Why the Word Became Flesh: 7 Reasons the Incarnation Was Necessary to Fulfill God’s Plan of Redemption

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By Daniel L. Sonnenberg

“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1.5). He came for no other purpose than to redeem those whom the Father has given Him. Hodge affirms this declaration when he says, “the only reason Christ came in the flesh was because of the fall…Christ came into the world voluntarily to save his people from their sins; to seek and save the lost.”[1] Christ’s coming into the world as not only God, but also Man, is of critical importance to anthropology and Christology. It was necessary for the Word, the second Person of the Trinity, to become man to fulfill God’s plan to redeem fallen humankind.  A survey of some of the Christological and anthropological literature supports this premise and supplies several listings of the reasons Christ had to become a man. Continue reading →

Why the Word Became Flesh: Appendix A, Table 1

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By Daniel L. Sonnenberg

The table below (Appendix A, Table 1) accompanies the paper entitled “Why the Word Became Flesh: 7 Reasons the Incarnation Was Necessary to Fulfill God’s Plan of Redemption.”

Continue reading →

The Westminster Larger Catechism: EPC Modern English Version

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By Daniel L. Sonnenberg

At the time of this writing, the EPC Modern English Version of the Westminster Larger Catechism is published only in pdf format on the Evangelical Presbyterian Church website. However, pdf documents are notoriously difficult to read online, especially by mobile devices. The purpose of the Catechism’s duplication in the form below is to facilitate online reading and studying of this document using mobile devices.

The EPC Westminster Larger Catechism (Modern English Version) below has been duplicated with no changes* from the original pdf download on the EPC website.

*Concerning the duplication of this document: from the EPC website.

“The Westminster Confession and Larger Catechism downloads are the EPC Modern English Versions. Licensed Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs under Creative Commons. The work may be duplicated with no changes and with attribution to the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. It may not be sold for profit.”

Continue reading →

Dr. C. Matthew McMahon’s Shorter and Longer Summaries of Calvin’s Institutes

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By Daniel L. Sonnenberg

Would you like to read a modern summary of Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion online? Dr. C. Matthew McMahon has written two of them.

“A Condensed Summary of Calvin’s Institutes“ is a shorter overview of John Calvin’s magnum opus – the equivalent of about 14 pages in Word. Outline 1 below itemizes the contents of Dr. McMahon’s shorter summary.

“A Longer Overview of Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion” is the equivalent of about 44 pages in Word. Outline 2 below itemizes the contents of Dr. McMahon’s longer summary. Continue reading →

Teaching Local Pastors in Southeast Asia

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By Daniel L. Sonnenberg

Looking forward to teaching pastors in Southeast Asia in March 2016 as an Instructor with Timothy Two Project, International.

Timothy Two Project, International exists to serve a critical need around the world. We are committed to equipping and training indigenous pastors and ministry leaders with the foundational truths of the Christian faith that they may then be able to train others. In this way, the mandate from Christ in the Great Commission to “make disciples” can be realized in areas of the world where there is little to no formal biblical and theological training available.

“The things you heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust to faithful men that they may be able to train others also” (2 Tim. 2:2).

Shelved?

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By Daniel L. Sonnenberg

What should an ordained pastor, or any Christian, think about being “put on the shelf” for a period of time – like a book that was once open, useful, referenced and needed, but now closed and put in its place among the other books in the library? The term “shelved” came to me this morning as I walked into my home office lined with books. I have been using a tamer sounding phrase about my current situation – “between churches” – which, I suppose, communicates my desire to serve a church once again in the future. But the raw truth is that maybe I will serve a church again as a pastor, and maybe I won’t. One can’t normally call oneself to a church.

Being “shelved” reminds me of Moses, who for 40 years after killing the Egyptian, tended sheep in the Midian desert. During those years he met and married Zipporah (remember her more famous father Jethro?) and they raised a family together. But only after those 40 years in virtual exile, did God call him by means of a burning bush to lead Israel out of Egypt. A rather long wait. Continue reading →

The Hovering Spirit in Creation (Gen. 1:2)

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By Daniel L. Sonnenberg

On Genesis 1:2, the Spirit’s care of the earth at creation.

“‘…the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.’ The verb [rahap] basically means ‘flutter fly’; it is used in Deuteronomy 32:11 to describe an eagle stirring up the nest, fluttering over its young. In much the same way, the unformed, lifeless mass of the watery earth was under the care of the divine Spirit, who hovered over it, ensuring its future development.”

Allen P. Ross, Creation & Blessing: A Guide to the Study and Exposition of Genesis, p. 107. Continue reading →

Why We Never Give Up (2 Corinthians 4:13-16a)

dsonnenberg 2 Corinthians, 2015, Sermons, Treasure in Jars of Clay ,

Sermon by Daniel L. Sonnenberg | July 19, 2015

Text:

But we continue to preach because we have the same kind of faith the psalmist had when he said, “I believed in God, so I spoke.”   Continue reading →

Death for Us, Life for You (2 Corinthians 4:7-12)

dsonnenberg 2 Corinthians, 2015, Sermons, Treasure in Jars of Clay ,

Sermon by Daniel L. Sonnenberg | June 21, 2015

Text:

7 We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.   Continue reading →

7 Characteristics of Reformed Spirituality

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I first met Dr. Hughes Old at RTS Orlando when I attended a course he taught based on his book Leading in Prayer. Though some will disagree with his evaluation, I respect his view on this subject because he has written so widely on the Reformed tradition including such works as Worship: Reformed According to Scripture, The Patristic Roots of Reformed Worship, The Shaping of the Reformed Baptismal Rite in the Sixteenth Century, Holy Communion in the Piety of the Reformed Church and “Reformed tradition of Eucharistic piety and reflection.”

In “What is Reformed Spirituality? Played Over Again Lightly,” Hughes Oliphant Old identifies 7 central characteristics of the way Reformed culture has expressed itself since the time of John Calvin and his successors. He says it is a spirituality (piety, devotion, practice of Christian living) that emphasizes: the Word; the Psalter; the Lord’s Day; works of mercy; the covenant of grace embodied in the Lord’s Supper; stewardship; and, meditation on the mystery of divine Providence. Dr. Old states: Continue reading →

Understanding the Presbyterian and Reformed Order of Worship

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Reformed Forum’s audio discussion: The Order of Worship.

Glen Clary walks through a Reformed order of worship, explaining the Biblical precedent and rationale for elements such as the call to worship, invocation, different types of prayer, and the benediction along with the administration of Word and sacrament. Rev. Clary is pastor of Providence OPC in Pflugerville, TX.

Introduction begins at 0:00. Explanation begins at 4:45.

Seeking a New Ministry Position

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By Daniel L. Sonnenberg | June 2015

God uses many differing means to lead his people to their next ministry positions. And it’s been said that it’s not so much what you know as it is who you know that often opens such doors. So I’m reaching out to those of you who know the Lord and who know me because I am currently seeking a new ministry position that combines the following elements: Continue reading →

Daily Dose of Greek

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Want to begin or continue your study of New Testament Greek? Here’s something that may help. Sign up at www.DailyDoseOfGreek.com. Recommended by Dr. Mark Futato, Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando. Also, in August, Mark Futato’s www.DailyDoseOfHebrew.com will launch.

EPC Statement on Supreme Court Marriage Ruling

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EPC statement on Supreme Court marriage ruling.

The Role of Pastors in the Church (1 Timothy 5:17-25)

dsonnenberg 1 Timothy, 2015, Church Leadership, Sermons

Sermon by Daniel L. Sonnenberg | January 11, 2015

This message is adapted from a sermon by Philip Ryken, entitled “What Sheep Owe Their Shepherds” in the Reformed Expository Commentary series on 1 Timothy.

Text:

17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.  Continue reading →

The Role of Elders in the Church (1 Timothy 3:1-7)

dsonnenberg 1 Timothy, 2015, Church Leadership, Sermons

Sermon by Daniel L. Sonnenberg | January 4, 2015

Audio recording not available. However, the text and manuscript can be read below.

This message is adapted from a sermon by Philip Ryken, entitled “Qualifications for Elders” in the Reformed Expository Commentary series on 1 Timothy.

Text:

1 It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. Continue reading →

Who Is the Redeemer of God’s Chosen People? (John 1:1-5, 9-14; WLC 36)

dsonnenberg 2014, Advent, John, Sermons

Sermon by Daniel L. Sonnenberg | December 21, 2014

Audio file not available. However, the sermon text and manuscript can be found below.

Text:

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. Continue reading →

Eagerly Awaiting Christ’s Coming (1 Corinthians 1:3-9)

dsonnenberg 1 Corinthians, 2014, Advent, Sermons

Sermon by Daniel L. Sonnenberg | November 30, 2014

Text:

3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  Continue reading →

Thanksgiving: The Blessing of Generous Giving (2 Corinthians 9:6-15)

dsonnenberg 2 Corinthians, 2014, Sermons, Thanksgiving

Sermon by Rev. Daniel L. Sonnenberg | November 23, 2014

Text:

6 “Now this I say, he who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully.  Continue reading →

Jesus’ Promise of the Spirit (Acts 1:1-11)

dsonnenberg 2014, Acts, Acts: The Work of the Holy Spirit in the Church, Sermons

Sermon by Daniel L. Sonnenberg | November 16, 2014

Text:

The first account I composed, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when He was taken up, after He had by the Holy Spirit given orders to the apostles whom He had chosen. Continue reading →

Seek the Welfare of Your City (Jeremiah 29:1-7)

dsonnenberg 2014, Church Vitalization, Jeremiah, Sermons, Sermons by Scripture

Sermon by Daniel L. Sonnenberg | November 2, 2014 | Based on a sermon by the same title by Pastor Kevin DeYoung, Lansing, MI.

Text:

Now these are the words of the letter which Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem to the rest of the elders of the exile, the priests, the prophets, and all the people whom Nebuchadnezzar had taken into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon.  Continue reading →

God’s Eternal Kingdom Vision (Revelation 7:9-10; 21:1-7, 23-27)

dsonnenberg 2014, Church Vitalization, Revelation, Sermons

Sermon by Daniel L. Sonnenberg | October 19, 2014 | Based on the writings of Dr. Ken Priddy

Text:

Rev. 7:9-10  After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands;  10 and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”                  Continue reading →

God’s Vision for the Church (Matthew 24:1-14)

dsonnenberg 2014, Church Vitalization, Matthew, Sermons

Sermon by Daniel L. Sonnenberg | October 26, 2014 | Based on the writings of Dr. Ken Priddy

Text:

And Jesus came out from the temple and was going away when His disciples came up to point out the temple buildings to Him.  2 And He answered and said to them, “Do you not see all these things? Truly I say to you, not one stone here shall be left upon another, which will not be torn down.”   Continue reading →

The Unshakable Kingdom (Hebrews 12:25-29)

dsonnenberg 2014, Hebrews, Sermons, The Kingdom of God

Sermon by Rev. Daniel L. Sonnenberg | October 5, 2014

Text:

For you have not come to a mountain that may be touched and to a blazing fire, and to darkness and gloom and whirlwind,  19 and to the blast of a trumpet and the sound of words which sound was such that those who heard begged that no further word should be spoken to them.  20 For they could not bear the command, “If even a beast touches the mountain, it will be stoned.”   Continue reading →

Born Again Into the Kingdom (John 3:1-16)

dsonnenberg 2014, John, Sermons, The Kingdom of God

Sermon by Daniel L. Sonnenberg | September 28, 2014

Text:

1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews;2 this man came to Him by night, and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.”3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”  Continue reading →

Inside or Outside the Kingdom? (Mark 12:28-34a)

dsonnenberg 2014, Mark, Sermons, The Kingdom of God

Sermon by Daniel L. Sonnenberg | September 21, 2014

28 And one of the scribes came and heard them arguing, and recognizing that He had answered them well, asked Him, “What commandment is the foremost of all?” 29 Jesus answered, “The foremost is, ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is one Lord; [Deut. 6.4] 30 and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength’ [Deut. 6:5]. Continue reading →

True Riches in the Kingdom (Mark 10:17-27)

dsonnenberg 2014, Mark, Sermons, The Kingdom of God

Sermon by Daniel L. Sonnenberg | September 14, 2014

Text:

 17 And as He was setting out on a journey, a man ran up to Him and knelt before Him, and began asking Him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”  18 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.”   Continue reading →

The Only Hope of the Kingdom (1 Corinthians 6:1-11)

dsonnenberg 1 Corinthians, 2014, Sermons, The Kingdom of God

Sermon by Daniel L. Sonnenberg | September 7, 2014

Audio file not available.

Text:

Does any one of you, when he has a case against his neighbor, dare to go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints?  2 Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is judged by you, are you not competent to constitute the smallest law courts?   Continue reading →

No Turning Back in the Kingdom (Luke 9:57-62)

dsonnenberg 2014, Luke, Sermons, The Kingdom of God

Sermon by Daniel L. Sonnenberg | August 31, 2014

Text:

57 And as they were going along the road, someone said to Him, “I will follow You wherever You go.” 58 And Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.”   Continue reading →

The Power of the Kingdom (1 Corinthians 4:14-21)

dsonnenberg 1 Corinthians, 2014, Sermons, The Kingdom of God

Sermon by Daniel L. Sonnenberg | August 24, 2014

Text:

I do not write these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children.  15 For if you were to have countless tutors in Christ, yet you would not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.  16 I exhort you therefore, be imitators of me.   Continue reading →

The Secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, Part 2 (Matthew 13:18-23)

dsonnenberg 2014, Matthew, Sermons, The Kingdom of God

Sermon by Daniel L. Sonnenberg | August 17, 2014

Text:

“Hear then the parable of the sower. 19 “When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is the one on whom seed was sown beside the road. Continue reading →

The Secrets of the Kingdom, Part 1 (Matthew 13:10-23)

dsonnenberg 2014, Matthew, Sermons, The Kingdom of God

Sermon by Daniel L. Sonnenberg | August 10, 2014

Text:

And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” 11 And He answered and said to them, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted. 12 “For whoever has, to him shall more be given, and he shall have an abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him. Continue reading →

The Kingdom is Righteousness, Peace and Joy (Romans 14:13-23)

dsonnenberg 2014, Romans, Sermons, The Kingdom of God

Sermon by Daniel L. Sonnenberg | August 3, 2014

13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this– not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way. 14 I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. Continue reading →

A Present Kingdom (Luke 17:20-21)

dsonnenberg 2014, Luke, Sermons, The Kingdom of God

Sermon by Daniel L. Sonnenberg | July 27, 2014

Kingdom of God, Part 3

Text:

Now having been questioned by the Pharisees as to when the kingdom of God was coming, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed;  21 nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!’ For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst.”  (Lk. 17:20-21)

Continue reading →

The First Priority of the Kingdom (Matthew 6:19-34)

dsonnenberg 2014, Matthew, Sermons, The Kingdom of God

Sermon by Daniel L. Sonnenberg | July 20, 2014

Audio not available. Kingdom of God, Part 2

Text:

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  20 “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal;  21 for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.   Continue reading →

The Proclamation of the King(dom) (Mark 1:14-15)

dsonnenberg 2014, Mark, Sermons, The Kingdom of God

Sermon by Daniel L. Sonnenberg | July 13, 2014

Text:

And after John had been taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God,  15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

Notes:

This is the first sermon in a series on the Kingdom of God. Continue reading →

Rest for the Weary (Matthew 11:25-30)

dsonnenberg 2014, Pentecost, Sermons, The Life and Ministry of Jesus

Sermon by Daniel L. Sonnenberg | July 6, 2014

Notes:

Theme: Those to whom the truth about Jesus has been revealed are encouraged to enjoy the benefits of being his followers.

  • In Jr. High, I was a clumsy boy
  • And to make it worse, the steps of the stairways in our school had front edges made of steel which made them strong but slippery.
  • So I frequently slipped on them going up the stairs. When I did, because I was holding my books in my arms, they went flying everywhere.
  • It was embarrassing.
  • The cool kids looking on did nothing to help, they just laughed at how clumsy and uncool I was.
  • Jesus had been preaching the good news of the coming kingdom of God, but some were acting like spoiled children saying, “We played the flute for you and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.”
  • Nothing he did would please them.
  • Why? Bc they didn’t think they needed salvation.

Continue reading →

Peter’s Pentecost Sermon (Acts 2:14-41)

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Sermon by Daniel L. Sonnenberg | June 15, 2014

Notes:

Acts 2:14-41

  • This message is based on a sermon by Derek Thomas from his expository commentary on Acts.
  • On the day of Pentecost we see and hear a very different man in Simon Peter.
  • In a month and a half, he has changed from the fearful coward we saw in the high priest’s courtyard to the brave and outspoken preacher portrayed here.
  • This about-face is the Spirit’s working in Peter.
  • This section of Acts is the first of fifteen “sermons” recorded by Luke – seven by Peter, five by Paul, and one each by Stephen and James.
  • In this sermon, obviously, Luke provides only a summary of what Peter actually said.
  • It was an exposition of many texts of scripture centered on a common theme.
  • It’s an example of how to preach Jesus Christ from the Old Testament.
  • Even though Pentecost was a revealing of the Holy Spirit’s ministry, more importantly it was a continuation of the ongoing ministry of the ascended Jesus Christ

Continue reading →

The Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-13)

dsonnenberg 2014, Pentecost, Sermons, The Life and Ministry of Jesus

Sermon by Daniel L. Sonnenberg | June 8, 2014

Notes:

  • This sermon is based on a sermon by Derek Thomas, entitled “Pentecostal Fire!”
  • Pentecost is one of those pivotal moments in history, along with creation, the incarnation, the crucifixion, the resurrection, ascension, and the second coming of Christ.
  • Its connection with the life and ministry of Jesus Christ is crucial if we are to understand its significance and uniqueness.
  • What happened at Pentecost happened in direct relationship to the ascension of Jesus into heaven (Acts 1:11).
  • Jesus’ ascension signaled a series of significant events:
    • signaled the glorification of Jesus’ body from its previous condition of both humiliation and resurrection;
    • signaled his entrance into the exalted position promised by his Father – “Therefore God has highly exalted him (Philippians 2:9); from which he now
      • distributes gifts to the church– Eph 4; and
      • intercedes on our behalf – Hebrews 4:14.
    • Jesus’ going away to a particular place indicates where his people will eventually be taken.
    • The Ascension shows that this existence on earth is temporary and that his redemptive work on the cross promises a new physical order of existence at his coming again at the end of the age – Acts 1:11.
  • Thus, Pentecost was an important milepost in biblical history.

Continue reading →

The Meaning of Jesus’ Ascension (Luke 24:44-53)

dsonnenberg 2014, Ascension, Sermons, The Life and Ministry of Jesus

Sermon by Daniel L. Sonnenberg | June 1, 2014

Text: Luke 24:44-53.

  • Continuing in the series of the life and ministry of Christ.
  • Today’s message on the ascension of Christ based on sermon by Philip Graham Ryken, “He Ascended Into Heaven,” (Luke 24:49–53).
  • Good writers know how to finish as well as they start.
  • For example…The Road Not Taken, BY ROBERT FROST
  • Begins – Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And sorry I could not travel both and be one traveler, long I stood….
  • Ends – Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.

Continue reading →