Sermons from January 2026

This sermon on the third commandment lists eight negative violations to avoid. and positively calls us to declare and praise the exalted name of Jesus, perform all good works in his name, and suffer well for his sake. The context of grace reminds us not to despair over failure but to rest in Christ’s mercy, which itself glorifies his name as he saves and transforms unworthy sinners.

This sermon expounds the Second Commandment, showing that while the First Commandment forbids worshiping false gods, the Second forbids worshiping or representing the true God in any false way. The sermon considers six reasons for this prohibition before considering how the commandment both prohibits images in worship (including nativity scenes, crucifixes with Jesus, children’s Bible illustrations of Christ, etc.) and commends knowing and worshiping God through his self-revelation in Scripture and in the living Word, Jesus Christ.

The beginning with the Ten Commandments must be understood in its proper context of grace rather than as a burdensome list of rules. The introductory context emphasizes that the historical setting and theological context frame the law as a gift to an already-redeemed people. Most crucially, God’s own preamble highlights his identity and saving grace before any command, showing that obedience flows from loving gratitude for redemption, not as a means to earn it. This pattern of grace-first-then-law is echoed…