Reformation Orthodox Presbyterian Church

As we move to the second part of 1 Samuel 16, we find a major transition marked by the Spirit of the Lord coming upon David and departing from Saul. This insight, given by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit shows us that God not only has a plan for His people, but He also gives us helpful indications what He was doing amongst His people. The evidences of David's being anointed and called to be the king of Israel is evidenced not only by the Spirit's anointing, but also as the Lord used David to bless Saul, the rejected king, with calm through music. David truly was the first warrior-poet of Israel.  Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia! Each Lord's Day 9:30am & 5:30pm 203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098 (704) 931-8094 Our website: https://refopc.net/ ropcgastonia@gmail.com

One of the greatest treasures that we have laid up for us, given by the Son of God, through His servant Solomon, is the series of talks given to the sons of the Church concerning how to attain and apply the wisdom that comes from above. It begins with a fear of the Lord, that is, a reverent apprehension and worship of the Triune Lord, and moves to a consideration of a variety of real-life challenges and opportunities that await those who live in the fear and awe of their Maker and Redeemer. One such challenge that awaits the saints is how to live in peace and nurture a fellowship of unity and love amongst one another. It requires welcoming the weaker brother, the exercise of discernment as to what doctrines and practices are the nearer to the circle of orthodoxy, and then understanding that though God calls us "where we are," we are not all in the same place, theologically, beyond confessing Christ as Lord. How we live together has as much of an impact on our testimony to the world that is locked in conflict

Saul, having been rejected by the Lord and Samuel, the prophet and priest of Israel, having walked away from Saul in chapter 14, we come to the event of the anointing of the one who would become to next king of Israel, the son of Judah, a member of the royal tribe of Judah, a lion's welp - David. Two primary principles that we find at work in our chapter this evening, 1. The Lord does not look upon outward appearance, but upon the heart, that is the Lord chose a king in a way that is grounded upon His righteous and sovereign perspective, and not as Israel demanded, when they asked for a king like the nations. 2. David's skill in music and his ability to calm the distressing spirit that came upon Saul was evidence of the Spirit of God that had been given to him as his anointing. David was the king Israel should have waited for, and in God's grace and goodness He would show Israel what kind of king would ultimately be sent to them to redeem them from their greatest enemy - sin and death. Worship with us at Refo

Paul continues through his exhortation, that in light of the liberty and unity that Christ has purchased and brought us into, as a church, by His precious blood and so called to love, forgive, and serve as we have been loved. "Love thy neighbor," is the calling of those redeemed by grace and a large component of that sanctified temperament is to welcome all of those who call Christ Lord, for they are our brothers and sisters in Christ, even those who are weak or immature with regards to the doctrine or practice of the Word of God. Ultimately, our welcome is grounded upon the principle that we are not the ultimate standard of righteousness between men, but the Word of God, nor do we sit in ultimate judgment, but Christ, who is King and Judge of all men. Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia! Each Lord's Day 9:30am & 5:30pm 203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098 (704) 931-8094 Our Website: https://refopc.net/ ropcgastonia@gmail.com

1 Samuel 15 records the third strike, if you will, in a series of willful and deliberate mistakes that Saul made due to his fear, folly, and inability to simply follow the Lord's instructions to be a courageous and faithful king to Israel. In 1 Samuel 13 Saul showed fear and impatience in the face of the encroaching Philistine military, going ahead to offer a sacrifice to the Lord, rather than wait on Samuel to arrive at the battle front. In 1 Samuel 14 Saul displayed great folly when he called his soldiers to fast in the face of a great victory, and when more fighting needed to occur to win a more considerable victory. In Samuel 15, Saul disobeys the order to commit all of the Amalekite city to destruction, which was to be Saul's offering of obedience to God. Rather Saul plans to offer "strange fire" by holding back Agag and the animals of the city as offering to the Lord. Time and again Saul showed an inability or unwillingness to operate as a faithful king to Israel, on behalf of God, furthering God's cond

As Paul moves into a new and distinct section from what has come before, it is right for us to think that all of the doctrine which Paul covered in the epistle to Rome has as a theological foundation the revelation of the true gospel of Jesus Christ, the one and only Savior of the world. Beginning in chapter 13 Paul emphasizes the importance of unity and mutual welcome and acceptance among believers, particularly regarding non-essential matters of faith or what we might call scruples. Paul addresses the disputes that naturally arise between members of the church over matters such as dietary practices and the observance of special days, urging Christians not to judge too harshly, respond uncharitably, or despise one another based on personal convictions in these areas. Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia! Each Lord's Day 9:30am & 5:30pm 203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098 (704) 931-8094 Our website: https://refopc.net/ ropcgastonia@gmail.com

1 Samuel 14 recounts Jonathan's bold courage and faith in the Lord as he attacked and was granted victory against the Philistines, and this contrasted with Saul's rash and impatient leadership. Jonathan, Saul's son, demonstrated trust in God by initiating an attack on a Philistine garrison with his armor-bearer. His faith lead prompted divine intervention, resulting in wide spread confusion among the Philistines and ultimately their defeat. Concurrently, Saul's impulsive oath nearly costs Jonathan his life, highlighting the dangers of rash decisions, distrust in the Lord, and taking matters into one's own hands rather than seeking to honor the Lord with one's decisions and actions. Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia! Each Lord's Day 9:30am & 5:30pm 203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098 (704) 931-8094 Our website: https://refopc.net/ ropcgastonia@gmail.com

This morning, we look at Romans 11:33-36, a doxology that issues forth in response to the sovereign reign of God and the outworking of His plan to bring in the Gentiles, and His future plan to bring back the Jews. God moves in a mysterious way to those who sit at His feet, who cannot see or rule as He does, and to those who love the Lord and long for His appearing to trust and wait in Him as He rules most wisely and beautifully.  Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia! Each Lord's Day 9:30am & 5:30pm 203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098 (704) 931-8094 Our website: https://refopc.net/ ropcgastonia@gmail.com

Last week I covered the sin of Saul, which was first and foremost due to a lack of confidence in God's man, Samuel, to arrive to offer the sacrifice unto the Lord, to bless the nation, that they might have victory in battle. He had been called to wait, but failed to do so, and out of fear, he took into His hands the means of the blessing whereby God proclaimed that salvation comes only by His hands. He should have waited, and for his disobedience, the kingdom would be taken away from him. How often do we, rather than leaning upon the sufficient work of the Lord's Anointed, promised and made manifest through God's power alone, seek to do even the rightful works of God in our own strength? Rather than taking into our own hands the work that belongs to the Lord, we must look to Him, believe what He has promised, and wait upon Him to reveal salvation and victory on His terms. Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia! Each Lord's Day 9:30am & 5:30pm 203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098 (704) 931-8094 Ou

"In this powerful sermon, we explore the call to live as new creations in Christ—shedding the works of darkness and putting on the armor of light. Through biblical wisdom, personal reflection, and the transformative power of the Gospel, we uncover the dangers of laziness, worldly distractions, and spiritual complacency. Learn how to walk in righteousness, fight against sin, and embrace the fullness of life found in Jesus. If you're seeking encouragement in your faith journey, clarity on biblical truth, and a challenge to grow deeper in Christ, this message is for you. Watch now and be equipped to live boldly for the Kingdom of God!" As we come to Paul's final exhortations in Romans 13, we find a centralizing theme of new life in Christ Jesus, comprised of an urgent call for Christians to live as those who have been brought into union with Christ Jesus and to live as though ready for His return. Paul emphasized the need to cast off sinful behaviors associated with darkness and instead embrace a life of light w

In 1 Samuel 13, Saul's reign as Israel's first king faced a critical test against the Philistines. After Jonathan successfully defeats of a Philistine garrison at Geba, the Philistines planned to retaliate by amassing a massive army, and in response the Israelites scattered in fear. Saul gathered his forces at Gilgal but disobeyed the Lord's command to wait for Samuel to offer sacrifices. Having taken matters into his own hands. Fear and impatience will eat the heart of men, and rather than trusting in the Lord to deliver through the mechanism of the altar, trusting the Anointed One to bring victory, the king gave up the throne and the people saw just how unarmed they truly were. Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia! Each Lord's Day 9:30am & 5:30pm 203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098 (704) 931-8094 Our website: https://refopc.net/ ropcgastonia@gmail.com

In a world filled with lawlessness and moral confusion, God's Word provides clear guidance for living a life of love and righteousness. This powerful message reveals how true love is defined not by fleeting emotions but by God's eternal law — to love your neighbor as yourself and do no harm. Discover how Christ's example teaches us to embrace sacrificial love, reject selfishness, and prioritize God's truth in our homes, churches, and communities. Watch now to learn how to reflect God's love in everyday life and stand firm against cultural deception. Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia! Each Lord's Day 9:30am & 5:30pm 203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098 (704) 931-8094 Our website: https://refopc.net/ ropcgastonia@gmail.com Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia! Each Lord's Day 9:30am & 5:30pm 203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098 (704) 931-8094 Our website: https://refopc.net/ ropcgastonia@gmail.com

The call to repentance comes to us wherever the Lord finds us, and it comes to us not as those worthy of Divine favor, but as sinners who have a sketchy track record, and apart from repentance a miserable future looming ahead. Come to Christ, lay your failures at His feet, and seek to go and sin no more.  Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia! Each Lord's Day 9:30am & 5:30pm 203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098 (704) 931-8094 Our website: https://refopc.net/ ropcgastonia@gmail.com Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia! Each Lord's Day 9:30am & 5:30pm 203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098 (704) 931-8094 Our website: https://refopc.net/ ropcgastonia@gmail.com

It stands that in light of God's established order, that the civil magistrate has been instituted by God for a clear and universal purpose, to bring peace and order to societies of men. Seeing as this is their mandate, to wield the sword in the promotion of peace, the magistrate, ideally men who themselves are connected and governed by covenant between God and the people, they rely upon the support of the people to perform their duties. It is this support that comes in the form of taxes that are not only useful, but ordained by God to fund the work of the magistrate, and in light of this the clear exhortation, "render therefore to all their due…" Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia! Each Lord's Day 9:30am & 5:30pm 203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098 (704) 931-8094 Our Website: https://refopc.net/ ropcgastonia@gmail.com

As we continue through Samuel's history, leading up to the establishment of the monarchy "at home" in Israel, we see a series of national mishaps and also acts of sovereign mercy along the way. Fitting within the whole scope of Redemptive History, we find the telltale contours of the Triune Lord, pursuing a wicked and wayward bride through persistent acts of extraordinary patience shown to a people who did not deserve it, but were nonetheless those upon whom God special favor rested. This evening, we see God's granting the demand of Israel to "have a king over us," thinking that a king would solve their problems, they again missed God's lessons as to where true salvation and security rested - not in a corrupt and human actor who had been granted authority, but in a righteous man, after God's own heart. Sometimes getting exactly what you want is not an act of Divine blessing but cursing, and so we must know what to ask for, and it must be in accordance with God's will.  Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gasto

From the outset, let me be very clear, this sermon and the one which will follow it, next Sunday, are primers for how those who fear God and live in a world "under the sun" are to think about and participate in the public life of the civil sphere. I say it is a primer because within the wider Christian tradition, and nearer and I dare say dearer to us are the volumes written by our protestant church fathers on the subject of the civil magistrate. I will also add that much of my own education on this matter is remedial beyond both high school, college, and even seminary where next to nothing was taught to me of the Bibles teaching on the topic of government, civil authority, and an appropriate mode of participation in this area of public life. We have but one life to live, may we live well, according to God's Word.  Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia! Each Lord's Day 9:30am & 5:30pm 203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098 (704) 931-8094 Our Website: https://refopc.net/ ropcgastonia@gmail.com

From the outset, let me be very clear, this sermon and the one which will follow it, next Sunday, are primers for how those who fear God and live in a world "under the sun" are to think about and participate in the public life of the civil sphere. I say it is a primer because within the wider Christian tradition, and nearer and I dare say dearer to us are the volumes written by our protestant church fathers on the subject of the civil magistrate. I will also add that much of my own education on this matter is remedial beyond both high school, college, and even seminary where next to nothing was taught to me of the Bibles teaching on the topic of government, civil authority, and an appropriate mode of participation in this area of public life. We have but one life to live, may we live well, according to God's Word.  Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia! Each Lord's Day 9:30am & 5:30pm 203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098 (704) 931-8094 Our Website: https://refopc.net/ ropcgastonia@gmail.com

As we continue through Samuel's history, leading up to the establishment of the monarchy "at home" in Israel, we see a series of national mishaps and also acts of sovereign mercy along the way. Fitting within the whole scope of Redemptive History, we find the telltale contours of the Triune Lord, pursuing a wicked and wayward bride through persistent acts of extraordinary patience shown to a people who did not deserve it, but were nonetheless those upon whom God special favor rested. This evening, we see God's granting the demand of Israel to "have a king over us," thinking that a king would solve their problems, they again missed God's lessons as to where true salvation and security rested - not in a corrupt and human actor who had been granted authority, but in a righteous man, after God's own heart. Sometimes getting exactly what you want is not an act of Divine blessing but cursing, and so we must know what to ask for, and it must be in accordance with God's will.  Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gasto

Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia! Each Lord's Day 9:30am & 5:30pm 203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098 (704) 931-8094 Our Website: https://refopc.net/ ropcgastonia@gmail.com

Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia! Each Lord's Day 9:30am & 5:30pm 203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098 (704) 931-8094 Our Website: https://refopc.net/ ropcgastonia@gmail.com