Worship 10 am & 6 pm
Belgrade United Reformed Church
17333 Frontage Road
Belgrade, MT 59714
Rejected and Respected (Luke 18:9-17)
True spiritual life is found not in self-reliance or moral superiority, but in humble submission and appreciation of God’s mercy. Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector shows that it is the repentant, not the self-assured, who are righteous before God. Like little children, we are called to receive God’s kingdom with humility and trust, recognizing our daily need for His grace.
Breath of Fresh Air (2 Tim. 3:16-4:2. LD 35)
The law of God shapes believers to be like Christ, with the second commandment introducing the Regulative Principle of Worship—meaning only elements explicitly commanded by God belong in worship. This principle contrasts with the Regulative Principle for Life, which grants freedom in daily matters not forbidden by Scripture, reflecting Christian liberty. We have the liberty to work out our salvation as we discern what is pleasing to the Lord.
Scripture is central as God’s inspired Word and the foundation for the church’s life. The preaching of the Gospel is an ongoing means of grace, Spirit-empowered to nourish faith and promote spiritual growth. Worship focuses on honoring God through His appointed ministers, emphasizing communion with Him rather than self, trusting in God’s promise to work effectively through His Word. This is why Gospel preaching is not optional, but not only necessary, but commanded for Christians to continue to sit under this means of grace. It is one of the chief means that God uses to bring us to maturity.
Gospel Submission (Acts 6:1-7)
In Acts 6, the early church encounters a critical challenge when a complaint arises that Hellenistic Jewish widows are being neglected in the daily distribution of food. Rather than dismiss the concern, the apostles recognize the need, and they act. They do not set aside their priority to preach and pray, but they appoint seven men—deacons/servants—whose qualifications are not based merely on availability but on their character: they are to be Spirit-filled, wise, and well-regarded within the community. This passage quietly affirms the value of church membership and being deeply known by the body because these men are well-known.
This moment in Acts reveals a holistic vision for church life and mission. The apostles emulate Christ’s ministry, which is holistic. Christ is concerned about our spiritual health and our physical health. Preaching and prayer are not abandoned, but complemented by ordained men showing acts of mercy that reflect God's heart for the vulnerable. Acts 6 reminds us that Christian life is not isolated or passive—it is lived out within a community, shaped by grace, and expressed in ongoing service, care, and witness.
What’s With the Holy Spirit?
Rev. Austin Britton lays out the significance of the Holy Spirit for the life of the church.
Idolatry: Our Security Blanket (LD 34; Isaiah 44:6-20)
Idolatry, as defined by the catechism, encompasses anything hindering faith, including trusting in something alongside God. Isaiah highlights the absurdity of idolatry, showing how it leads to deception and a life of abomination. The solution lies in recognizing the true God’s power and promises. Only God can make such radical promises and bring them to fruition. An idol at best can warm a meal, but then there is less of the idol. Idols do not protect, but need protection. This is not like our God who is the shield and defender of his people.
Where is Your Kingdom? (Luke 17:20-18:8)
The Kingdom of God is both a present spiritual reality and a future physical hope. Jesus redefines our expectations, showing that the Kingdom is not a visible political regime but a quiet, powerful presence already at work through His ministry and the faithful witness of the Church. Like in the days of Noah and Lot, life may seem ordinary, but decisive judgment can come without warning, though not without signs. The world gives subtle reminders of its brokenness and the need for redemption.
Jesus teaches that while life seems normal, the Kingdom advances in hidden ways, and one day, a sudden transformation will come. We are not left in total darkness—Noah’s ark and Lot’s urgent escape were testimonies of coming judgment. Likewise, unrest and suffering in our world are reminders that this is not our final home. Christ’s return will confirm the Kingdom in full glory, though its timetable is known only to God.
In the meantime, we live as citizens of the Kingdom by seeking mercy, justice, and faithfulness, not power or recognition. The call is to remain vigilant and steadfast so that when the Son of Man returns, He finds us ready, faithful, and persevering amid a world that often forgets what’s truly coming.
What's With the Lord's Table? (1 Corinthians 11:17-34)
We welcome Rev. Austin Britton to our pulpit as Pastor Lindemulder enjoys a week off.
Martha's Faith in Jesus (John 11:17-27)
We welcome Rev. JJ Matandika to our pulpit while Rev. Lindemulder enjoys a week off.
Who Receives the Promise? (Acts 2:39)
When we see baptism only as a response of personal faith, we miss its covenantal promise. In Acts 2:39, Peter connects the promise not just to individuals, but to you and your children and all who are far off. Peter is building on the covenant theology in the Old Testament.
Baptism is more than a symbol of my faith—it’s a sign to the community that God is faithful. It echoes the covenant given to Abraham, fulfilled in Christ, who was “cut off” for us.
Baptism testifies not just to belief, but to belonging—to Christ’s victory and the family of God that moves from death to life in Him.
Behold Your King! (John 20)
John recounts Mary Magdalene's early morning visit to Jesus' tomb. She is showing her love for her savior. She expects to find Jesus’ body, she expects to grieve, but she discovers that he is not there. Initially, she blames the grave robbers, reports to Peter and John, and they go to investigate. They find an empty tomb, but also the precarious folded grave clothes that imply something greater has happened: Jesus' resurrection. Mary then encounters the risen Christ, recognizing him not as a thief but as her Lord. The narrative reflects on how Christ’s resurrection secures eternal life and confirms God's promises. Christ establishes his shalom kingdom. His promise to leave his disciples with peace is not an empty promise, but the resurrection confirms that the Lord’s shalom can never be shaken. Let us walk in the shalom of our Lord’s protective mercy.
Behold Your King! (Easter Morning Reading)
We conclude our Easter Readings with John 20. Here is the declaration and assurance that Christ is the King who came to redeem.
Good Friday Worship Reading
This is our reading for Good Friday. We hear this text and contemplate the sacrifice of our savior.
Good Friday Isaiah’s Fourth Song
We consider Good Friday from Isaiah’s perspective as we prepare for our sermon, “Behold the Man.”
Where Are Your Riches? (Luke 16:14-31)
Christ’s teachings emphasize the importance of understanding the deeper intentions because the law of God. Our temptation is to find the technicalities rather than really asking, “What pleases my Lord?” The parable of the rich man and Lazarus illustrates this point, showing that outward prosperity and self-righteousness do not guarantee eternal comfort, while long-suffering and faith in God lead to eternal reward as one holds onto Christ by faith.
Using Ungodly Mammon to Make Eternal Friends? (Luke 16:1-13)
Jesus’ parable of the dishonest manager displays a manager’s shrewdness by scheming against his rich master. Unlike the prodigal son, this manager does not repent but shrewdly uses his worldly wisdom to ensure his survival in this world. Jesus commends the manager’s shrewdness in this age, but calls attention to how the sons of this world know how to survive. Christ exhorts the “sons of light” to exhibit a wisdom of using the things of this world for the glory of the Lord’s kingdom. The parable calls believers to faithful stewardship, wise use of resources, and loyalty to God rather than worldly prestige. Our call to live out the gospel is a challenge. We have to discern what is pleasing to the Lord in the Holy Spirit. It is a call to deliberately live before the face of God, empowered and united to our Savior, and living in light of him being our redeemer and master.
"You Always Had Me" (Luke 15:11-32)
The parable of the prodigal son highlights the contrast between a repentant sinner and a self-righteous individual. The younger son, after squandering his inheritance, returns home seeking forgiveness, possibly with a manipulative mindset, but ultimately accepts his father’s invitation to celebrate and enjoy their restored relationship. The older son, however, resents the grace shown to his brother. The older brother calls to his father’s attention his years of slaving for the family. He fails to see that his father never required him to slave for approval or acceptance but simply to enjoy the merciful status of sonship. This parable teaches that the Christian life is not about proving our worthiness to receive God’s favor but about pursuing our lord, living in communion with Him, and rejoicing in our relationship seeking to live out of gratitude and joy rather than boasting of one’s works.
A Blood Baptism? (LD 26; 1 Peter 1:2)
Baptism is the sacrament that initiates believers into the covenant of grace, symbolizing death, new life, and triumph in Christ. It represents the washing away of sin and the Spirit’s work in deliverance. The catechism links baptism to Christ’s death and resurrection, while 1 Peter connects it to the sprinkling of Christ’s blood, echoing Old Testament purification. Ultimately, baptism points to Christ’s redemptive work, calling believers to trust in Him rather than the sign itself.
The Sinners' Supper: Mercy in the Mess (Luke 15:1-10)
In this passage, Christ’s association with tax collectors and sinners challenges the Pharisees' understanding of holiness and reveals their self-righteousness. Christ responds with two parables: the shepherd who seeks out the one lost sheep, symbolizing his love for the lost, and the woman who finds a lost coin, emphasizing the joy of restoration. These parables contrast the Pharisees' lack of understanding of repentance and highlight the importance of seeking righteousness through Christ rather than self-reliance. It is remarkable that even the angels in heaven celebrate the repentance of sinners, urging believers to align with this divine celebration of redemption.
Two Graces or One Grace Through Two Means? (Gen. 17; Rom. 4:11; LD 25)
The means of grace—preaching the Gospel and the sacraments—are tools God uses to nourish believers, though they are not the source of life itself. Sacraments visibly communicate the Gospel and are given to strengthen weak faith, just as Abraham received circumcision as a seal of God’s promise amid his doubts. While sacraments are a means of grace, the preaching of the Gospel remains central, proclaiming God’s power to bring life from death like Ezekiel standing over the valley of dry bones. Ultimately, both the Word and sacraments point to and nourish us in the life-giving power of Christ through the Spirit, who sustains His people and the Spirit who raises Christ from the dead. This is the power at work in us.