Bohemia Church OPC

The Law of Freedom, Exodus 20:1-2

Isn't it interesting that God introduced His Law by reminding the people of their Freedom, yet we rarely associate freedom with the Law of God? Why is that? To paraphrase late T. Keller, we are like a fish who sees air as freedom and water as restriction, meaning, we misunderstand both. We need to understand that God’s Law was given in a context of Grace and Freedom, whatever restrictions there exist, exist to protect us from slavery and to lead us to freedom.

The Worship Imperative: Let My People Go! Ex 7:14-16

The Exodus is one of the most beloved stories in the Bible. Most everyone has heard, read or watched some version of it. What is not to like? A people oppressed by slavery is led into freedom by a God-sent hero. Yet even though most everyone knows the What (freedom from slavery) and the How (through Moses), not everyone is familiar with the Why. And there are of course many reasons Why slavery is wrong and Why people should be free, yet God spoke of only one: “Let my people go, so they can Worship Me”

Heading Home - Psalm 105:39-49
Psalm 105 ends by reminding us that once God’s people were delivered from the Egyptian slavery, Moses led them to the desert where they experienced God’s powerful caring for them. Yet the desert was not their destination, it was meant to be a journey, they were heading home. So it is with everyone who trusts Christ. This life you have now, is not your destination or your best life. You are heading Home.

…But, Aren’t These Fearful Days? Psalms 105:16-38

Last week we heard Jesus' words, “Fear not, little flock”, yet there is plenty to fear, isn't there? As we witness worldwide events unfold, from international conflicts that may develop into major wars, to market crashes and political unrest, we may feel very apprehensive. Not only that, we have our own personal tragedies and worries. One can say, these are indeed fearful days. Yet Psalm 105 insists that even worldly events and personal tragedies are not outside God’s purposeful control. Fear not, little flock, speaks louder than ever.

Fear Not Little Flock - Psalm 105:12-15
Much of our culture and society will tell you that life fulfillment is found at the top, among the accomplished, the influential, the strong. Religion will preach that those who are right with God are those who do good for others, the nice people, the morally upright, the spiritually strong. Science is even more blunt and honest: survival is for the fittest. Yet, Psalm 105 speaks of those who are “of no account” and “small” as being the ones who received the greatest reaches in life. Let’s find out why.

Is Anything Certain In Life?
Psalm 105:5-11

Is anything certain in life? From what you expect to happen in a few minutes to plans you may have for years to come, is it really certain? Will those who you trust always be there? Will the sun rise tomorrow for you? Is there anything in life that you can always count on no matter what happens? Something so solid that you can say: “if everything else fails and falls apart, I can still take comfort in this”. Yes, there is and the author of Psalm 105 wanted to remind his readers of the answer.

Stranger, Sinner and Saint, Acts 28:1-10

When the Apostle Paul arrived at the Island of Malta, he was well received, even though he was a stranger to them. Shortly after, due to their beliefs, they assumed that Paul was a great sinner, a criminal deserving of punishment, only to completely flip a moment later and declare him to be a saint. Interestingly enough, the Bible tells us that every Christian is in some ways, a stranger in this world, a sinner and a saint. Is that how you see yourself, a stranger, a sinner and a saint?

It’s a Shipwreck, Acts 27
In Acts 27, Dr. Luke tells us about their great sea voyage to Rome. As we read it, we can’t help but to see a picture of life in it: There were considerable efforts to get where they wanted to go. Many unpredictable setbacks, changes of directions. Many bad decisions along the way. Storm after storm, so violent at times, so gloomy, it caused them to lose hope. Yet, the Apostle Paul spoke of a safe harbor, an anchor of the soul, that could give safety and peace even in the worst storm: Christ.

Risk Takers - Acts 25-26

We all love risk takers. Think of your favorite hero who risks everything, even his own life for the right cause. (Indiana Jones anyone?). Well, the Bible is full of risk takers, people like Noah, Abraham, David, who risked it all for the cause of God. The Apostle Paul was one of those risk takers. And in few places this is more evident than in Acts 25,26. As we think about what happened in these chapters, we should ask the question: what gave the Apostle the boldness to risk it all?

In Defense of Our Faith, Acts 24:1-21

The Apostle Paul was on trial for his life. All the accusations against him had social, political and religious nuances. Yet, he knew that ultimately, what was on trial was his faith in Christ. So to defend himself against his accusers, he ground his answers in the promises of Scripture, which was his greatest and only hope. Most of us will never see a courtroom in person, yet all of us will go through moments when our faith will be under serious trials. What will be the defense of our faith?