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

The Essential Church Movie Review

Posted on by Doug Eaton

Who has the authority to determine how and when the Church will worship? That question is more penetrating than it first appears. It is not asking how your nation's government is structured or how your constitution is written. It is not even asking what your church believes. It is an ultimate question. Who has the … Continue reading The Essential Church Movie Review

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.

Distinguishing Judgment from Godly Reproof

Posted on by Doug Eaton

It is difficult to think of a verse more misused than “Do not Judge” (Matt. 7:1). The number of times it has been used to censure Godly reproof would be impossible to count. If you are in the habit of reading the Word of God and upholding Godly standards, then you have most likely had … Continue reading Distinguishing Judgment from Godly Reproof

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-

Bowing to Ungodly Pressures

Posted on by Doug Eaton

I am concerned that some churches and Christian institutions have grown timid in their stand for truth. They believe their silence is based on wisdom, but it is not. Their reticence may help them avoid social pressure for now, but in the end, they are merely kicking the can down the road. It will likely … Continue reading Bowing to Ungodly Pressures

The Most Important Thing About Us

Posted on by Doug Eaton

"What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us." This quote by A.W. Tozer is true because our understanding of God and our response to him shapes our actions and character and determines how well we know and trust him. Even people who say there is no … Continue reading The Most Important Thing About Us

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