Our theme for this Sunday came to us from Rm 1.16a, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel . . .” On a day when almost half of our congregation was out with illness, I found myself praying, being very dismayed. It is one thing to preach the gospel before a larger appreciative audience. It is one thing to preach before a hostile audience. It is still another to preach before a weak, shrinking congregation. This was a time when I knew When to Pray.

And still, we are Not Ashamed, and God gives grace to enable us in our extremities and time of need. I believe the Lord gave his grace for the messages on this day and those who were out profited from them.

The summaries and links are below:

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We had a good crowd Sunday, 47. A few regulars are becoming not so regular, so this week will mean a little looking out after wandering sheep. Sometimes this means compassion on the sick, but other times it means something more. Some wander so far, they never come back, no matter how well you work to be a good shepherd.

Here are the sermon summaries, in a brief form similar to what we will be putting up as podcasts in the near future. Note that we are now formatting the messages in the smaller 16kbps size.

The Obligation of Christian Ministry (Rm 1.14) || Audio
The obligation of Christian ministry is to all – Greeks and barbarians, wise and unwise … the good, the bad, and the ugly. All Christians share this obligation.

Read the notes while you listen.

The Canon (2) || Audio

In which we discuss the evidence for the canon of the Old Testament.

Read the notes as you listen.

The Readiness for Christian Ministry (Rm 1.15) || Audio
What is necessary for readiness? A heart for others, a will submissive to the Lord’s direction, and a mind filled with the gospel.

Read the notes while you listen.

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