September 25th, 2016 at the First Presbyterian Church of Tucker 1 Thessalonians 5:24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.[1]English Standard Version There are no greater promises in the Bible regarding our salvation than a verse like this. That He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. I…
Is there a principle to follow?
A principle in the Bible is a timeless truth tightly stated. It is a short, pithy, practical statement of truth drawn from a passage and used to guide our lives. Principles are broad statements of truth that universally apply to every situation we face. For example, Joshua led the children of God in a march around the city of Jericho, giving a shout of victory as they trusted God to fight for them. The principle is that we should worship before we do anything else. We should praise God in the face of the impossible and watch Him act on our behalf.
Why a Trinitarian Benediction?
The Trinity is one of those distinctively Christian doctrines that separate us from other faith groups in the world. The early church tried to give a synopsis of this teaching with short Triads of Trinitarian Truth.
I’ll share one of these very early Triads of Trinitarian Truth with you.
- The Father is God, but He is not the Son and is not the Holy Spirit
- The Son is God, but He is not the Father or the Holy Spirit.
- The Spirit is God, but He is not the Father or the Son.
The doctrine of Trinity is not explained in Romans or hidden in some secret chapter in Hezekiah, but it is the way the Bible reveals God. The whole Bible teaches Trinity.
The word TRINITY is a theological construct. We invent the word to explain a biblical phenomenon, to encapsulate in a word something unique that the Bible teaches.
There is no doubt that the Bible teaches Trinity.
- The Bible identifies the Father as God.
- in such passages like Ephesians 6:23, Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
- This is more than just saying that God is like a father or that He is fatherly. Rather, there is a person who chooses to reveal Himself as THE Father and this person is Deity in the ultimate sense.
- There are many verses like this which identify the Father as God.
- The Bible identifies the Son as God.
- John opened his gospel with a powerful affirmation of Christ’s deity. John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
- i. The only religious group in the world that describes that verse as anything less than the fullness of deity in the ultimate sense is the Mormon Church.
- ii. Historically they have been labeled a cult for this reason alone.
- The former skeptic Thomas cried out in John 20 when he saw the resurrected Christ, “My Lord and my God! Jesus did not correct Thomas for Jesus Himself had said numerous times that He was equal with the Father.
- Romans 9:5 labels Jesus as God blessed forever.
- Titus 2:13 and 2 Peter 1:1 refer to the one person Jesus as our God and Savior.
- The deity of Jesus is further proven by the words of God the Father Himself. God the Father refers to Jesus in Hebrews 1:8 in this way, Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, and the righteous scepter is the scepter of His kingdom.
- John opened his gospel with a powerful affirmation of Christ’s deity. John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
- The Bible identifies the Holy Spirit as God.
- In Acts 5:3 Peter asked Ananias, Why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit? In the next verse Peter says, You have not lied to men but to God.
The Trinity can be summarized in a simple syllogism: The Bible teaches there is only one God. Yet it calls three persons God. Therefore, the three persons are the one God.
As the Great Shema declares in Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And this one God has revealed Himself as three distinct persons.
Is The Bible History Reliable?
When the early church pieced together the Apostle’s Creed, they were using the baptismal formulas previously in use by the actual Apostles. We don’t know which Apostle coined each phrase of the Apostle’s Creed, but one of the twelve was baptizing converts in the name of Jesus Christ who suffered under Pontius Pilate.
Which begs the question, “why are we confessing anything about a secular Roman governor?” This morning I am going to explain why Pilate’s name is in the creed, and I am going to suggest that it is necessary for a sound faith.
During this time period in Rome there were mystical religions that taught a variety of strange ideas. These false religions didn’t claim their teachings were real in a historic or scientific sense, but their teachings were spiritually real.
Lots of Christians understand their own faith within this context. My sermon will try to convince you otherwise.
Is My Bible Reliable?
Reverend Anthony R. Locke March 20th, 2011 www.FirstPresTucker.org at the First Presbyterian Church of Tucker Are English Bible’s the Word of God? Psalm 119:89-96 Do I hold in my hand the Word of God? English Standard Version 89 Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. 90 Your faithfulness endures to all…
The Blessings of Heaven Are Better & the Terrors of Hell Are Worse — Revelation 14:6-13
The Gospel informs us that Jesus has all authority and all power in Heaven and Earth, that the Father has given all judgment to the Son, and that the blessings of God will rain down forever upon those who place their faith in Christ.
These are the Big Promises of the Bible that are planted in Genesis and finally bloom in Revelation.
Jesus promised that it hasn’t entered our imagination how great Heaven will be for those who love God.
Sadly, it also hasn’t entered into the imaginations of men the eternal terrors that await those who reject God’s love.
Jesus told Mary, "I am Not Yet Ascended" — Didn't He Already Go to Heaven?
Jesus makes two ascents. Take a moment to think this through. There are two events when Jesus ascends into Heaven.
First, after His death on the Cross Jesus immediately ascends into the congregation of the saints in heaven. Jesus told the thief hanging next to Him that they were both going to heaven.
This answers the question, “Where was Jesus during the three days His body was in the grave?”
The second ascent is recorded in the Bible in Acts 1:3-11. This is called the Ascension.
The difference is that in the first ascending of Jesus in Heaven He does so as a Man. He joins with the saints for three days without a resurrected body. He then goes back and forth to heaven for 40 days with a resurrected body.
The Ascension is different entirely. In the Ascension God answers Jesus prayer in John 20:5 “And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.”
This is why Mary couldn’t cling to Jesus and keep Him for herself. He wasn’t yet fully ascended.
Infant Baptism? YES!
[stextbox id=”alert” color=”000000″ ccolor=”000000″ bcolor=”d52a2e” bgcolor=”ffffff” cbgcolor=”ffffff” image=”null”] Infant Baptism is a very interesting subject for maturing believers seeking to know more about God’s Covenant relationship with His people. To help those looking for quality material I have pasted in two articles with which I agree and I believe agree with the ARP Standards as well…
Inerrancy? YES!
Reverend Locke preached a sermon March 13th called ARP Inerrancy: Is It a Bible Doctrine? Many denominations start on a slippery slope toward liberalism by not holding to a high view of scripture. The Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church has taken steps to make sure that doesn’t happen to our churches. The most in depth explanation…
God's Double Portion Service — Isaiah 40:2
Blessed with a Double Portion Reverend Anthony R. Locke February 14th, 2010 at First Presbyterian Church of Tucker Call to Worship Isaiah 40:2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. Isaiah…
2010 02 21
God’s Desire Reverend Anthony R. Locke February 21st, 2010 at First Presbyterian Church of Tucker Exodus 29:38-46 English Standard Version 38 “Now this is what you shall offer on the altar: two lambs a year old day by day regularly. 39 One lamb you shall offer in the morning, and the other lamb you shall…
Psalm 119 — The Mount Everest of Bible Memory
Click to Listen | Click to Read PDF Reverend Anthony R. Locke February 12th, 2017 Psalm 119:1-8 (English Standard Version) 1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! 2 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, 3 who also do no wrong, but…
Minister Anthony R. Locke
Pastor Locke and his family came to our church January of 2010 after our previous pastor of 26 years Reverend John Little died suddenly of a heart condition in September of 2009. Jenn and Tony met when he was the Associate pastor at Peachtree Corners Presbyterian in Norcross GA. They were married in May of…
American Pastor Andrew Brunson Charged in Turkey with Membership in an Armed Terrorist Organization and Sent to Prison
Sign The White House Petition Alan and his family need 100,000 signatures by March 8, 2017 to get a response from the White House. American Pastor Andrew Brunson has languished in prison in Turkey since October 2016, falsely charged with “membership in an armed terrorist organization” despite the Turkish authorities having no evidence against him.…
What Day is Evangelism Day?
March 26th, 2017 By now you have been through a blitz of various holidays – Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years – and now you’re looking towards Easter. But when is Evangelism Day? The obvious answer is: every day is Evangelism Day, because we have an opportunity to celebrate the grace, forgiveness and salvation the Lord has…
The Cry of the Martyred — Revelation 6:9-11
When Jesus told the disciples about the coming destruction of the Temple and the city of Jerusalem, they asked “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the close of the age?” Matthew 24:3.
Jesus answers the what, not the when.
Jesus answered, But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only Matthew 24:36.
There is a soft rebuke for their carnal calendar curiosity. If we know the when, then we might procrastinate our repentance.
Like Paul Harvey, God tells us the Rest of the Story, to encourage us when we suffer for His name sake.
Are you pouring your life out on the altar of total sacrifice for Jesus? Why not?
Do you not know what happens to the souls of the martyrs?
The Open Door Policy for Aliens & Strangers — the Letter to Philadelphia
Have you ever felt like you weren’t wanted? Like a fifth wheel? Has a religious crowd ever made you feel like a stranger? Like everyone else was extended brotherly love, but you?
Jesus promises never to let His people feel like outsiders.
Jesus will not withhold His friendliness, favor, brotherly love or praise for His faithful.
Jesus opens the door wide into Heaven for His people. In the New Jerusalem the faithful will never feel like a fifth wheel. With Jesus we will never feel like a stranger.
We might feel like an alien in this world, but when we approach Heaven, we will find an open door. We will be greeted by Jesus and the saints!
"Oh, How I Loved Jesus" — Are We Much Different Than the Church of Ephesus?
Yesterday my wife told me she was in love with me, and my response was, “I love you too.” A few minutes later she asked me about my response. She pointed out that she loves her brothers, but she isn’t in love with her brothers.
She wanted to know if I was still in love with her. Jesus begins his conversation with the Church on this personal level.
It’s a love conversation. Awkward. Peter denied three times on the night of Jesus’ crucifixion that he even knew Jesus. So after the resurrection, Jesus asked if Peter loved Him. Peter said he was only fond of Jesus. So Jesus asked again.
Now Jesus is having the same conversation with us.
I remember when a girl told me she loved me, yet I didn’t respond with the same level of commitment and enthusiasm. Eight hours later we ended a two year dating relationship.
That’s the way Jesus starts His conversation with His Bride. Jesus says, “You’re not in love with your husband anymore.”
The Book of Revelation Ends the Same for Everyone — God says, "Checkmate!"
The only memory I have of my mom’s dad is playing chess in the basement of his home during the holidays. He owned a split level home. We played in the downstairs next to the fireplace.
My grandfather was American Indian. He had the jet black hair and flat nose to match. He was a striking man to see. And he never let me beat him in chess. He always won.
As I reflect on those memories I find comfort in his winning. Occasionally, I would think I was getting the upper hand. But in the end it was always checkmate. He was always in control.
I am glad I didn’t have the ability to out-think my grandfather. I am glad he always won.
That’s what God is telling us in Revelation. You may think God is not in control, but in the end it is checkmate for everybody. Jesus wins. God gets the glory, and things work out for our benefit.
Reverend Gilbert Rowell: Obituary, Contact & Funeral Details, Consolences
The funeral service for Rev. Gilbert Rowell will be held Wednesday, April 4, 2012, at 2 p.m. at Clover ARP Church in Clover, SC. Directions: Clover ARP Church 127 Kings Mountain St, Clover SC 29710 Rev. Barry Eller and Rev. Evan English will preside over the service. The Rowells will greet friends after…
Spring 2012 Presbytery Highlights: First, Mississippi Valley, Northeast & Virginia
First Presbytery The spring meeting was held Feb. 16, 2012 Received Rev. Tom Irby from the Georgia Foothills Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in America and approved his call to the Fuller Memorial Church, Durham. Approved Rev. Doug Petersen as the stated supply for the Westminster Church, Albemarle, NC. Received a report from the Trustees…
"All Mankind, Descending from Adam" . . . Is It a Necessary WCF Doctrine?
by Richard B. Gaffin, Jr.
Every Christian who is truly submitted to the Bible’s authority needs to be alert to this recent development [i.e., that the descent of all human beings from Adam has been increasingly called into question by scientists, biblical scholars, and others who consider themselves evangelical or even Reformed Christians] and clear about the consequences of these doubts and denials. No matter how well intended, they undermine the gospel and will lead to its eventual loss. If it is not true that all human beings descend from Adam, then the entire history of redemption, as taught in Scripture, unravels. The result is no redemptive history in any credible or coherent sense, and so the loss of redemptive history in any meaningful sense.
The title above, as many readers will recognize, is from answer 16 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism (and Larger Catechism 22). It expresses a central truth of Scripture and reflects the universal confession of the church about Adam.
Why then the added question mark? Not because non-Christians widely reject this truth, as they have for a long time, but because more recently it has been increasingly called into question by scientists, biblical scholars, and others who consider themselves evangelical or even Reformed Christians. Moreover, they are persuaded that their doubts about this truth should be accepted as compatible with their Christian commitment.
Every Christian who is truly submitted to the Bible’s authority needs to be alert to this recent development and clear about the consequences of these doubts and denials. No matter how well intended, they undermine the gospel and will lead to its eventual loss.
Presbytery Highlights Second & Catawba
Presbytery News by arpmagazine Catawba Presbytery Highlights From the meeting of Catawba Presbytery at the Centennial Church, Columbia, SC on March 13, 2012: Heard a message from Andrew K. Putnam, Moderator of Synod and member of Catawba Presbytery. Approved a new mission work in Rock Hill, SC to begin on April 1, 2012 and to be called…
Gastons in Wales — Jodie & Tina
It’s Official…We’re going to Wales We are pleased to announce that last week we were offered and accepted an appointment to become missionaries in Wales with Greater Europe Mission. We are extrememly excited about what God is doing in Wales (and in many other parts of Europe as well). We know that a lot of…
Alabama Supreme Court in landmark ruling: ‘"Each person has a God-given right to life"
by Ben Johnson MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA, February 17, 2012, (LifeSiteNews.com) – In a landmark legal case that established the right of a mother to sue if her unborn child wrongfully dies before viability, today the Alabama State Supreme Court unanimously ruled that “each person has a God-given right to life.” A concurring opinion issued by four…
ARP Beliefs
. Purpose Statement: Who We are in Christ, Facing the 21st Century . …..We, the members of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, in order to carry out God’s mission and move forward together into the next century, profess our life together in Christ and our desire to set forth a united strategy for the work of…
ARP History
. …..The Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church as we know it today comes to us across a lengthy history of service in two lands, the British Isles and North America. It had its beginnings in the preaching of John Knox in Scotland when the Scottish Church became the official church of Scotland in 1560 A.D. As…
God Never Leaves a Job Half Done — 1 Thessalonians 5:24
September 25th, 2016 at the First Presbyterian Church of Tucker 1 Thessalonians 5:24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.[1]English Standard Version There are no greater promises in the Bible regarding our salvation than a verse like this. That He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. I…
Keep Praying! — Jude 1:20-23 by Rev. Justin Westmoreland
“But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy…
Sunday School Series on The Holy Spirit by Sinclair Ferguson
Messages in this Teaching Series The Face of God The Spirit of the Lord Dwelling Within Trinitarian Fellowship The Sustainer Rivers of Living Water A Heavenly Birth A Heavenly Helper Walking in the Spirit The Inward Groan The Spirit of Sonship A new…
What is the First Word of Evangelism? — By Rev. John Kimmons
Seldom do people come to Jesus at their first meeting. Be ready when God opens the door to share a simple presentation of how a person can trust Christ and mature. Presentations vary according to circumstances, Biblical knowledge, background, age, past history, and even a question that may be asked. Relationships where we have an opportunity to share the gospel most often begin with hello and a genuine concern for the person that we’re addressing.
14 Questions to Ask During Bible Study (Reformed & Presbyterian)
What do these words actually mean? This might seem incredibly obvious, but it’s worth noting that in periods prior to the Reformation, many Christian teachers interpreted Scripture allegorically (which is fine to do when the Scriptures themselves give you the freedom to do so). But one problem with this approach is that it can quickly…
Cookies for Big John at Handy Ace Hardware — 3969 Lawrenceville Hwy Tucker, GA 30084 – (770) 939-6842
Today we delivered another “We Care About You” to one of the locally owned businesses. Big John at Ace Hardware (Handy Ace Hardware Facebook Page) was excited to receive the box filled with homemade cookies. Employees were already lining up to “partake” before we left. We are thankful for our local businesses and the employees…
The First Presbyterian Church of Tucker Gets a New Roof!!!
Thanks Allene and Bill for your generous contribution! More pictures to come as the new roof progresses.
Sherry's Produce — 3863 Lawrenceville Hwy Tucker, GA 30084 — (770) 934-6090
Today we delivered another “We Care About You” box to one of our locally owned businesses. These are to show our local business owners how much we appreciate them and their contribution to the Community. Today’s delivery went to Sherry and the employees at Sherry’s Produce. Thanks for your wonderful produce and vegetables. Enjoy your…
Opportunity for Older Adults with limited income to receive $40 to Spend at our Tucker Farmers Market
Opportunity for Older Adults with limited income to receive $40 to Spend at our Tucker Farmers Market
The Tucker Lifelong Community Committee is working with the Tucker Farmers Market (Facebook Page) along with the accompanying outreach programs. We have been working on our Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Voucher program for the summer. Eligible participating seniors will receive $40 to spend at the selected local farmers of our Tucker Farmers Market to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables which are in season.
Synod Sermons
Retiring Moderator Jamie Hunt Moderator Phil Williams Rev. Alex Campbell Rev. Neil Stewart Rev. Eric Hancox Rev. Patrick Malphrus
Despise NOT Prophesying — 1 Thessalonians 5:20
August 21st, 2016 at the First Presbyterian Church of Tucker 1 Thessalonians 5:19 Do not despise prophecies.[1][1] The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001. Wheaton: Standard Bible Society. Everybody on this planet hears the voice of God speaking to them about His glory. Psalm 19:1-4 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky…
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Why a Trinitarian Benediction? — 2 Corinthians 13:14
Reverend Anthony R. Locke May 30th, 2010 (Trinity Sunday) at the First Presbyterian Church of Tucker 2 Corinthians 13:14 English Standard Version The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. The Trinity is one of those distinctively Christian doctrines that…
Why Does the Apostle's Creed Profess Faith in Pontius Pilate? — Luke 1:1-4
Reverend Anthony R. Locke June 27th, 2010 at the First Presbyterian Church of Tucker Luke 1:1-4 Apostle’s Creed Series 10 English Standard Version 1 Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of…
Each According to the Measure — Romans 12:3-8
Reverend Anthony R. Locke September 5th, 2010 www.FirstPresTucker.org at the First Presbyterian Church of Tucker. Romans 12:3-8 Spiritual Gifts English Standard Version 3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according…
Day 291
Colossians 1:1-1 Thessalonians 1:10 Greeting 1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2 To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. Thanksgiving and Prayer 3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord…
Day 100
2 Kings 18:1-21:9 Hezekiah Reigns in Judah 18 In the third year of Hoshea son of Elah, king of Israel, Hezekiah the son of Ahaz, king of Judah, began to reign. 2 He was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Abi…
Day 099
2 Kings 14:23-17:41 Jeroboam II Reigns in Israel 23 In the fifteenth year of Amaziah the son of Joash, king of Judah, Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel, began to reign in Samaria, and he reigned forty-one years. 24 And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. He…
Day 068
Judges 9:22-12:7 The Downfall of Abimelech 22 Abimelech ruled over Israel three years. 23 And God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the leaders of Shechem, and the leaders of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech, 24 that the violence done to the seventy sons of Jerubbaal might come, and their blood be laid…
Thanksgiving in America
The miracle of Thanksgiving isn’t a story about food, but the blessing of God that comes from personal responsibility.
Bradford didn’t set the colony up with personal property rights and capitalism, but rather communism. It was only after people died from a lack of necessary food and shelter that the government changed the laws and God blessed the free market in that small community to bring an overwhelming blessing for all.
Click this story to read more and find what wasn’t taught in our American education system and what needs to be re-embraced by government leadership to solve our problems of today.
Day 091
1 Kings 10:14-13:10 Solomon’s Great Wealth 14 Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was 666 talents of gold, 15 besides that which came from the explorers and from the business of the merchants, and from all the kings of the west and from the governors of the land.…
Day 081
2 Samuel 3:31-7:29 David Mourns Abner 31 Then David said to Joab and to all the people who were with him, “Tear your clothes and put on sackcloth and mourn before Abner.” And King David followed the bier. 32 They buried Abner at Hebron. And the king lifted up his voice and wept at…
Day 080
1 Samuel 31:1-2 Samuel 3:30 The Death of Saul 31 Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled before the Philistines and fell slain on Mount Gilboa. 2 And the Philistines overtook Saul and his sons, and the Philistines struck down Jonathan and Abinadab and Malchi-shua, the sons of Saul. 3…