Jesus and Judas

This  passage contains both encouragement and warning. The encouragement is conveyed by the way that Jesus tells his disciples that one of them is going to betray him. He shows that the betrayal will happen in fulfillment of Scripture and thus in accordance with God’s plan.  The warning is conveyed by the fact that Judas was not suspected by the other disciples as a traitor, showing that it is possible to be a respected member of the community of faith without being a genuine believer.

Read John 13:18-30

Jesus and Judas

Rev. Jerry Hamstra

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A Lament Because of Persecution

This sermon considers David’s cry for help and description of his situation, his prayer for God to punish his enemies, how parts of the psalm are fulfilled in Jesus Christ and David’s expression of praise and thanksgiving at the end of the psalm.

Read Psalm 69

A Lament Because of Persecution

Rev. Jerry Hamstra

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Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet

This passage emphasizes the love of Jesus for his people and calls us to imitate him by humbly serving others.

Read John 13:1-17

Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet

Rev. Jerry Hamstra

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Two Ways to Live

Psalm 1 warns against being influenced by the thinking and attitudes of people who live in rebellion against God and encourages being shaped by constant meditation on the Word of God. Lives shaped by the Word will be fruitful and be lived under God’s favor while lives shaped by the world are empty and useless and will end in separation from God and his people.

Read Psalm 1

Two Ways to Live

Rev. Jerry Hamstra

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Gospel Blessings in the Latter Days

The message of this text is that in the latter days the nations shall come to the place where God reveals himself and his ways.  This was initially fulfilled during the time of Christ and at Pentecost.  It continues to be fulfilled in the present and will be completely fulfilled in the final state.

Read Isaiah 2:1-3

Gospel Blessings in the Latter Days

Rev. Jerry Hamstra

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The Significance of Giving

In this passage Paul discusses the gift that the Philippians had sent to him giving them and us instruction concerning the spiritual significance of giving to support the advance of the gospel and those who are being persecuted.

Read Philippians 4:10-23

The Significance of Giving

Rev. Jerry Hamstra

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The Office of Deacon

This passage is part of the development of the office of deacon in the New Testament.  It underscores the importance of both the ministry of prayer and the Word and the ministry of mercy in the church.

Read Acts 6:1-7

The Office of Deacon

Rev. Jerry Hamstra

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The Passover and the Lord’s Supper

Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper during the celebration of the Passover. The Lord’s Supper is to be understood in part as the fulfillment of the Passover. This sermon explores the relationship between the two ordinances.

Read Matthew 26:17-25

The Passover and the Lord’s Supper

Rev. Jerry Hamstra

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Psalm 23

This Psalm has always been a comfort for God’s people in times of trouble. God is the Shepherd of his people and as such he guides their lives and provided for all their needs. This is true even when the path is difficult.

Read Psalm 23:1-6

Psalm 23

Rev. Jerry Hamstra

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Offer to God a Sacrifice of Thanksgiving

In this Psalm, God rebukes his people for thinking that he was dependent upon their sacrifices. He also addresses the wicked for their way of life. He calls his people to offer sacrifices of thanksgiving and to order their lives “rightly.”

Read Psalm 50:1-23

Offer to God a Sacrifice of Thanksgiving

Rev. Jerry Hamstra

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