Foundations of the Christian Faith
Systematic Overview of Scripture
Called Out and Set Apart
June 7, 2020 • Dr. Anthony Wood
Pastor Tony explains how our nation is mired in pain and rebellion this week. Sadly, the heartache of injustice and ethical enmity is new but has been part of the human story since Cain killed his brother. Historians estimate that over the past 3400 years of human history, there have been only 268 years without large scale global violence, meaning only 8% of chronological humanity can claim a period of relative peace. Yet, in the midst of such chaos, Christ promised a solution, a group of people who would be reconciled to God, and to others. A group who would know, and emulate, truest peace and justice regardless of circumstances. Today, in his sermon titled ‘Called Out and Set Apart’ Pastor Tony continues his study on the ‘Foundations of the Christian Faith’ by examining the church and what it means to be called out and set apart.
Saved from Start to Finish
May 31, 2020 • Dr. Anthony Wood
This past Wednesday another famed "Christian" singer posted his open denial of God and Christianity on Instagram. Immediately comments piled up and news agencies wrote op-ed pieces -- How could this happen? Did his parents push too hard? Surely it's just a 'backslide.' etc. -- typical theological mishmash by cultural Christians with lots of opinions and no Scriptural support. The reason we see so many "falling away" and so much confusion when they do, is because we do not understand what salvation actually is. Who initiates it? Who applies it? Who maintains it? Thus, on Sunday we'll examine God's Word on salvation and learn how God saves people start to finish WITHOUT exception. Today, in his sermon titled ‘Saved From Start to Finish’ Pastor Tony continues his study on the ‘Foundations of the Christian Faith’ by examining the accomplishment and consummation of salvation.
Seven Acts of Holy Spirit Power
May 24, 2020 • Dr. Anthony Wood
Very few Christians feel victorious in this life. Rather, most believers feel a sense of defeat in their day-to-day trials and temptations. A large reason for spiritual fatigue is a misunderstanding of the Holy Spirit and the Spirit's role in a believer's life. Who is the Holy Spirit? What does He do? How do I know if He's working? Answering these questions, and more can provide us a new vitality in moving away from sin and toward God's glory. Today, in his sermon titled ‘Seven Acts of Holy Spirit Power’ Pastor Tony continues his study on the ‘Foundations of the Christian Faith’ by examining the Holy Spirit’s person, position, and power.
The Logos
May 3, 2020 • Dr. Anthony Wood
“The biblical witness concerning the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is woven like a scarlet thread throughout the entirety of the written Word of God. As the second person in the Godhead, the Savior’s person and work constitute the central testimony of all Scripture: “Worship God. For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Rev. 19:10)” Today, in his sermon titled ‘The Logos,’ Pastor Tony continues his study on the ‘Foundations of the Christian Faith’ by examining the pre-incarnation, incarnation, and glorification of our blessed redeemer.
The Human Sin-Machine
April 26, 2020 • Dr. Anthony Wood
“Sin is not what we do, sin is what we are.” – This phrase, alone, can cause tension in the mind of a reader, but it’s the very examination of this phrase that will either justify our damnation, or glorify our salvation. Today, in his sermon titled ‘The Human Sin-Machine,’ Pastor Tony continues his study on the ‘Foundations of the Christian Faith’ by examining the definition, origins, and impact of sin in our lives.
The Origins of Man
April 19, 2020 • Dr. Anthony Wood
Charles Darwin, reading his Bible before death, said, “I was a young man with unformed ideas. I threw out queries, suggestions, wondering over everything, and to my astonishment the ideas caught like wildfire. People made them a religion.” Today, in his sermon titled ‘The Origins of Man,’ Pastor Tony continues his study on the ‘Foundations of the Christian Faith’ by examining the creation, position, and identity of man.
He is Risen: The Christian's First Creed
April 12, 2020 • Dr. Anthony Wood
The Heidelberg Catechism begins: “What is our only comfort in life and death?” Later, this same catechism responds with, “That I am not my own, but belong – body and soul, in life and in death – to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil. He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven; in fact, all things must work together for my salvation. Because I belong to him, Christ, by his Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.” Today, in his Easter special titled 'He Is Risen: The Christian's First Creed,’ Pastor Tony continues his study on the ‘Foundations of the Christian Faith’ by examining the historical, theological, and personal significance of the glorious phrase – He Is Risen.
Knowing our Glorious God
April 5, 2020 • Dr. Anthony Wood
J.I. Packer once said, “If you want to judge how well a person understands Christianity, find out how much he makes of being God’s child, and having God as his Father. If this is not the thought that prompts and controls his worship and prayers and his whole outlook on life, it means he does not understand Christianity very well at all.”
Living for the Glory of God
March 22, 2020 • Dr. Anthony Wood
"We Exist to Glorify God!" ... this is a statement you are likely familiar with. But what does that mean, and what does that look like for the believer? Today, Pastor Tony will survey scripture to help us answer that question so that we may be renewed and sanctified by God's Word so that we may indeed Glorify God.