Reformation Orthodox Presbyterian Church

Here we read of the magnificent and ongoing work of the Spirit, even as He works to build up the saints unto maturity and also move the hearts of the saints to go forth and proclaim the Gospel of reconciliation to those lands not yet reached, that have not heard, that have not yet been brought under the authority of the Triune Lord through the preaching of Jesus Christ. It was through mighty signs by the Spirit, and through the preaching of the Word that Paul brought from Jerusalem to Illyricum, having been called and equipped as priest of the Lord Most High. His aim was to bring the Gentiles, not for his own sake, for his own glory, but as offerings unto His Redeemer. We follow Paul in this mission to reached those lands where Christ is not yet named, not only to grow up towards Christian maturity, but to spread out into all the earth. Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia! Each Lord's Day 9:30am & 5:30pm

In this stirring and reflective sermon, we journey through the emotional depths of Psalm 22 and witness the fullness of Christ's redemptive work from the shadow of the cross to the glory of resurrection. This message draws us into the sorrow, joy, and ultimate hope found only in Jesus Christ. From the prophetic cries of abandon, "My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?" to the victorious hope in the latter verses, we are reminded that the joy of salvation was purchased at an unfathomable cost. We're challenged not to avoid the grief of the Gospel, but to enter into it, because every happy psalm is made possible by the sad ones. Through reflections on aging, loss, family, and ministry, the sermon invites us to see Christ's suffering not as a theological abstraction, but as a deeply personal sacrifice made on behalf of His people. We are taken to the moment when God did not spare His own Son—the true Lamb—offered with no substitute. Christ, pierced and humiliated, willingly bore the wrath of God so that we mi

As Paul continues to reflect upon the effect of the Gospel upon the body of believers, bringing light and life to otherwise dark and dead hearts, we find the law embraced and kept. Specially, "love your neighbor as yourself." Paul was writing to those mature in the church, in chapter 14, to welcome and admit the weaker brother as co-heirs of the promise of Christ, that they will be delivered if they too remain faithful until the end. The motivation for the mature brother to welcome the weaker is that they are not the final authority or judge over the souls of the weaker brother. Paul then, in chapter 15, moves to show how it is that Christ has welcomed the weak by dying for both Jew and Gentile, thusly uniting them into one body of which He is the Foundation, the Husband, the Redeemer. What Paul is showing is that the Gospel of the kingdom is for the whole world and through it all nations shall be transformed by the accomplishment of His redeeming work through death and resurrection. Worship with us at Reform

This week the anointed king goes forth to battle, the volunteer champion of Israel went to face the uncircumcised Philistine, the blasphemer, the giant, Goliath. David saw not the size of the man, nor had regard for his notorious reputation as a soldier, but was instead focused upon the zeal of that wicked man's effect upon the moral of Israel and the success of his people to establish themselves in the land which God had promised to them. David was taking up the mantle of the heroes of Israel from before. Men like Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Caleb, and Samson. David would take the head of that perverse giant, that wretched serpent, and would show the heart of a king that would inspire the nation to fight once again. Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia! Each Lord's Day 9:30am & 5:30pm 203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098 (704) 931-8094 Our website: https://refopc.net/ ropcgastonia@gmail.com

If we need any more instruction this week concerning the topic of the members of the body of Christ learning how to live at peace with one another and nurture redeemed-affection amongst our number, we must of course look to Christ, the Author and Perfecter of the faith, as both gift and exemplar of how we are to live in reverence and awe before God and men. The greatest strength of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ can also be her greatest liability - the people themselves who are called to worship and work together. Like any army, when the function as one unit they are a force to be reckoned with, but if there is fear, selfishness, and laziness amongst the ranks then they surely cannot stand against the enemy, nor devote themselves to protecting and serving one another. Who is responsible for the peace? All of us are, but especially the strong, the mature, those who are most aware of the objective and how to get there. In order then for there to be peace, and for love to be manifested amongst us we must be

The giant mocks, the snake speaks once again before the face of the people of God, and there was none to silence the mouth of the colossus blasphemer, none to put an end to the threats of the son of the interloper, who spewed forth taunts, reviling, and threats against the people of God. The one who had rightly been anointed and coronated to kill the giant stood back in fear, the king of Israel, the mad king, the fearful king was of no use to his people, and how much more that he had been rejected. Yet another king had been chosen and he would show the heart of the True King, jealousy for the glory of Jehovah and love for those whom God had anointed him to deliver out of the hands of those who would destroy his fellow countrymen. In the first half we see the template of the great war between Jehovah and Dagon, between Philistia and Israel and God would once again show the might of His strong right arm in silencing the curses of the wicked through a most unlikely character - David the giant killer, the serpent

After having spent a total of one month going through Romans 14, I want to make sure that we have our terms straight, so that we know where we all stand and can be unified, at least as a local congregation, as to what our directive is for the maintaining of peace and purity within the Church. First, let us define who the weaker and stronger members of the church are: ….  Second, we need to see that peace in the church does not come naturally, but rather by our walking in step with the Spirit, bearing His fruit that leads to greater love and a more clear testimony that the Church truly is the most blessed of all communities of which men might be a part. Are you ready to know peace, get ready to work for it! Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia! Each Lord's Day 9:30am & 5:30pm 203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098 (704) 931-8094 Our Website: https://refopc.net/ ropcgastonia@gmail.com

As we move to the second part of 1 Samuel 16, we find a major transition marked by the Spirit of the Lord coming upon David and departing from Saul. This insight, given by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit shows us that God not only has a plan for His people, but He also gives us helpful indications what He was doing amongst His people. The evidences of David's being anointed and called to be the king of Israel is evidenced not only by the Spirit's anointing, but also as the Lord used David to bless Saul, the rejected king, with calm through music. David truly was the first warrior-poet of Israel.  Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia! Each Lord's Day 9:30am & 5:30pm 203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098 (704) 931-8094 Our website: https://refopc.net/ ropcgastonia@gmail.com

One of the greatest treasures that we have laid up for us, given by the Son of God, through His servant Solomon, is the series of talks given to the sons of the Church concerning how to attain and apply the wisdom that comes from above. It begins with a fear of the Lord, that is, a reverent apprehension and worship of the Triune Lord, and moves to a consideration of a variety of real-life challenges and opportunities that await those who live in the fear and awe of their Maker and Redeemer. One such challenge that awaits the saints is how to live in peace and nurture a fellowship of unity and love amongst one another. It requires welcoming the weaker brother, the exercise of discernment as to what doctrines and practices are the nearer to the circle of orthodoxy, and then understanding that though God calls us "where we are," we are not all in the same place, theologically, beyond confessing Christ as Lord. How we live together has as much of an impact on our testimony to the world that is locked in conflict

Saul, having been rejected by the Lord and Samuel, the prophet and priest of Israel, having walked away from Saul in chapter 14, we come to the event of the anointing of the one who would become to next king of Israel, the son of Judah, a member of the royal tribe of Judah, a lion's welp - David. Two primary principles that we find at work in our chapter this evening, 1. The Lord does not look upon outward appearance, but upon the heart, that is the Lord chose a king in a way that is grounded upon His righteous and sovereign perspective, and not as Israel demanded, when they asked for a king like the nations. 2. David's skill in music and his ability to calm the distressing spirit that came upon Saul was evidence of the Spirit of God that had been given to him as his anointing. David was the king Israel should have waited for, and in God's grace and goodness He would show Israel what kind of king would ultimately be sent to them to redeem them from their greatest enemy - sin and death. Worship with us at Refo

Paul continues through his exhortation, that in light of the liberty and unity that Christ has purchased and brought us into, as a church, by His precious blood and so called to love, forgive, and serve as we have been loved. "Love thy neighbor," is the calling of those redeemed by grace and a large component of that sanctified temperament is to welcome all of those who call Christ Lord, for they are our brothers and sisters in Christ, even those who are weak or immature with regards to the doctrine or practice of the Word of God. Ultimately, our welcome is grounded upon the principle that we are not the ultimate standard of righteousness between men, but the Word of God, nor do we sit in ultimate judgment, but Christ, who is King and Judge of all men. Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia! Each Lord's Day 9:30am & 5:30pm 203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098 (704) 931-8094 Our Website: https://refopc.net/ ropcgastonia@gmail.com

1 Samuel 15 records the third strike, if you will, in a series of willful and deliberate mistakes that Saul made due to his fear, folly, and inability to simply follow the Lord's instructions to be a courageous and faithful king to Israel. In 1 Samuel 13 Saul showed fear and impatience in the face of the encroaching Philistine military, going ahead to offer a sacrifice to the Lord, rather than wait on Samuel to arrive at the battle front. In 1 Samuel 14 Saul displayed great folly when he called his soldiers to fast in the face of a great victory, and when more fighting needed to occur to win a more considerable victory. In Samuel 15, Saul disobeys the order to commit all of the Amalekite city to destruction, which was to be Saul's offering of obedience to God. Rather Saul plans to offer "strange fire" by holding back Agag and the animals of the city as offering to the Lord. Time and again Saul showed an inability or unwillingness to operate as a faithful king to Israel, on behalf of God, furthering God's cond

As Paul moves into a new and distinct section from what has come before, it is right for us to think that all of the doctrine which Paul covered in the epistle to Rome has as a theological foundation the revelation of the true gospel of Jesus Christ, the one and only Savior of the world. Beginning in chapter 13 Paul emphasizes the importance of unity and mutual welcome and acceptance among believers, particularly regarding non-essential matters of faith or what we might call scruples. Paul addresses the disputes that naturally arise between members of the church over matters such as dietary practices and the observance of special days, urging Christians not to judge too harshly, respond uncharitably, or despise one another based on personal convictions in these areas. Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia! Each Lord's Day 9:30am & 5:30pm 203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098 (704) 931-8094 Our website: https://refopc.net/ ropcgastonia@gmail.com

1 Samuel 14 recounts Jonathan's bold courage and faith in the Lord as he attacked and was granted victory against the Philistines, and this contrasted with Saul's rash and impatient leadership. Jonathan, Saul's son, demonstrated trust in God by initiating an attack on a Philistine garrison with his armor-bearer. His faith lead prompted divine intervention, resulting in wide spread confusion among the Philistines and ultimately their defeat. Concurrently, Saul's impulsive oath nearly costs Jonathan his life, highlighting the dangers of rash decisions, distrust in the Lord, and taking matters into one's own hands rather than seeking to honor the Lord with one's decisions and actions. Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia! Each Lord's Day 9:30am & 5:30pm 203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098 (704) 931-8094 Our website: https://refopc.net/ ropcgastonia@gmail.com

This morning, we look at Romans 11:33-36, a doxology that issues forth in response to the sovereign reign of God and the outworking of His plan to bring in the Gentiles, and His future plan to bring back the Jews. God moves in a mysterious way to those who sit at His feet, who cannot see or rule as He does, and to those who love the Lord and long for His appearing to trust and wait in Him as He rules most wisely and beautifully.  Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia! Each Lord's Day 9:30am & 5:30pm 203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098 (704) 931-8094 Our website: https://refopc.net/ ropcgastonia@gmail.com

Last week I covered the sin of Saul, which was first and foremost due to a lack of confidence in God's man, Samuel, to arrive to offer the sacrifice unto the Lord, to bless the nation, that they might have victory in battle. He had been called to wait, but failed to do so, and out of fear, he took into His hands the means of the blessing whereby God proclaimed that salvation comes only by His hands. He should have waited, and for his disobedience, the kingdom would be taken away from him. How often do we, rather than leaning upon the sufficient work of the Lord's Anointed, promised and made manifest through God's power alone, seek to do even the rightful works of God in our own strength? Rather than taking into our own hands the work that belongs to the Lord, we must look to Him, believe what He has promised, and wait upon Him to reveal salvation and victory on His terms. Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia! Each Lord's Day 9:30am & 5:30pm 203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098 (704) 931-8094 Ou

"In this powerful sermon, we explore the call to live as new creations in Christ—shedding the works of darkness and putting on the armor of light. Through biblical wisdom, personal reflection, and the transformative power of the Gospel, we uncover the dangers of laziness, worldly distractions, and spiritual complacency. Learn how to walk in righteousness, fight against sin, and embrace the fullness of life found in Jesus. If you're seeking encouragement in your faith journey, clarity on biblical truth, and a challenge to grow deeper in Christ, this message is for you. Watch now and be equipped to live boldly for the Kingdom of God!" As we come to Paul's final exhortations in Romans 13, we find a centralizing theme of new life in Christ Jesus, comprised of an urgent call for Christians to live as those who have been brought into union with Christ Jesus and to live as though ready for His return. Paul emphasized the need to cast off sinful behaviors associated with darkness and instead embrace a life of light w

In 1 Samuel 13, Saul's reign as Israel's first king faced a critical test against the Philistines. After Jonathan successfully defeats of a Philistine garrison at Geba, the Philistines planned to retaliate by amassing a massive army, and in response the Israelites scattered in fear. Saul gathered his forces at Gilgal but disobeyed the Lord's command to wait for Samuel to offer sacrifices. Having taken matters into his own hands. Fear and impatience will eat the heart of men, and rather than trusting in the Lord to deliver through the mechanism of the altar, trusting the Anointed One to bring victory, the king gave up the throne and the people saw just how unarmed they truly were. Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia! Each Lord's Day 9:30am & 5:30pm 203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098 (704) 931-8094 Our website: https://refopc.net/ ropcgastonia@gmail.com

In a world filled with lawlessness and moral confusion, God's Word provides clear guidance for living a life of love and righteousness. This powerful message reveals how true love is defined not by fleeting emotions but by God's eternal law — to love your neighbor as yourself and do no harm. Discover how Christ's example teaches us to embrace sacrificial love, reject selfishness, and prioritize God's truth in our homes, churches, and communities. Watch now to learn how to reflect God's love in everyday life and stand firm against cultural deception. Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia! Each Lord's Day 9:30am & 5:30pm 203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098 (704) 931-8094 Our website: https://refopc.net/ ropcgastonia@gmail.com Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia! Each Lord's Day 9:30am & 5:30pm 203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098 (704) 931-8094 Our website: https://refopc.net/ ropcgastonia@gmail.com

The call to repentance comes to us wherever the Lord finds us, and it comes to us not as those worthy of Divine favor, but as sinners who have a sketchy track record, and apart from repentance a miserable future looming ahead. Come to Christ, lay your failures at His feet, and seek to go and sin no more.  Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia! Each Lord's Day 9:30am & 5:30pm 203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098 (704) 931-8094 Our website: https://refopc.net/ ropcgastonia@gmail.com Worship with us at Reformation OPC Gastonia! Each Lord's Day 9:30am & 5:30pm 203 Rhyne Oakland Road, Gastonia, NC, 28098 (704) 931-8094 Our website: https://refopc.net/ ropcgastonia@gmail.com