Worship 10 am & 6 pm

Belgrade United Reformed Church

17333 Frontage Road

Belgrade, MT 59714

When God’s Promises Seem to be Failing (Esther 2:19-3:15)
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When God’s Promises Seem to be Failing (Esther 2:19-3:15)

The book of Esther confronts a haunting question: when God seems silent and His people face destruction, can His promises still stand? Set in a foreign empire ruled by absolute power, Esther reveals a hidden battle between the decree of man and the decree of God. As Haman plots genocide and Mordecai refuses to bow, the story presses one central tension—has the Lord forsaken His role as shield and defender? Yet even through imperfect people and unseen providence, God proves faithful, triumphing over the serpent’s seed and preserving His redemptive promise.

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What is Biblical Holiness? (The Ground Plan)

What is Biblical Holiness? (The Ground Plan)

What does it truly mean to be holy? Exploring 1 Peter 1:1–7 through Sinclair Ferguson’s teaching, this post unpacks holiness as belonging entirely to God. From God’s eternal purpose to the refining role of trials, we discover how the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit work together to bring about our sanctification and preserve us for glory.

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Persevere in God's Preservation (1 Peter 1:3-9; COD Head 5)

Persevere in God's Preservation (1 Peter 1:3-9; COD Head 5)

The Christian life is not easy sailing, but a journey of perseverance upheld by God’s preserving power. Anchored in Christ, refined through trials, and guarded by God’s strength, believers press forward with confidence, knowing their inheritance is secure and their Savior faithfully preserves them.

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God's Myrtle or Persia's Star? (Esther 2:1-18)
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God's Myrtle or Persia's Star? (Esther 2:1-18)

The Book of Esther shows how God works even in silence. From King Xerxes’ pride to Esther’s rise, the story reveals His providence through unexpected heroes. Even in exile, God protects His people, fulfilling His promises through the seemingly weak. This week we consider divine sovereignty, human ambition, and faithful courage in the face of uncertainty.

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Is Holiness Up to You? The Gospel Mystery of Sanctification Explained

Is Holiness Up to You? The Gospel Mystery of Sanctification Explained

Confused about sanctification? Discover how God transforms His people as we explore Sinclair Ferguson’s Devoted to God, growing in holiness through faith, not effort, and resting in the joy of His Spirit.

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Called to Persevere (Psalm 32; COD Head 5 Arts 1-8)

Called to Persevere (Psalm 32; COD Head 5 Arts 1-8)

Psalm 32 shows us that perseverance is not spiritual cruise control. David knew the misery of hidden sin, the crushing weight of God’s discipline, and the joy of restored fellowship. His story teaches us that God does not abandon His people when they fall, but lovingly presses them toward repentance and renewal. The Canons of Dort echo this same hope: believers may stumble, but the Lord faithfully brings them back, preserving them by His grace until the end.

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Intro to Esther: King of Kings? Or King Headache? (Esther 1:1-22)
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Intro to Esther: King of Kings? Or King Headache? (Esther 1:1-22)

The Book of Esther is more than a heroic tale—it's divine satire revealing God's faithfulness through imperfect people. From King Xerxes’ pompous vanity to Queen Vashti’s principled defiance, the story exposes human weakness while highlighting God’s sovereign control. Even in exile, when His people compromise and stumble, God orchestrates events to fulfill His promises, demonstrating that true deliverance comes not from human heroes, but from the Lord Himself.

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Called to Willingly Obey (Philippians 2:12-18; COD Head 3, 4 RE 6-9)

Called to Willingly Obey (Philippians 2:12-18; COD Head 3, 4 RE 6-9)

This post explores Philippians 2:12–13 and the Canons of Dort, showing that salvation and obedience flow from God’s transforming grace. Grace doesn’t just offer help—it renews the heart, empowering believers to live faithfully in Christ. We work because God works in us, producing joy‑filled obedience.

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God's Family: Consecrated in Perfection (Matthew 3:13-17; Luke 3:21-22)
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God's Family: Consecrated in Perfection (Matthew 3:13-17; Luke 3:21-22)

This sermon explores Christ’s baptism through the complementary Gospel accounts of Luke and Matthew, showing how each evangelist emphasizes a distinct theological perspective without contradiction.

Luke highlights humility, reversal, and inclusion, revealing a kingdom where God exalts the lowly and forms a new family grounded in grace rather than status.

Matthew emphasizes fulfillment, covenant faithfulness, and judgment, presenting Jesus as Israel’s Messiah who relives and completes Israel’s story by submitting to divine judgment to “fulfill all righteousness.”

Together, these accounts reveal baptism as the moment Christ publicly consecrates Himself to bear judgment for His people and secure true peace with God. Jesus is shown to be both the humble King and the righteous Judge, welcoming outsiders while confronting self-righteousness. The family of God is not built on merit or despair, but on redemption accomplished by Christ alone. True shalom is found only in Him, calling all people, exalted and humble alike, to find their identity, confidence, and life in Christ, the great equalizer.

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What is a Spiritual Person? (COD Heads 3,4; 1 Cor. 2:14-16)

What is a Spiritual Person? (COD Heads 3,4; 1 Cor. 2:14-16)

Explore the profound contrast in 1 Corinthians 2 between the natural person, who sees the gospel as folly, and the spiritual person.  The spiritual person is regenerated by the Holy Spirit and begins to conform to Christ's mind. Drawing from the Canons of Dort, this teaching dismantles misconceptions of "carnal" vs. "super-spiritual" Christians, revealing that true maturity rests in humble dependence on Christ's cross and resurrection. Grace doesn't merely assist; it radically renews hearts for joyful obedience. Discover how to live a discerning life through the gospel, for God's glory alone.

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God's Family: Stranger Danger (Matthew 2:1-12)
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God's Family: Stranger Danger (Matthew 2:1-12)

In Matthew’s Gospel, we find two kinds of people in God’s kingdom. There are those inside and there are those outside the covenant line. The surprising truth is that the outsiders, represented by the Magi, are the ones who recognize and worship Christ, while the insiders, represented by Herod and Jerusalem, miss His coming. This message challenges us to consider where true belonging in God’s family comes from—not heritage or status, but faith in Jesus Christ. Through the story of the Magi, Matthew reveals that Christ came to bring even the farthest outsiders into His family, transforming strangers into beloved sons and daughters of God.

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For Whom Does Christ Pray? (John 17:4, 9, 20-21; COD 2)

For Whom Does Christ Pray? (John 17:4, 9, 20-21; COD 2)

This sermon explores the doctrine of limited atonement through John 17, showing that Christ’s death is not a vague, potential redemption but a finished work for a particular people the Father has given Him. Rather than fueling elitism, this truth humbles believers: faith does not save us; Christ saves.  Faith is the Spirit’s gift that compels us to cling to Him to receive all Christ’s distinct benefits. Christ’s high priestly prayer reveals His heart.  Christ prays for his people. Christ desires eternal fellowship with the people that God has given to Christ.  This does not make us complacent, but we live in the confidence that Christ’s work will complete his intended result.

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God’s Family: Joseph Son of David (Matthew 1:17-25)
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God’s Family: Joseph Son of David (Matthew 1:17-25)

This sermon reflects on how God faithfully works through broken family lines, centering on Joseph as the quiet, righteous link between David’s promises and Christ’s birth. Matthew’s genealogy reveals that God does not need perfect people, but uses flawed, ordinary sinners to bring the Messiah into the world. Joseph’s obedience in taking Mary as his wife, bearing public shame, and naming the child “Jesus, Yahweh saves”, secures Jesus’ legal place in David’s line and displays what true righteousness is: humble trust in God’s redemptive plan. Through Emmanuel, “God with us,” God triumphs over human sin, fulfills His covenant, and graciously calls us into His family, assuring believers that His promises will never fall flat.

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Scarcity or Abundance? (John 10:15; COD Head 2)
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Scarcity or Abundance? (John 10:15; COD Head 2)

The doctrine of Limited Atonement is often misunderstood as if Christ’s sacrifice were scarce or restricted. Yet Scripture reveals the opposite: Jesus’ atonement is infinitely sufficient for all, but applied only to His sheep. those who hear His voice and follow Him. This truth isn’t about exclusivity but assurance. The Good Shepherd laid down His life intentionally, securing salvation for His flock and lifting sinners from the depths by grace alone.

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God's Abandoned Family? (Luke 24:36-53)
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God's Abandoned Family? (Luke 24:36-53)

As we conclude our study of Luke’s Gospel, we see Christ revealing His glorified body to His disciples, offering peace, fellowship, and assurance. Even in doubt and human failure, His mercy endures. Christ fulfills God’s promises, opens the Scriptures, and invites us into communion with Him. Today, we live in the reality of His resurrection, drawing near to Him and anticipating the eternal feast at His table.

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It's God's Kingdom and His Choice (Ephesians 2:1-10; COD Head 1)

It's God's Kingdom and His Choice (Ephesians 2:1-10; COD Head 1)

The Canons of Dort reject the Arminian view that human choice influences God’s election. Instead, they affirm that election is entirely of God’s grace, based on His purpose and love, not on foreseen faith or works. This doctrine emphasizes God’s sovereignty, personal intervention, and unchangeable love, ensuring that salvation is entirely His work and all glory belongs to Him.

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Heaven’s Veto (Luke 24:1-35)
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Heaven’s Veto (Luke 24:1-35)

The crucifixion was Rome’s brutal method of deterrence—designed to kill slowly, publicly, and shamefully. Yet in Christ’s death, the irony emerges: the only innocent man is executed like a covenant-breaker, showing that this fallen age is not our rest. Though Rome miscarries justice, heaven overturns that miscarriage. Christ’s death is not a failure but the planned means to bear sin’s penalty and undo the consequences of the fall; his resurrection is necessary to vindicate his innocence.

At the empty tomb, the women discover angels who remind them of Jesus’ promise that he would rise. Instead of preparing Christ for burial, they learn that Christ is the one preparing his people for glory.

On the road to Emmaus, two disciples lament Jesus’ death and dismiss the women’s testimony. Jesus, unrecognized, rebukes their slowness of heart and interprets the Scriptures, showing that the Messiah had to suffer and rise. Their problem—and ours—is failing to grasp both the depth of sin and the power of the resurrection working within us.

When they invite the stranger to stay, Jesus reveals himself in the breaking of bread. This encounter shows that Christ’s suffering was not a detour but the necessary fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. His patience, presence, and teaching prepare believers for glory.

The conclusion emphasizes that the cross shows the depth of sin, but the resurrection shows the triumph over it. Christ’s resurrection is heaven’s veto of the world’s death sentence, giving believers new life now and a guaranteed inheritance in eternity. Because Christ is raised, Christians move forward with confidence, knowing Christ is their shield, defender, and victorious Lord of life.

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More Gracious Than We Can Imagine (Romans 9:6-13; COD Head 1 Articles 7, 15)
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More Gracious Than We Can Imagine (Romans 9:6-13; COD Head 1 Articles 7, 15)

The Canons of Dort present election as a deeply loving act of God. Election is rooted in His mercy, not our merit, ensuring that His people will enter His rest despite our sin and rebellion. Romans 9 reminds us that salvation is grounded in God’s sovereign will, not human effort. This doctrine offers profound comfort: the elect care about Christ because the Spirit is at work in them, and God’s mercy guarantees their salvation.

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