Immanuel Christian Reformed Church Sermon Podcast

Pastor Patrick Anthony

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:1-10

Many people wonder what happens after death. This week we will consider the overall picture of what happens in the afterlife from the moment we die until Christ returns and sets up his kingdom. What happens to those who have died before Christ returns? What happens to those who are living when Christ returns? How does the final judgment play out for believers and non-believers? Finally, why is it important for us to know these things and to meditate upon them? As we will see, our life will take the shape of whatever is our greatest hope.

 

Pastor Patrick Anthony

Scripture: Jeremiah 52:1-3

The final chapter of the book of Jeremiah likely was not written by Jeremiah. Yet, this historical summary that the Holy Spirit placed at the end of this book drives home the fact that everything Jeremiah said would happen, did happen. And it all happened exactly as he said it would. Therefore, Jeremiah is a prophet of God and God’s Word is always true. And while that is a painful truth when considering the judgment of sinners, it is the most wonderful truth when considering the promises of God for those who believe.

 

Pastor Patrick Anthony

Scripture: Jeremiah 51:1-6

This week God concludes His oracle of judgement against Babylon. Last week we learned historical Babylon’s judgment is a type of the judgment God intends to bring upon the world at the end of the age (Rev. 17-18). Therefore, like the Jews exiled in Babylon, we are also exiles living in a place destined for judgment (1 Peter 1:1; 2 Peter 3:10). The question we will consider is what is the Christian’s posture toward a world that is passing away? How do we avoid being overly entangled in the world on hand, or becoming apathetic toward the world on the other?

 

Pastor Patrick Anthony

Scripture: Jeremiah 50:1-46

All throughout the Old Testament God portrays the oppression of sin and death. It is like slavery (in Egypt). It is a constant battle against an enemy that tempts, tries, and divides us (Isarel in the land). It is something for which we are guilty that deserves punishment (The destruction of Jerusalem and the exile in Babylon). The fact that we cannot save ourselves from it is painfully clear in the Old Testament. Yet, all along, God is there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm to deliver His people. In the end, God will judge sin and death and completely rescue His people because our Redeemer is strong.

Pastor Patrick Anthony

Scripture: Jeremiah 49:1-39

Up until this point the oracles against the nations have been chapter long oracles, but in chapter 49 God rattles off oracles against Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar, and Elam. God drives home the point that He is the king of all nations. However, each one has something in which they are placing their trust. We are weak and dependent creatures, which is why we gravitate toward some sense of security. But there is only one refuge in life and in death that is truly secure. Anything else we put our trust in is not only rebellion against God deserving of judgment but will fail us both now, and when we stand before God on the last day.

Pastor Patrick Anthony

Scripture: Jeremiah 48:1-47

We turn this week to the oracle against the nation of Moab. Moab is a distant cousin of Israel and has been a thorn in Israel’s side since they entered the Promised Land. Overall, Moab has avoided the worst consequences of the surrounding conflicts with foreign nations that God’s people have experienced. In the meantime, they have become wealthy and overly self-confident. Additionally, rather than mourn, they have celebrated the discipline God poured out on Judah. Now they will suffer the judgment they deserve. Their felt sense of security will be shattered. Yet, God will not celebrate their judgment – in fact, He will mourn, He will urge them to flee, and He will promise future blessings.

 

Pastor Patrick Anthony

Scripture: Jeremiah 46:1-47:7

We now begin the final section of the book of Jeremiah where we hear God’s message to the nations, beginning with Egypt and Philistia. God appointed Jeremiah a prophet to the nations (1:10) because God is the sovereign ruler of all things. He is the one who raises up kings and brings them down (Dan. 2:21). All rulers and authorities are answerable to Him. But God is not simply displaying His power, He is also revealing their need, proclaiming His judgment (giving them an opportunity to repent), and comforting His people. No matter the apparent chaos of our world we can know God is working all things according to the counsel of His will to accomplish His purposes!

Pastor Patrick Anthony

Scripture: Jeremiah 45:1-5

Pastor Patrick Anthony

Scripture: Jeremiah 43:8 - 44:30

Pastor JP Trabbold

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18