Without the Shedding of Blood

Posted on by Doug Eaton

When the author of Hebrews makes the negative case concerning the blood of Christ, its significance is far-reaching. Throughout the book, he makes the positive case that Christ’s blood can cleanse us from dead works. Still, later he says, “Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sin” (Heb. 9:22). By saying it this way, he cuts off any other options we think we might have, yet we live in a world that believes there are many roads to God. CLICK TO READ OR LISTEN

The Forgiveness and Unforgiveness of Willful Sin

Posted on by Doug Eaton

A fascinating three-part argument regarding the forgiveness and unforgiveness of willful sin runs through Hebrews chapters 9 and 10. It is one of those arguments that displays the sophistication of the book, but if you are not paying attention, you will miss it. The recipients of the book of Hebrews seem to have been Christians … Continue reading The Forgiveness and Unforgiveness of Willful Sin

Purifying Your Conscience

Posted on by Doug Eaton

What is the conscience, and, most importantly, how can a guilty conscience be cleansed? We live in a culture of therapy. Guilt and anxiety run rampant, and many people are trying to find relief in ways that will only make things worse. This sermon, preached at First Artesia CRC, looks at Hebrews 9:1-14. After exposing the insufficient remedies for guilt, it points to the one true fountain, where the conscience can be washed clean. -CLICK FOR MORE.

Salvation Belongs to the Lord

Posted on by Doug Eaton

I recently had the opportunity to preach a sermon on one of my favorite Psalms at First Artesia CRC. Psalm 3 tells us that salvation belongs to the Lord. In understanding this truth, we will also find that he is our glory and the lifter of our heads. The sermon takes a verse-by-verse look at the Psalm and how it applied to David and then closes with a quick review of how Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of this Psalm. Click for video and audio versions.

The Problem with Dead Priests

Posted on by Doug Eaton

Every one of us, unless Christ returns, is going to face death. Some of us may already be feeling its effects. We cannot do many things we used to be able to do; the older we get, the more illness and health issues we deal with. When death becomes more of a reality, to whom will we turn and place our hope? To priests who still die? -CLICK TO READ MORE-

How the Cross Blesses Unbelievers

Posted on by Doug Eaton

The cross of Christ is the source of every blessing, even the blessings enjoyed by unbelievers. As Christians, we are quick to acknowledge that every gift enjoyed by the redeemed child of God is an act of grace linked to the cross of Christ, but we rarely think that the unbeliever is also receiving grace. … Continue reading How the Cross Blesses Unbelievers

What the World Needs Most from the Church

Posted on by Doug Eaton

This sermon delivered at First Artesia CRC unpacks 2 Timothy 4:1-5 in three heads. 1. Why preaching the Word is the most important activity of the church. 2. What is preaching? 3. Three ways Christians neglect the preaching of the word.

The Frustrating (and Liberating) Secret of the Apostle Paul

Posted on by Doug Eaton

"Come on, Apostle Paul! Are you serious?" That is an understandably frustrated response to Paul's cryptic phrase, "I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need" (Phil 4:12). Why is frustration to this verse so understandable? Because Paul does not share his secret! Before this sentence, he discusses the Philippians' renewed … Continue reading The Frustrating (and Liberating) Secret of the Apostle Paul

The Yoke of Christ

Posted on by Doug Eaton

The "yoke" symbolizes subjection and obedience. The yoke of Jesus includes the subjection of the understanding to His teaching. We must receive the kingdom of God as little children. All that He says, we must believe; and all that He commands, we must do. The yoke of Jesus includes the subjection of the conscience to … Continue reading The Yoke of Christ

Expect God to Work in the Lives of People Around You

Posted on by Doug Eaton

I find the Lord's activity in the lives of the Babylonian kings' when the Israelites were in captivity fascinating. I cannot help but think that it was because of the presence of the people of God that the Lord worked miracles in the lives of these pagan monarchs. There have been countless pagan rulers who … Continue reading Expect God to Work in the Lives of People Around You