contradictory and the impossible. We expect compact cars which are spacious; luxurious cars which are economical. We expect to be rich and charitable, powerful and merciful, active and reflective, kind and competitive. We expect to be inspired by mediocre appeals for excellence, to be made literate by illiterate appeals for literacy...to go to 'a church of our choice' and yet feel its guiding power over us, to revere God and to be God." —Daniel J. Boorstin "We expect anything and everything. We expect the contradictory and the impossible. We expect compact cars which are spacious; luxurious cars which are economical. We expect to be rich and charitable, powerful and merciful, active and reflective, kind and competitive. We expect to be inspired by mediocre appeals for excellence, to be made literate by illiterate appeals for literacy...to go to 'a church of our choice' and yet feel its guiding power over us, to revere God and to be God." —Daniel J. Boorstin https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-03-20/207/are-you-the-messiah-or-should-we-keep-looking Sun, 20 Mar 2022 11:30:00 -0400 What You Are What You Are https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-03-13/what-you-are "The Christian community declares by its existence, by its liturgy and worship, by the daily lives of its members the mighty deed of Christ's resurrection, which reveals the praiseworthy character of God." —Karen H. Jobes "The Christian community declares by its existence, by its liturgy and worship, by the daily lives of its members the mighty deed of Christ's resurrection, which reveals the praiseworthy character of God." —Karen H. Jobes https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-03-13/206/what-you-are Sun, 13 Mar 2022 11:30:00 -0500 Be What You Are, Pt. 2 Be What You Are, Pt. 2 https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-03-06/be-what-you-are-pt-2 "How is it possible that the gospel should be credible, that people should come to believe that the power which has the last word in human affairs is represented by a man hanging on a cross? I am suggesting that the only answer, the only hermeneutic of the gospel, is a congregation of men and women who believe it and live by it." —Lesslie Newbigin "How is it possible that the gospel should be credible, that people should come to believe that the power which has the last word in human affairs is represented by a man hanging on a cross? I am suggesting that the only answer, the only hermeneutic of the gospel, is a congregation of men and women who believe it and live by it." —Lesslie Newbigin https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-03-06/205/be-what-you-are-pt-2 Sun, 6 Mar 2022 11:30:00 -0500 Open Discussion: February 27, 2022 Open Discussion: February 27, 2022 https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-02-27/open-discussion-february-27-2022 "A man was meant to be doubtful about himself, but undoubting about the truth; this has been exactly reversed. Nowadays the part of a man that a man does assert is exactly the part he ought not to assert—himself. The part he doubts is exactly the part he ought not to doubt—the Divine Reason." —G.K. Chesterton "A man was meant to be doubtful about himself, but undoubting about the truth; this has been exactly reversed. Nowadays the part of a man that a man does assert is exactly the part he ought not to assert—himself. The part he doubts is exactly the part he ought not to doubt—the Divine Reason." —G.K. Chesterton https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-02-27/204/open-discussion-february-27-2022 Sun, 27 Feb 2022 11:30:00 -0500 Be What You Are, Pt. 1 Be What You Are, Pt. 1 https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-02-20/be-what-you-are-pt-1 "Affirming that God doesn't love us on the basis of our keeping within his paths does not require us to act as though he has left us without good direction... Grace does not forbid giving directions, promises, corrections, and warnings. Only cruelty would forbid such help." —Bryan Chapell "Affirming that God doesn't love us on the basis of our keeping within his paths does not require us to act as though he has left us without good direction... Grace does not forbid giving directions, promises, corrections, and warnings. Only cruelty would forbid such help." —Bryan Chapell https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-02-20/203/be-what-you-are-pt-1 Sun, 20 Feb 2022 11:30:00 -0500 A Glorious Heritage & Hope A Glorious Heritage & Hope https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-02-06/a-glorious-heritage-hope "Behind that there was something else at work, beyond any design of the Ring-maker. I can put it no plainer than by saying that Bilbo was meant to find the Ring, and not by its maker. In which case you also were meant to have it. And that may be an encouraging thought." —J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring. "Behind that there was something else at work, beyond any design of the Ring-maker. I can put it no plainer than by saying that Bilbo was meant to find the Ring, and not by its maker. In which case you also were meant to have it. And that may be an encouraging thought." —J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring. https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-02-06/202/a-glorious-heritage-hope Sun, 6 Feb 2022 11:30:00 -0500 A Living Hope A Living Hope https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-01-30/a-living-hope "To be born is to enter existence in a new world. Physical birth brings us into a world that will eventually perish. Spiritual birth is into a world where there is hope for the future..." —I. Howard Marshall "To be born is to enter existence in a new world. Physical birth brings us into a world that will eventually perish. Spiritual birth is into a world where there is hope for the future..." —I. Howard Marshall https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-01-30/201/a-living-hope Sun, 30 Jan 2022 11:30:00 -0500 An Extraordinary Greeting An Extraordinary Greeting https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-01-23/an-extraordinary-greeting "Our true identity is found in accepting our status as creatures of [the] infinite Creator God and rooting our sense of identity in his. Our identity is an identity derived." —Dick Keyes "Our true identity is found in accepting our status as creatures of [the] infinite Creator God and rooting our sense of identity in his. Our identity is an identity derived." —Dick Keyes https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-01-23/200/an-extraordinary-greeting Sun, 23 Jan 2022 11:30:00 -0500 Open Discussion: January 9, 2022 Open Discussion: January 9, 2022 https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-01-09/open-discussion-january-9-2022 "There are two ways to slide easily through life: to believe everything or to doubt everything. Both ways save us from thinking." —Alfred Korzybski "There are two ways to slide easily through life: to believe everything or to doubt everything. Both ways save us from thinking." —Alfred Korzybski https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2022-01-09/198/open-discussion-january-9-2022 Sun, 9 Jan 2022 11:30:00 -0500 December 26 2021 December 26 2021 https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-12-26/december-26-2021 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” 7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. -Matthew 2:1-12 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 6 “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” 7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. 11 And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. 12 And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. -Matthew 2:1-12 https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-12-26/197/december-26-2021 Sun, 26 Dec 2021 11:30:00 -0500 The End of Exile The End of Exile https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-12-19/the-end-of-exile "You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in You." —St. Augustine "You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in You." —St. Augustine https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-12-19/196/the-end-of-exile Sun, 19 Dec 2021 11:30:00 -0500 Exilic Orientation Exilic Orientation https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-12-12/exilic-orientation "You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in you." —St. Augustine "You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in you." —St. Augustine https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-12-12/195/exilic-orientation Sun, 12 Dec 2021 11:30:00 -0500 The Exiled Savior The Exiled Savior https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-12-05/the-exiled-savior "Christ went outside the city gate and suffered. We must go after him, and to him. This means we have to relinquish all the privileges of the camp and the city for his sake. We have to leave them behind and go to him. We must cling by faith to his sacrifice and through this to sanctification... We must own him under all that reproach and contempt that were heaped on him during suffering outside the gate." —John Owen "Christ went outside the city gate and suffered. We must go after him, and to him. This means we have to relinquish all the privileges of the camp and the city for his sake. We have to leave them behind and go to him. We must cling by faith to his sacrifice and through this to sanctification... We must own him under all that reproach and contempt that were heaped on him during suffering outside the gate." —John Owen https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-12-05/194/the-exiled-savior Sun, 5 Dec 2021 11:30:00 -0500 An Exilic Psalm An Exilic Psalm https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-11-28/an-exilic-psalm O come, O come, Immanuel, and ransom captive Israel that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear. O come, O come, Immanuel, and ransom captive Israel that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear. https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-11-28/193/an-exilic-psalm Sun, 28 Nov 2021 11:30:00 -0500 The Exilic Pattern The Exilic Pattern https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-11-21/the-exilic-pattern "They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world." —John 17:16 "They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world." —John 17:16 https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-11-21/192/the-exilic-pattern Sun, 21 Nov 2021 11:30:00 -0500 Open Discussion: November 14, 2021 Open Discussion: November 14, 2021 https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-11-14/open-discussion-november-14-2021 "True dialogue is as far as possible from neutrality or indifference. Its basis is the shared conviction that there is truth to be known and that we must both bear witness to the truth given to us and also listen to the witness of others." —Lesslie Newbigin "True dialogue is as far as possible from neutrality or indifference. Its basis is the shared conviction that there is truth to be known and that we must both bear witness to the truth given to us and also listen to the witness of others." —Lesslie Newbigin https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-11-14/191/open-discussion-november-14-2021 Sun, 14 Nov 2021 11:30:00 -0500 Chosen and Sent for Mission: The Significance Chosen and Sent for Mission: The Significance https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-11-07/chosen-and-sent-for-mission-the-significance "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you." —John 15:16 "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you." —John 15:16 https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-11-07/190/chosen-and-sent-for-mission-the-significance Sun, 7 Nov 2021 11:30:00 -0400 Exilic Joy & Sorrow Exilic Joy & Sorrow https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-10-31/exilic-joy-sorrow "But hope for the Christian isn't just confidence in a certain glorious future. It's hope in present providence... The Christian hope is that God's purposes are so unassailable that a great thunderstorm of events can't drive them off course. Even when we're wave-tossed and lost at sea, Jesus remains the captain of the ship and the commander of the storm." —Elliot Clark "But hope for the Christian isn't just confidence in a certain glorious future. It's hope in present providence... The Christian hope is that God's purposes are so unassailable that a great thunderstorm of events can't drive them off course. Even when we're wave-tossed and lost at sea, Jesus remains the captain of the ship and the commander of the storm." —Elliot Clark https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-10-31/189/exilic-joy-sorrow Sun, 31 Oct 2021 11:30:00 -0400 The Reluctant Exile The Reluctant Exile https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-10-24/the-reluctant-exile "Although the book Esther is known for the fact that God is never mentioned in the book... the author nonetheless expects his intended readers to see God at work at every turn in the story." —Gordon D. Fee & Douglas Stuart "Although the book Esther is known for the fact that God is never mentioned in the book... the author nonetheless expects his intended readers to see God at work at every turn in the story." —Gordon D. Fee & Douglas Stuart https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-10-24/188/the-reluctant-exile Sun, 24 Oct 2021 11:30:00 -0400 The Model Exiles The Model Exiles https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-10-17/the-model-exiles "Rather than break faith with God, Daniel was willing to risk expulsion from the Royal Academy with the disgrace and danger that entailed. His priorities were firm." —Gleason L. Archer, Jr. "Rather than break faith with God, Daniel was willing to risk expulsion from the Royal Academy with the disgrace and danger that entailed. His priorities were firm." —Gleason L. Archer, Jr. https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-10-17/187/the-model-exiles Sun, 17 Oct 2021 11:30:00 -0400 The Counterintuitive Exile The Counterintuitive Exile https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-10-10/the-counterintuitive-exile "For the Christians are distinguished from other men neither by country, nor language, nor the customs which they observe. For they neither inhabit cities of their own, nor employ a peculiar form of speech, nor lead a life which is marked out by any singularity. The course of conduct which they follow has not been devised by any speculation or deliberation of inquisitive men; nor do they, like some, proclaim themselves the advocates of any merely human doctrines. But, inhabiting Greek as well as barbarian cities, according as the lot of each of them has determined and following the customs of the natives in respect to clothing, food, and the rest of their ordinary conduct, they display to us their wonderful and confessedly striking method of life." —The Epistle to Diognetus "For the Christians are distinguished from other men neither by country, nor language, nor the customs which they observe. For they neither inhabit cities of their own, nor employ a peculiar form of speech, nor lead a life which is marked out by any singularity. The course of conduct which they follow has not been devised by any speculation or deliberation of inquisitive men; nor do they, like some, proclaim themselves the advocates of any merely human doctrines. But, inhabiting Greek as well as barbarian cities, according as the lot of each of them has determined and following the customs of the natives in respect to clothing, food, and the rest of their ordinary conduct, they display to us their wonderful and confessedly striking method of life." —The Epistle to Diognetus https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-10-10/186/the-counterintuitive-exile Sun, 10 Oct 2021 11:30:00 -0400 Exilic Choices Exilic Choices https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-10-03/exilic-choices "You must choose, but choose wisely... He chose... poorly." —Grail Knight, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade "You must choose, but choose wisely... He chose... poorly." —Grail Knight, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-10-03/185/exilic-choices Sun, 3 Oct 2021 11:30:00 -0400 The Father of Exiles The Father of Exiles https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-09-19/the-father-of-exiles Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” —Genesis 12:1-3 Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” —Genesis 12:1-3 https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-09-19/184/the-father-of-exiles Sun, 19 Sep 2021 11:30:00 -0400 The Double Exile The Double Exile https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-09-12/the-double-exile "By virtue of faith in Christ, home is in heaven, and Christians, therefore, are just passing through this world as foreigners." —Karen H. Jobes "By virtue of faith in Christ, home is in heaven, and Christians, therefore, are just passing through this world as foreigners." —Karen H. Jobes https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-09-12/183/the-double-exile Sun, 12 Sep 2021 11:30:00 -0400 The Beginning of Exile The Beginning of Exile https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-09-05/the-beginning-of-exile "If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world." —C.S. Lewis "If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world." —C.S. Lewis https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-09-05/182/the-beginning-of-exile Sun, 5 Sep 2021 11:30:00 -0400 The Passion The Passion https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-08-29/the-passion "In the first 'garden 'Not your will but mine' changed Paradise to desert and brought man from Eden to Gethsemane. Now 'Not my will but yours' brings anguish to the man who prays it but transforms the desert into the kingdom and brings man from Gethsemane to the gates of glory." —D.A. Carson "In the first 'garden 'Not your will but mine' changed Paradise to desert and brought man from Eden to Gethsemane. Now 'Not my will but yours' brings anguish to the man who prays it but transforms the desert into the kingdom and brings man from Gethsemane to the gates of glory." —D.A. Carson https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-08-29/181/the-passion Sun, 29 Aug 2021 11:30:00 -0400 Betrayal, Denial, and Anointing Betrayal, Denial, and Anointing https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-08-22/betrayal-denial-and-anointing "Not everyone is called to pour out expensive ointment over Jesus' head; but if someone is, the rest should respect it. The grumbles of the bystanders... sound a lot like the embarrassed rationalizations of people who have their own emotions well covered up and don't like seeing other people's on display..." —N.T. Wright "Not everyone is called to pour out expensive ointment over Jesus' head; but if someone is, the rest should respect it. The grumbles of the bystanders... sound a lot like the embarrassed rationalizations of people who have their own emotions well covered up and don't like seeing other people's on display..." —N.T. Wright https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-08-22/180/betrayal-denial-and-anointing Sun, 22 Aug 2021 11:30:00 -0400 The Greatest Commandment The Greatest Commandment https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-07-25/the-greatest-commandment "Love "Love https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-07-25/178/the-greatest-commandment Sun, 25 Jul 2021 11:30:00 -0400 I Boast No More I Boast No More https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-07-11/i-boast-no-more "Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it "Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-07-11/177/i-boast-no-more Sun, 11 Jul 2021 11:30:00 -0400 July 4, 2021 July 4, 2021 https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-07-04/july-4-2021 "In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot, and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. And he came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. And those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came out from him and healed them all." "In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles: Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot, and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. And he came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. And those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came out from him and healed them all." https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-07-04/176/july-4-2021 Sun, 4 Jul 2021 11:30:00 -0400 Open Discussion: June 27, 2021 Open Discussion: June 27, 2021 https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-06-27/open-discussion-june-27-2021 "Questions are never indiscreet, answers sometimes are." "Questions are never indiscreet, answers sometimes are." https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-06-27/175/open-discussion-june-27-2021 Sun, 27 Jun 2021 11:30:00 -0400 Religious Fig Trees Religious Fig Trees https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-06-20/religious-fig-trees https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-06-20/174/religious-fig-trees Sun, 20 Jun 2021 11:30:00 -0400 Insufferable Servants and the Long-Suffering Savior Insufferable Servants and the Long-Suffering Savior https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-06-13/insufferable-servants-and-the-long-suffering-savior "We have to see the tough challenges of 'self-denial' and 'carrying one's cross' not as goals in themselves but as means to the goal "We have to see the tough challenges of 'self-denial' and 'carrying one's cross' not as goals in themselves but as means to the goal https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-06-13/173/insufferable-servants-and-the-long-suffering-savior Sun, 13 Jun 2021 11:30:00 -0400 Through the Needle's Eye Through the Needle's Eye https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-06-06/through-the-needles-eye "Christ is not valued at all unless He is valued above all." "Christ is not valued at all unless He is valued above all." https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-06-06/172/through-the-needles-eye Sun, 6 Jun 2021 11:30:00 -0400 Jesus, Kids, and Me Jesus, Kids, and Me https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-05-30/jesus-kids-and-me "The ground of Jesus' surprising statement is not to be found in any subjective quality possessed by children but rather in their objective humbleness and in the startling character of the grace of God who wills to give the Kingdom to those who have no claim upon it..." "The ground of Jesus' surprising statement is not to be found in any subjective quality possessed by children but rather in their objective humbleness and in the startling character of the grace of God who wills to give the Kingdom to those who have no claim upon it..." https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-05-30/171/jesus-kids-and-me Sun, 30 May 2021 11:30:00 -0400 Open Discussion: May 23, 2021 Open Discussion: May 23, 2021 https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-05-23/open-discussion-may-23-2021 https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-05-23/170/open-discussion-may-23-2021 Sun, 23 May 2021 11:30:00 -0400 The Servant of All The Servant of All https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-05-16/the-servant-of-all "The order of life for the disciples in their relationship to each other is to be the service of love. By transforming the question of greatness into the task orientation of service, Jesus established a new pattern for human relationships which leaves no occasion for strife or opposition toward one another... The disciples cannot order their relationships as they please but are to recognize in one another men under whom they place themselves as servants." "The order of life for the disciples in their relationship to each other is to be the service of love. By transforming the question of greatness into the task orientation of service, Jesus established a new pattern for human relationships which leaves no occasion for strife or opposition toward one another... The disciples cannot order their relationships as they please but are to recognize in one another men under whom they place themselves as servants." https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-05-16/169/the-servant-of-all Sun, 16 May 2021 11:30:00 -0400 I Believe; Help My Unbelief I Believe; Help My Unbelief https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-05-09/i-believe-help-my-unbelief "...the father's famously paradoxical reply captures the tortured self-doubt of many sincere pray-ers. Belief and unbelief are mixed in most of us, and perhaps Mark would encourage us to notice that this common condition proved in the event to be no obstacle to his request being granted. At least he put his [unbelief] in the right perspective by not dwelling on it but asking Jesus to help with it. His belief, however uncertain, was all that was needed, and from this point he plays no further part in the narrative, so that all the attention falls where it should, on the power of Jesus." "...the father's famously paradoxical reply captures the tortured self-doubt of many sincere pray-ers. Belief and unbelief are mixed in most of us, and perhaps Mark would encourage us to notice that this common condition proved in the event to be no obstacle to his request being granted. At least he put his [unbelief] in the right perspective by not dwelling on it but asking Jesus to help with it. His belief, however uncertain, was all that was needed, and from this point he plays no further part in the narrative, so that all the attention falls where it should, on the power of Jesus." https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-05-09/168/i-believe-help-my-unbelief Sun, 9 May 2021 11:30:00 -0400 Christ's Resurrection and Ours Christ's Resurrection and Ours https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-05-02/christs-resurrection-and-ours "Even though it seems that death removes all memory of us when we leave this world, the fact remains that God always acknowledges us as his own... it is impossible for us not to live [eteranlly] if this is in his will." "Even though it seems that death removes all memory of us when we leave this world, the fact remains that God always acknowledges us as his own... it is impossible for us not to live [eteranlly] if this is in his will." https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-05-02/167/christs-resurrection-and-ours Sun, 2 May 2021 11:30:00 -0400 The Transfiguration The Transfiguration https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-04-25/the-transfiguration "Moses had reflected the glory of God as the moon reflects the light of the sun. But Jesus produces the unsurpassable glory of God; it emanates from him. Jesus does not point to the glory of God as Elijah, Moses, and every other prophet has done; Jesus is the glory of God in human form." "Moses had reflected the glory of God as the moon reflects the light of the sun. But Jesus produces the unsurpassable glory of God; it emanates from him. Jesus does not point to the glory of God as Elijah, Moses, and every other prophet has done; Jesus is the glory of God in human form." https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-04-25/166/the-transfiguration Sun, 25 Apr 2021 11:30:00 -0400 Following the Christ Following the Christ https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-04-18/following-the-christ "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-04-18/165/following-the-christ Sun, 18 Apr 2021 11:30:00 -0400 Open Discussion: April 11, 2021 Open Discussion: April 11, 2021 https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-04-11/open-discussion-april-11-2021 "A man was meant to be doubtful about himself, but undoubting about the truth; this has been exactly reversed. Nowadays the part of a man that a man does assert is exactly the part he ought not to assert "A man was meant to be doubtful about himself, but undoubting about the truth; this has been exactly reversed. Nowadays the part of a man that a man does assert is exactly the part he ought not to assert https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-04-11/164/open-discussion-april-11-2021 Sun, 11 Apr 2021 11:30:00 -0400 The Alarming Resurrection The Alarming Resurrection https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-04-04/the-alarming-resurrection "Perhaps, in the strange providence of God, the way Mark's book now finishes encourages us all the more to explore not only the faith of the early church, that Jesus is indeed risen from the dead, but our own faith. There is a blank at the end of the story, and we are invited to fill it ourselves. Do we take Easter for granted, or have we found ourselves awestruck at the strange new work of God? What do we know of the risen Lord?" "Perhaps, in the strange providence of God, the way Mark's book now finishes encourages us all the more to explore not only the faith of the early church, that Jesus is indeed risen from the dead, but our own faith. There is a blank at the end of the story, and we are invited to fill it ourselves. Do we take Easter for granted, or have we found ourselves awestruck at the strange new work of God? What do we know of the risen Lord?" https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-04-04/163/the-alarming-resurrection Sun, 4 Apr 2021 11:30:00 -0400 The Triumphal Entry The Triumphal Entry https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-03-28/the-triumphal-entry "You don't spread your cloaks on the road "You don't spread your cloaks on the road https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-03-28/162/the-triumphal-entry Sun, 28 Mar 2021 11:30:00 -0400 Confessing the Christ Confessing the Christ https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-03-21/confessing-the-christ "Who do we perceive the Master to be? Do we domesticate Jesus merely as the 'Lord of the church,' the 'Lord of my personal prayers,' or the 'Lord of my family'? Or do we bow before him as the Lord of the universe, the Lord over political rulers and business leaders, the Lord over creation and his church, the Lord to whom we are to submit rather merely asking him to bless what we do?" "Who do we perceive the Master to be? Do we domesticate Jesus merely as the 'Lord of the church,' the 'Lord of my personal prayers,' or the 'Lord of my family'? Or do we bow before him as the Lord of the universe, the Lord over political rulers and business leaders, the Lord over creation and his church, the Lord to whom we are to submit rather merely asking him to bless what we do?" https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-03-21/161/confessing-the-christ Sun, 21 Mar 2021 11:30:00 -0400 The Giver of All Sight The Giver of All Sight https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-03-14/the-giver-of-all-sight "God limits our knowledge first that we should be kept humble and also that we should continue to have dealings with our fellows." "God limits our knowledge first that we should be kept humble and also that we should continue to have dealings with our fellows." https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-03-14/160/the-giver-of-all-sight Sun, 14 Mar 2021 11:30:00 -0500 The Blessed Life The Blessed Life https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-03-07/the-blessed-life Today's sermon from Psalm 32 by guest preacher Jim Weidenaar. Today's sermon from Psalm 32 by guest preacher Jim Weidenaar. https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-03-07/159/the-blessed-life Sun, 7 Mar 2021 11:30:00 -0500 What Did He Call Her? What Did He Call Her? https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-02-28/what-did-he-call-her "In Western cultures we don't have anything like this kind of assertiveness. We only have the assertion of our rights. We do not know how to contend unless we're standing up for our rights, standing on our dignity and our goodness and saying, 'This is what I'm owed.' But this woman is not doing that at all. This is rightless assertiveness, something we know little about. She's not saying, 'Lord, give me what I deserve on the basis of my goodness.' She's saying, 'Give me what I don't deserve on the basis of your goodness "In Western cultures we don't have anything like this kind of assertiveness. We only have the assertion of our rights. We do not know how to contend unless we're standing up for our rights, standing on our dignity and our goodness and saying, 'This is what I'm owed.' But this woman is not doing that at all. This is rightless assertiveness, something we know little about. She's not saying, 'Lord, give me what I deserve on the basis of my goodness.' She's saying, 'Give me what I don't deserve on the basis of your goodness https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-02-28/158/what-did-he-call-her Sun, 28 Feb 2021 11:30:00 -0500 Open Discussion: February 21, 2021 Open Discussion: February 21, 2021 https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-02-21/open-discussion:-february-21-2021 "Your doubts may rob you of your comfort "Your doubts may rob you of your comfort https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-02-21/157/open-discussion:-february-21-2021 Sun, 21 Feb 2021 11:30:00 -0500 Clean Hands & Dirty Hearts Clean Hands & Dirty Hearts https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-02-07/clean-hands-dirty-hearts "We can trust God's loving pursuit of us because he does this not merely to show us the weight of our inner lives, but to liberate us from it with the cleansing assurance of his love." "We can trust God's loving pursuit of us because he does this not merely to show us the weight of our inner lives, but to liberate us from it with the cleansing assurance of his love." https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-02-07/156/clean-hands-dirty-hearts Sun, 7 Feb 2021 11:30:00 -0500 Love as Maturity Love as Maturity https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-01-31/love-as-maturity This week's sermon on love as maturity, from 1 Corinthians 13, by guest pastor Nameun Cho. This week's sermon on love as maturity, from 1 Corinthians 13, by guest pastor Nameun Cho. https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-01-31/155/love-as-maturity Sun, 31 Jan 2021 11:30:00 -0500 Thy Kingdom Come: The King's Agenda Thy Kingdom Come: The King's Agenda https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-01-24/thy-kingdom-come:-the-kings-agenda Today's sermon by guest Pastor Derek Bates. Today's sermon by guest Pastor Derek Bates. https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-01-24/154/thy-kingdom-come:-the-kings-agenda Sun, 24 Jan 2021 11:30:00 -0500 January 17, 2021 January 17, 2021 https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-01-17/january-17-2021 "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." James 1:2-4 "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." James 1:2-4 https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-01-17/153/january-17-2021 Sun, 17 Jan 2021 11:30:00 -0500 Open Discussion: January 10, 2021 Open Discussion: January 10, 2021 https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-01-10/open-discussion:-january-10-2021 https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2021-01-10/152/open-discussion:-january-10-2021 Sun, 10 Jan 2021 11:30:00 -0500 When God Became Our Neighbor When God Became Our Neighbor https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2020-12-27/when-god-became-our-neighbor “Jesus didn't commute from heaven every day, he moved in!” “Jesus didn't commute from heaven every day, he moved in!” https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2020-12-27/151/when-god-became-our-neighbor Sun, 27 Dec 2020 11:30:00 -0500 Christmas Skeptics: Mary Christmas Skeptics: Mary https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2020-12-20/christmas-skeptics:-mary “You do not yet look so happy as I mean you to be.” “You do not yet look so happy as I mean you to be.” https://www.graceandpeacepgh.org/sermons/sermon/2020-12-20/150/christmas-skeptics:-mary Sun, 20 Dec 2020 11:30:00 -0500