North Avenue Church Podcast

Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage | Matthew 5:31-32

This message brought together themes from the past three weeks and addressed the issues of singleness, dating, engagement, marriage, children, adultery, divorce, and remarriage.

You can watch the message here.

The Spirit Intercedes for us with Groanings too Deep for Words | Romans 8:26-27

Jerry, Scott, Josh, and Grant discuss the wonderful truth of the Spirit's help and intercession for us in our weakness and ignorance about what to pray for in certain circumstances.

(Thank you to Jesse Griffeth for recording the audio!)

Divorce and Remarriage | Matthew 5:31-32

This outline was adapted from Kevin DeYoung's excellent sermon here. Mark used the PCA's excellent 1992 position paper on divorce and remarriage here as well as this helpful essay by Andrew David Naselli along with other sources.

1. Marriage is intended by God to be a lifelong commitment.
2. Remarriage is permitted, but not required, after the death of a spouse.
3. All divorce happens because of sin, but not all divorce is sinful.
4. Divorce and remarriage are permitted, but not required, for sexual immorality.
5. Divorce and remarriage are permitted when a believing spouse is deserted by an unbelieving spouse.
6. Biblically unlawful divorce followed by remarriage is adultery.
7. Biblically permissible divorce allows for remarriage.
8. Improperly divorced and remarried Christians should stay as they are, but repent and be forgiven of their past sins and make whatever amends are necessary.

You can watch the message here.

Suffering in Light of Future Glory | Romans 8:16-25

Jerry, Scott, Josh, and Grant help us stand in awe of this truth, "The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him."

Final Judgment at the Great White Throne | Revelation 20:11-15

We discuss some practical takeaways for Amillennial theology and then spend most of our time discussing final judgment in Scripture at the Great White Throne. We argue that all of humanity, not just unbelievers, are present at this judgment. One question in particular that is address is: Why is final judgment "according to works" if we are saved by grace?

You can watch the message here.

WCA Chapel: How do Scripture and Culture Define Love Differently? (28 mins)

How Scripture Defines Love:

1. God is love: All true love is from the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
2. Love for people must be rooted in love for God.
3. Love always aims to glorify God.
4. Love delights in obedience to God’s commands.
5. Loving actions must include godly motives.
6. Love doesn’t use people for selfish advantage.
7. Love delights in biblical truth.
8. Love pursues the spiritual and physical wellbeing of others even if it is costly.

[Message given at the Westminster Christian Academy middle and high school chapel on 8/26/22. Photo from an earlier chapel message here.]

The Battle Against Lust | Matthew 5:27-30

Remember...

1. The Goodness of Sex in Marriage
2. The Evil of Sex outside Marriage
3. The Battle against Lust is a Worship War

Don't be deceived about...

1. The Location of Lust
2. The Power of Lust
3. The Consequences of Lust
4. Christ's Sin-Destroying Power over Lust

You can watch the message here.

You Have Received the Spirit of Adoption | Romans 8:14-17

Jerry, Scott, Josh, and Grant discuss the glorious truth that God is our Father.

Prophecies of the Millennium or New Creation? | Isaiah 65-66; Ezekiel 40-48

Many OT prophecies that are often taken as referring to the millennium (in the premillennial view) are more likely referring to the New Jerusalem and the New Creation. This is in part because of how Revelation sees this prophecies reaching their fulfillment.

You can watch the message here.

Marriage, Sex, Lust, and Adultery | Matthew 5:27-30

Christians are the people who shouldn't talk about sex without first talking about marriage. In order to put the topic of sex, lust, and adultery in context, we must first discuss God's good design for marriage and sex within marriage.

1. What is the purpose of marriage?
2. What is the purpose of sex within marriage?
3. How should we respond?

You can watch the message here.

Reasons for Rejecting Postmillennialism

Postmillennialism was popular among some in the Puritan era, but has largely fallen out of the main stream of Christian teaching today. It is however making something of a comeback through Doug Wilson, James White and others. What are we to think of this view and what are biblical reasons to think twice before accepting it?

You can watch the message here.

The Danger of Anger and the Urgency of Reconciliation | Matthew 5:21-26

We must not underestimate the seriousness of unrighteous anger in our hearts and in our relationships. Jesus says that sinful anger is the root of murder and is in fact a kind of violation of the sixth commandment, even if we never act out this inward impulse.

You can watch the message here.

Making the Case for Amillennialism | Revelation 20

In this message Amillennialism is explained and argued for in contrast to both Dispensational Premillennialism and Historic Premillennialism.

You can watch the message here.

Resurrection Life and our Mortal Bodies | Romans 8:9-11

Jerry, Scott, Josh and Carter discuss death, resurrection, and eternal life in Christ.

Christ Came to Fulfill the Law and Prophets | Matthew 5:17-20

To paraphrase this passage, Jesus is essentially saying, "So far from breaking or abolishing the law, I am the One to whom the law and the prophets are pointing and I am the One who will bring it all to fulfillment. I will not leave a single pen stroke unfulfilled. In fact, it is the scribes and Pharisees who actually are antinomian (anti-law) in their hearts. My followers truly follow the law in light of its fulfillment in Me."

1. Jesus upholds all of the Old Testament (v 17-18)
2. Jesus fulfills all of the Old Testament (v 17-18)
3. Jesus teaches that we must not neglect even the least command (v 19)
4. Jesus teaches that our practical righteousness must exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees (v 20)

You can watch the message here.