In Sermons: showing 16-30 of 302

The Last Prophet

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Oct 9, 2016

John’s message was “Repent!” So was Jesus’. Here is the distinction between the two. John urged repentance because he thought judgment was at hand. Jesus urged repentance because salvation was at hand.

Matthew 11:2-6 The Last Prophet 2/8/15 D. Marion Clark Introduction What would it have been like to encounter Jesus in the flesh? To see him with your own eyes, hear his voice, witness his deeds, and listen to his teachings? What impact would he have had on you? Our new sermon series thinks ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:2-6

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Worry And Giving

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Oct 9, 2016

If we honestly consider the subject of how we part with our money, we will discover much about ourselves. Our text has much to teach about how financial security affects our trust in God.

Matthew 6:25-34 Worry and Giving 6/29/03 D. Marion Clark Introduction Some may say that “stewardship” is a code word for asking for money. I suppose that is true to a point. But if we honestly consider the subject of how we part with our money, we will discover much about ourselves. Our text ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

True Treasure

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Oct 9, 2016

If we seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness – if we seek first to be in his kingdom, and if we seek first to live for his kingdom and as citizens of his kingdom, well, the rest works out.

Matthew 6:19-34 True Treasure 6/27/10e D. Marion Clark Introduction Earlier today we presented Phil and Lisa Ryken with an original painting by artist Makoto Fujimura. On that painting the artist wrote in gold lettering the very passage we are considering tonight, up to verse part of verse 26, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:19-34

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Joseph's Dreams

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Oct 6, 2016

When it comes to dreaming, many readers think Matthew is the dreamer by the way he uses Old Testament Scripture to back up his story. Is Matthew too anxious to justify his story that he twists Scripture to suit his purpose?

Matthew 2:19-23 Joseph’s Dreams 12/22/02 D. Marion Clark Introduction Do you sometimes wake up tired because of vivid dreams? I imagine Joseph had that problem. Matthew records four dreams through which an angel of the Lord spoke to him. The first dream was to assure him that he could ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:19-23, Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Rachel's Sorrow

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Oct 6, 2016

However crafty, however ruthless Herod might have been, he could be no more successful than his evil superior Satan. The Redeemer would come just as was planned, would live just as planned, and would die just as planned.

Matthew 2:13-18 Rachel’s Sorrow 12/15/02 D. Marion Clark Introduction I do like our Live Nativity we put on at our church. We show the manger scene; we have a full inn, a market square retail booth, angels singing to shepherds, and a tax collector at his booth. We even have the three ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:13-18

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Magi's Sign

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Oct 5, 2016

Christmas is also about the gifts we are to offer in return, not to earn God's favor, but like the magi it is worth a life’s journey to follow whatever destinations may be given us to worship and to give our treasures to our Savior and our King.

Matthew 2:1-12 The Magi’s Sign 12/8/02 D. Marion Clark Introduction “Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are.” At least that is everyone’s concern about the star of Bethlehem. Of all the elements of the Christmas story, the visit of the magi who ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Joseph's Dream Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Oct 5, 2016

Joseph and Mary had no say over the name of their first child. He was not named for anyone else, not for what character was hoped for him, but for the purpose for which he was born in the first place.

Matthew 1:18-25 Joseph’s Dream 12/1/02 D. Marion Clark Introduction “What’s in a name?” so questions Juliet. There may be much in a name. Some of us are named after loved and respected family members. We carry in our name the remembrance of someone else. Others of us ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Raising Dry Bones

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Oct 5, 2016

While you are alive, you have hope. There is no sin you have committed that you cannot be cleansed from. There are no failures that God cannot raise you from.

Ezekiel 37:1-14 Raising Dry Bones 8/2/15 D. Marion Clark Introduction We move now to the valley of dry bones. Let's see what "dem bones" have to teach us. Text Verses 1-6 set the stage. The hand of the LORD was upon me, and he brought me out in the Spirit of the LORD and set me down in the ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-14

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

A New Heart

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Oct 5, 2016

Using God’s promises to the house of Israel for our model, we learn that God has promised us – those who call on Jesus’ name – a new start.

Ezekiel 36:24-38 A New Heart 7/19/15 D. Marion Clark Introduction A few weeks ago a soloist sang for the prelude the song that we know as “Dem Bones.” I was struck by the rendition of it, which presents more than a funny children’s song, but gets the message across about the ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 36:24-38

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Evil Intent, Good Intent

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Oct 3, 2016

The story of Joseph is the display of the providential power of God to to accomplish his good purposes. Let’s consider what teaches about us teaches about us, about God, and what it all means for us.

Genesis 37:12-36 Evil Intent, Good Intent 10/2/16 D. Marion Clark Introduction “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” So Joseph assuages the fears of his brothers after the death of Jacob, and so he articulates the providence of God. The story of Joseph ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 37:12-36

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Anointed One Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Sep 21, 2016

This morning, we look at the very word “Messiah.” What does it mean? How did it become associated with the one whom Israel had placed her hope?

Isaiah 61:1-3 Anointed One June 7, 2015 D. Marion Clark Introduction Jesus and his disciples are nearing Emmaus. He has taken the two disciples through the Scriptures, demonstrating how he has fulfilled them in regard to being the Messiah even as he was being crucified. He has bruised the head ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 61:1-3

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Lord's Vengeance Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Sep 21, 2016

In these chapters we are able to get the broad perspective of God’s activity and a greater feel for the power of his sovereignty as he deals with the nations.

Isaiah 13:1-20:6 The Lord’s Vengeance 5/13/01e D. Marion Clark Introduction I was asked if the scripture text was a misprint. It is; I will not be preaching through eleven chapters, only eight. We will stop with chapter 20. If I preach at the rate I have been up to this time, it will ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Song Of Salvation Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Sep 21, 2016

This song of praise celebrates that day of Christ's coming, both Christ’s first and second coming.

Isaiah 12:1-6 Song of Salvation 4/29/01e D. Marion Clark Introduction It is delightful to come upon a hymn of unabashed praise to God. Isaiah has been presenting a vision of the day when God’s kingdom will usher forth. We’ve seen how Jesus in his first coming fulfilled the prophecy ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 12:1-6

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Gatherer Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Sep 21, 2016

In these verses we see both king and kingdom and the people who make up the kingdom.

Isaiah 11:11-16 The Gatherer 4/22/01e D. Marion Clark Introduction We come to the last of our three sections in chapter 11. In verses 1-5 we considered the person of the Branch of Jesse, i.e. the Messiah who will reign over his kingdom. He is to be a king of wisdom, power, and righteousness. ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 11:11-16

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Real Reliance Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Sep 21, 2016

Just what did God want from Israel and Judah. What was he doing? Our passage helps sort these questions through.

Isaiah 10:20-34 Real Reliance 3/25/01e D. Marion Clark Introduction It is hard to figure out punishment, at least when you are on the other side of it. We’ve all been punished and usually we thought at the time that it wasn’t quite fair. Sure, we may have admitted that we should ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 10:20-34

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed