Worship 10 am & 6 pm
Belgrade United Reformed Church
17333 Frontage Road
Belgrade, MT 59714
Tragic and Glorious Will (Luke 23:26-56)
The cross of Christ, often viewed as a sanctified symbol, exposes humanity’s sinfulness and the need for redemption. Luke’s account shows the irony and glory of the gospel—from Simon carrying the cross, to the repentant thief, to the centurion and Joseph of Arimathea—revealing that Christ’s death is not failure but the completion of His redemptive work.
What's with Jesus Leaving? (LD 18; Luke 24:36-53)
Today we welcome Rev. Austin Britton as he preaches on the meaning and power of Christ’s ascension. Far from being an absence, the ascension is Jesus’ strategic advance for the growth of God’s kingdom. By ascending, Christ sends the Holy Spirit, expands His presence to all believers, and equips the church to fulfill its mission. Rev. Britton highlights how Jesus’ ascension empowers us to do greater works, assures us of His intercession, and prepares our eternal home—revealing the immense benefits this pivotal moment brings to every Christian.
Walls Crumble, and Bridges are Made (Acts 11:1-18)
Rev. Austin Britton’s sermon emphasizes the importance of discerning God’s will over clinging to tradition, using the example of Peter’s vision in Acts 11. He challenges the church to embrace diversity, unity, and the unifying power of the gospel, urging believers to overcome biases and seek God’s guidance.
Introduction to The Canons of Dordt: Five Points of Calvinism
This week we began a series on the Canons of Dort, exploring the five points of Calvinism. These doctrines—Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and Perseverance of the Saints—show God’s sovereign, transforming grace. Far from prideful or fatalistic, they call believers to humility, worship, and confidence in God’s faithful work.
Consecrated in Christ (Col. 2:11,12)
Circumcision and baptism are not opposing signs but complementary marks of one covenant promise. Both point to the same gospel and the same Savior—Christ Himself. Circumcision looked forward in faith to the Redeemer who would be “cut off” for His people, while baptism looks back in faith to His finished work on the cross and resurrection. Each sign declares that God consecrates His people to Himself, calling them to die to sin and live to righteousness in Christ. Together, they reveal one covenant of grace that unites God’s people across all generations in the same salvation and the same Messiah.
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.
Satan’s Sustenance (I Peter 5:8; LD 52)
Peter reminds us that the Christian life is lived on a battlefield. The devil prowls like a roaring lion, our flesh is weak, and the world pulls us away from God. Yet Christ calls us to be sober-minded, watchful, and firm in faith. This reflection on the Heidelberg Catechism’s final petition shows how prayer and dependence on Christ secure our victory when temptation comes.
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.
When is the Kingdom Coming? (LD 48; 1 Cor. 15:20-28)
In the Lord’s Prayer, the petition “Your kingdom come” expresses both recognition of Christ’s present reign and longing for its future fulfillment. While Christ already rules spiritually from heaven, the prayer calls believers to deeper submission, sanctification, and participation in advancing His kingdom through the growth of the Church and the defeat of evil. Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 15 shows that Christ’s resurrection, as the “first fruits,” guarantees our own resurrection and consecrates us as God’s people, linking the present spiritual kingdom to its ultimate consummation. Ultimately, this prayer reflects hope for Christ’s final triumph, the full defeat of sin and death, and the enjoyment of God’s glory in a renewed creation.
Preparing the Passover Lamb (Luke 22:1-13)
Throughout Scripture, God’s sovereignty is clear: even amid human failure, sin, and betrayal, His redemptive plan unfolds perfectly. From Adam and Eve to Abraham, from Israel’s deliverance from Egypt to Christ’s passion, God works through unexpected circumstances to accomplish His purpose. Though Christ faced conspiracies, betrayal, and chaos, He fulfilled His role as the Passover Lamb, submitting to the cross at the appointed time and securing redemption for His people. In Him, our sins are covered, our lives consecrated, and our identity and strength found. We need to be reminded that nothing surprises God, and all His promises are faithfully fulfilled.
Watch the Fig Tree (Luke 22:5-38)
Life with Christ is not promised to be easy, but we always need to see that our redemption is secure. Jesus warns us about deception, suffering, and the fleeting nature of earthly things, yet He calls us to discernment, endurance, and hope in Him. In a world of turmoil and false promises, our strength is found not in institutions or human effort, but in the risen Christ who preserves His people to the end.
Distant God? Or Devoted Father? (Psalm 103; LD 46)
Experience the love of our Heavenly Father in Psalm 103 and Lord’s Day 46. God’s mercy, steadfast love, and redemption through Christ invite us to draw near with trust, reverence, and gratitude.
Professing Jesus: The Apostle of Our Confession (Hebrews 3:1)
In the Reformed tradition, profession of faith is when a covenant child declares, “This faith is my faith.” It’s more than a one-time event because it’s a lifelong calling to daily confess Christ in both struggles and joys.
Hebrews points us to Jesus as both Apostle and High Priest. He is the one sent by the Father to confirm God’s promises. He is the High Priest as our mediator who secures God’s promises. Profession of faith is not only about standing before a congregation but about holding fast to Christ every day, trusting in our faithful Redeemer who is our shield and defender.
Prayer Elevating the Earthling (Genesis 18:1-33; LD 45)
Prayer is a heart-centered alignment with God, not just outward behaviors. It is a gift that allows believers to commune with God, express gratitude, and seek His will, ultimately drawing them into a deeper relationship with Him. Ironically, we see how much of a privilege we have as we hear Abraham pray to God.