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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
God’s Family: Simple and Lowly People (Luke 2:1-20)
Luke’s birth narrative turns expectations upside down. The true King enters history unnoticed by insiders but welcomed by outsiders. Through mangers, shepherds, and quiet faithfulness, Luke shows that Christ comes not to the worthy, but to make the unworthy worthy.
Passive and Mindless Muppets ? (COD Head 3,4; Acts 13:48)
We are not puppets but renewed people shaped by grace. The gospel’s sincere call both invites and transforms, revealing a sovereign Savior worthy of our trust and worship.
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.
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.
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.
Kangaroo Court (2) (Luke 23:1-25)
When Jesus stands before Pilate and Herod, both rulers find Him innocent, yet the crowd demands the release of Barabbas, the rebel. Their choice exposes humanity’s deep tendency to prefer earthly power over God's redemption.
The Kangaroo Court (Luke 22:54-71)
Christ’s kingdom turns the world upside down—not through power or fear, but through peace. As Peter’s failure and Christ’s silence unfold in Luke’s Gospel, we see that true strength is found not in human resolve, but in the Savior’s submission. The King who was mocked and beaten was already winning the greatest battle of all—redeeming sinners and restoring peace with God.
What is Forgiveness? (LD 51; Col. 3:12-17)
Forgiveness is never simple. Scripture calls us to release offenses while exercising wisdom and setting healthy boundaries. Rooted in Christ’s sacrifice, true forgiveness bears a cost—it lifts the burden of sin without ignoring justice. As we forgive others, we reflect God’s grace and live out our shared identity in Christ.
The Sword's Snare (Luke 22:39-53)
In a world that either exaggerates or ignores the devil’s influence, this message calls believers to recognize the unseen battle of spiritual warfare. True victory isn’t found in self-reliance but in humble prayer and dependence on Christ, who conquered the enemy through His suffering and resurrection.
Is it Really Just Bread? (LD 50; Psalm 145)
We explore Psalm 145 and the Lord’s Prayer, revealing God as a loving provider who meets every physical and spiritual need. From feeding all creation to drawing near to His people, He satisfies abundantly and cares personally. This message calls believers to trust, gratitude, and daily praise for God’s faithful provision and nearness.
Why the Swords? (Luke 22:31-38)
Christ tells us to be ready in this age. However, it is not with swords in our hands, but rather with faith that reaches the resurrected Christ. The real battle isn’t fought with steel, but with prayer, perseverance, and trust in the One who intercedes for us, guaranteeing that we will be preserved.
Willingly Doing Your Will (Titus 2:11-14; LD 49)
Human beings naturally struggle with making God in our image, seeking to bend Him to our desires rather than aligning with His will. Even in the presence of temptation, sin, and our natural rebellion, God calls us to discern what is righteous, putting aside desires contrary to Christ while nurturing those aligned with Him. True obedience comes from humility and vulnerability before God, as we are shaped and refined throughout our lifelong journey of faith.
Twas the Night Before Passover (Luke 22:14-30)
In this sermon, we explore the profound meaning behind Christ’s celebration of the Passover, contrasting it with the familiar but sentimental imagery of "’Twas the Night Before Christmas." Christ’s Passover reveals a radical, costly redemption that goes far beyond simple reward or punishment. It challenges us to recognize our unworthiness and embrace the violent yet life-giving sacrifice of our Savior.
Far from a mere memorial, the Lord’s Supper invites us into ongoing communion with the living Christ, who nourishes and sustains us through his broken body and shed blood. This meal is a powerful reminder that true greatness in God’s kingdom comes not from status or ambition but from humble service and reliance on grace.