Sunday, November 20, 2022

NOVEMBER 20, 2022 | PASTOR ROGER MELSON | I AM DONE WITH PROMISES | GENESIS 21:22-34


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I AM DONE WITH PROMISES
GENESIS 21:22-34

While the book of Genesis continues lessons as to how we are to live our lives in Christ, that is, walking in obedience before the Lord, we do not want to assume that this obedience is disassociated with grace. Grace is not absent, but a dominant theme that overshadows the contents of the entire book. In our introduction we will observe the correctness of this understanding. The main body of the message will deal the oath/covenant that Abraham made with Abimelech. Why did he "swear an oath" or "make a covenant" with Abimelech? What relevance is that to us in 2022? What role do oaths and promises play in our lives today? Are oaths Biblical? Certainly they took place under the Old Covenant, but what of the New Covenant? We will reflect on answers to these questions in today's sermon and see how the answers to these questions "bleed over" into our daily lives, into our relationships with others.

The chapter closes with Abraham calling God the Everlasting or Eternal God. The reason why he does so is hidden in the text and relevant to us.

God bless you and may God empower His witness through the church in the midst of a dying world.



                                                    Roger and Marsha Melson

Sunday, November 13, 2022

NOVEMBER 13, 2022 | PASTOR ROGER MELSON | PROMISES, PROMISES (PART 3) | GENESIS 21:22-34


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NOVEMBER 13, 2022 | PASTOR ROGER MELSON | PROMISES, PROMISES (PART 3) | GENESIS 21:22-34

PROMISES, PROMISES (PART 3)
GENESIS 21:22-34

Today as we forge ahead in our study of Genesis 21, we will take a look back considering the source and substance of our trials, difficulties, challenges, struggles of our lives. From where do these come and what is the purpose? We will consider the patriarchs of our faith and how these difficulties worked in their lives and then how they work in our lives, as well. Moving on from there, we will observe the continued relationship between Abimelech and Abraham. An interesting twist has taken place in their relationship between chapter 20 (five years earlier) and chapter 21. A change has taken place in both men. What was the cause of that change? We will discover the cause of this change and then see how what happed in Abraham's life also is that which, hopefully, occurs in the lives of believers as they live "by faith in the Son of God" in this world.

May the Lord strengthen your faith in Him through the power of His wondrous grace,



                                                    Roger and Marsha Melson

Sunday, November 6, 2022

Sunday, October 30, 2022

OCTOBER 30, 2022 | PASTOR ROGER MELSON | REFORMATION SUNDAY - LIFE OF MARTIN LUTHER

 


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Today's message is focused on Reformation Sunday. Each year on the Sunday preceding Halloween at TCC we celebrate the Reformation of the 16th century which gave rise to the Protestant church. It is celebrated on that Sunday because on the eve of "All Saints Day," October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his "95 Theses" to the door of the Castle Church at Wittenberg. With that action, the Reformation was officially begun.

The introduction of today's sermon will briefly deal with three of the five theological distinctives that arose from the Reformation. The main subject matter of the sermon will be a biographical sketch of Martin Luther's life. It is my hope that as we trace Luther's life from his birth through the adult years of his life, we will gain a richer understanding of the significance of his life and ministry and the impact he had upon the history of the church. Though his life certainly was not without flaws, it was the providential will of God to use this "earthen vessel" to rediscover and bring into sharp focus "the righteous shall live by faith" (Romans 1:17). This was the truth that ignited his soul by God's sovereign grace. This spiritual truth brought him from death to life in Christ Jesus. It was this truth that was the spark that set the Reformation ablaze. Today it remains foundational for the church, "the righteous (those who are justified before God and drawn into a loving union with God) shall live by faith" (faith alone) in the redemptive and atoning work of Christ on the cross.

The sermon closes out with a scriptural application concerning righteousness and the believer's standing before God.

May you find encouragement to your faith as we now reflect together upon this man of God, Martin Luther.

Sunday, October 16, 2022

OCTOBER 16, 2022 | PASTOR ROGER MELSON | PROMISES, PROMISES (PART 2) | GENESIS 21:14-34

 


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PROMISES, PROMISES (PART 2) 
GENESIS 21:14-34

In Genesis 21:14-21, we continue our study of the account where Abraham sends Hagar and Ishmael away from the community of faith into the wilderness. During our study of these verses we will, once again, consider the immediate obedience of Abraham to the command of God. From there we will contemplate the contrast between the wells of Isaac and the skin of water possessed by Ishmael. This sets before us a contrast between the church and the world.

As the text unfolds from verses 19-21, God upholds His promise formerly made to Abraham and Hagar concerning Ishmael. While Ishmael is given no spiritual promise or blessing, he is given a providential promise that God will supply for him earthly care. The fulfillment of this promise leads us into the exploration of the doctrine of "common grace." "Common grace," as first revealed in Genesis 8 and 9 and affirmed by the Lord Jesus in Matthew 5:45 is that common thread that unites all of humanity, Christians and non-Christians alike. In this life, all mankind is under the providing, sustaining care of the Lord and all of mankind shares in life's trials and sufferings. There is no distinction between the Christian and the world. In varying degrees and measures of provision and trials, individuals, in their life, face this reality all of the days of their life. This is the standard for life itself "while the earth remains." (Genesis 9:22)

May the Lord's sustaining Hand uphold you by the power of His grace as you seek to serve Him.

To God by the Glory.


                                                    Roger and Marsha Melson

Sunday, August 21, 2022

AUGUST 21, 2022 | PASTOR ROGER MELSON | PROMISES, PROMISES (PART 1) | GENESIS 21:15-23


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Promises, Promises

While it was my intent to finish Chapter 21 in today's sermon, I felt it necessary to go back and address in greater detail the gist behind Sarah's statement, "Cast out this slave woman - with her son." Does her statement and the Lord's affirmation of her reveal something deeper concerning the relationship between her and Abraham, between a wife and her husband in the bond of marriage?

In addition, I was compelled to address further Abraham's obedience to the Lord in casting out Ishmael. To obey the Lord in this matter without being displeased (v. 12) required a strength and trust beyond himself. So also in our obedience to the Lord a strength beyond ourselves is required. We will see today that the person of Christ, and how being united with Him, empowers us.


                                                    Roger and Marsha Melson

Sunday, August 14, 2022

AUGUST 14, 2022 | PASTOR ROGER MELSON | MY TWO SONS (PART 3) | GENESIS 21:8-21

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AUGUST 14, 2022 | PASTOR ROGER MELSON | MY TWO SONS (PART 3) | GENESIS 21:8-21

My Two Sons (Part 3)

Revisiting Genesis 21:1f, we will focus upon the joy of Isaac's birth and that great joy that accompanied "the day that Isaac was weaned." Isaac, by that time, would have most likely been around three years of age while Ishmael could have been 17 or slightly older. We will explore the contrast between the joy of this celebration and the mocking expressed by Ishmael. What was really happening when Ishmael was mocking Isaac? Was Sarah's response over the top when she said to Abraham, "Cast out this slave woman with her son?" Why must Ishmael go? Of course, these words caused great displeasure in Abraham. His affection for Ishmael made such a demand hard to carry out. It represented "loss" in his life, much like the losses we experience in our journey through life. Yet he responded in obedience to Sarah's wish because it was the Lord speaking through her.

These verses carry with them significant theological truths along with practical significance to us. May the blessing of the Lord rest upon you today.


                                                    Roger and Marsha Melson

Sunday, July 31, 2022

JULY 31, 2022 | PASTOR ROGER MELSON | MY TWO SONS (PART 2) | GENESIS 21:1-14

 

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JULY 31, 2022 |  PASTOR ROGER MELSON | MY TWO SONS (PART 2) | GENESIS 21:1-14

My Two Sons (Part 2)

As we launch into Chapter 21 of Genesis, we see the fulfillment of the birth of "the promised son," Isaac. One cannot help but to notice that the dominant figure throughout our text is the Lord who is mentioned five times in the first eight verses. It is He who has brought the promise to fruition and He who governs the efforts of man. God visits Sarah. God gives to us promises in His word and fulfills them. Upon His promises we stand.

We will consider in our text the birth of Isaac, how it corresponds with the birth of Christ and what that means to us. In addition, we will look at the obedience of Abraham and the revitalization of Sarah. These relate directly to our daily lives in Christ.

May the renewing power of the Holy Spirit breathe a refreshing to your soul.



                                                    Roger and Marsha Melson

Sunday, June 19, 2022

JUNE 19, 2022 | PASTOR ROGER MELSON | MY TWO SONS | GENESIS 21:1-14

 

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 MY TWO SONS
GENESIS 21:1-14

Today, before launching into Genesis 21, we will be reviewing and building upon our closing comments from our last study in Genesis 20.  It was there that we studied Abraham being a type of Christ and Sarah being a type for the church.  In 20:16, Abimelech emphasizes that Abraham was Sarah's brother.  The statement comes, most likely, in the form of a sarcastic rebuke due to Abraham and Sarah's deception (cf 20:12).  Though meant as a rebuke, the significance of this type/reference to those in Christ, the church, is significant.  To Christians, if Christ is our brother, then we are together with Him, sons.  The New Testament identifies us as "adopted sons."

The message today will explore the sonship of Christ and the significance of that reality to we who are in Christ.

May this sermon be a strengthening encouragement to you as you seek to serve our Lord, our Master, our brother (Hebrews 2:11-17, Romans 8:29).



                                                    Roger and Marsha Melson

Sunday, May 29, 2022

MAY 29 | PASTOR ROGER MELSON | ABRAHAM: HIS INGLORIOUS FAILURE AND HIS GLORIOUS EXAMPLE (PART 2) | GENESIS 20:1-18


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MAY 29 | PASTOR ROGER MELSON | ABRAHAM: HIS INGLORIOUS FAILURE AND HIS GLORIOUS EXAMPLE (PART 2) | GENESIS 20:1-18

ABRAHAM: HIS INGLORIOUS FAILURE 
AND HIS GLORIOUS EXAMPLE (PART 2) 
GENESIS 20:1-18

As Genesis 20 opens, we see Abraham leaving the a Region of Mamre and journeying to the Southern Region of Palestine known as Gerar. This area was later to become known as the land of the Philistines. No reason is given for his journey and his settling there. We can only surmise.

While chalet 19 records the sins of Sodom and the failings of Lot, chapter 20 reveals a failure on the part of Abraham. The Scriptures never seek to hide the sins and falterings of the saints. The saints of the Bible are openly displayed to be fallible people, even as we are. Consequently, we can learn much from their examples; the times wherein they shine (through the Grace of God) and much also from the times when their imperfections display the shadows of their lives.

It sold be easy to focus entirely upon Abraham's sin and it's effect upon others. Our study will certainly lead us there. However, in the midst of Abraham's stumbling, there is also the revelation and the display of a glorious example.

Today's sermon serves as the first installment of two messages. The title of the message and the heading for the entire chapter is: Abraham: His Inglorious Failure and His Glorious Example.

As always, I pray that this message may serve as an instrumental of encouragement to your faith. 
God bless you.



                                                    Roger and Marsha Melson

Sunday, May 22, 2022

MAY 22 | PASTOR JOHN BAYLES | PAY CAREFUL ATTENTION | HEBREWS 2:1-4

 


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May 22, 2022
Pay Careful Attention
Hebrews 2:1-4

In this sermon, we will again hear the author pause and warm these young Hebrew Christians and us passionately to pay close attention, lest we become distracted from the foundational truths of the Gospel of Christ. He will use an established literary method of severe warning (woe) and then pivot to promises of blessings (weal) when we turn to God in humidity and renewed trust.

Ultimately, this prophetic literary tool is to keep our attention squarely upon our Savior, Jesus Christ and our calling and purpose of being image bearers of His divine being and messengers of His Gospel message.

Sunday, April 24, 2022

APRIL 24th, 2022 | PASTOR JOHN BAYLES | JESUS, GREATER THAN THE ANGELS: AS EXPRESSED BY HIS INCARNATE NAME AND NATURE | HEBREWS 1:1-5



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Jesus, Greater Than the Angels:
As expressed by His Incarnate Name and Nature
Hebrews 1:1-5

"In this sermon we will examine an immensely important subject - The incarnate nature of Jesus Christ. In a growing manner, this doctrine is highly neglected and widely misunderstood. Even in modern Systematic Theology books, detailed definitions are missing. It is not that it is no longer believed. Shockingly, the subject appears to be taken for granted as if everyone knows what it means, yet when it is described, it often falls short of any link to classical orthodoxy. Surveys often leave out the doctrine of the incarnation of Jesus Christ as something essential to understanding or experiencing the Christian faith. However, without a clear understanding of the name and nature of Jesus Christ, how can one be saved? Are we, or are we not saved by Jesus Christ and belief in His name? Then does, or does not the Gospel, the message of Christ, demand a clear and precise understanding of who the One who saves us is? As the Apostle Paul declared: “How, then, can they call on the One they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the One of Whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” (Romans 10:14). The subject that Jesus Christ is the Incarnate One, is the driving force behind the purpose for writing this letter of Hebrews. It is also the subject that we turn to with Him today. The verses that lead up to the passage quoted above make this abundantly clear: “As Scripture says, anyone who believes in Him will never be put to shame. For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile – the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on Him, for, everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:11-13). As a result, belief in Jesus Christ is dependent upon someone knowing that He, Jesus Christ, is more than someone, but, the one, and only one, Who bears the name that is above every other name."

Sunday, April 10, 2022

APRIL 10th, 2022 | PASTOR JOHN BAYLES | PROLOGUE: THE MAGNIFICENCE OF THE SON OF GOD | HEBREWS 1:1-3


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Prologue: The Magnificence of the Son of God
Hebrews 1:1-3

There is an eschatological context that is introduced here by the author.  The word eschatology means simply, the end.  The Jewish people believed that the Old Age began with the creation of the world and New Age would end with the coming of the Messiah.  Then the New Age would begin in which the Messiah would throw off all enemies of Israel and rule forever.  This time of the Messiah was called the New Age. The Old Age was also described as "those days" and the New Age was described as "these days."  The Old Age began with creation and the New Age began with the birth of Jesus.  The witness of these last days is the voice Jesus Christ