PM Service 28 December 2025 There are certain subjects that we, as human beings, would rather avoid. We fill our days with activity, our ears with noise, and our schedules with tasks—partly, perhaps, to drown out the deeper questions that haunt us: How long do I have to live? What will become of me when I die? What is the point of all my striving if I must soon leave it all behind? Psalm 39 forces us to face those questions head-on. It is one of David’s most searching and sobering prayers. You will notice it is not a psalm of praise or thanksgiving. It is a psalm of lament, born out of deep affliction. David is wrestling with the brevity of life, with the futility of human labor, and with the heavy hand of God’s discipline. He cries out: “O LORD, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am!” (v. 4). In this psalm, David comes to terms with truths that every one of us must reckon with sooner or later: • Life is short. • Death is certain. • Wealth and human achievements cannot last. • And only God Himself can be our hope. This is not morbid reflection. It is wisdom. Moses prayed in Psalm 90:12, “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” In the same spirit, David here is asking the Lord to make him deeply aware of the brevity of life, so that he might live wisely, humbly, and hopefully before God. Psalm 39 is unique in that it leaves us with a sense of longing rather than resolution. It ends with a plea, not a triumph. But that longing is meant to drive us beyond David to David’s greater Son—the Lord Jesus Christ—who entered into our frailty, bore our rebuke, and secured for us eternal hope. So tonight, as we study this psalm, I want us to walk with David through his struggle: his silence, his lament, his confession, and his prayer. And in each movement, we will see how Christ fulfills this psalm and how He enables us to live as pilgrims in this fleeting world. Sermon Theme: Because life is fleeting and uncertain, we must fix our hope in the Lord through Christ, who alone gives permanence and peace. We will consider the psalm in four parts: 1. A Resolution to Guard the Tongue (vv. 1–3) 2. The Brevity and Vanity of Life (vv. 4–6) 3. Turning to God in Hope (vv. 7–11) 4. The Plea of a Pilgrim (vv. 12–13)

AM Sermon, 28 December 2025, Lebanon Presbyterian Church (PCA), Abbeville County, South Carolina, USA Brothers and sisters, as we continue our series in Paul’s letter to the Galatians, we come this morning to what may be the very heart of the epistle—and indeed, one of the clearest and most powerful statements in all of Scripture about how a sinner is made right with God. The question is as old as humanity itself: How can I, a guilty sinner, stand before a holy God and be accepted? Men and women in every age have sought the answer. Some turn to religion, piling up rituals and good works, hoping they will be enough. Others turn inward, trusting their own sincerity or moral efforts. Still others despair altogether, convinced there is no hope. But the Word of God cuts through all of these and declares with unmistakable clarity: justification—our being declared righteous before God—comes only through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works of the law. To appreciate the force of Paul’s words, we must remember where we are in this letter. Paul has just described his confrontation with Peter in Antioch. Peter, who once ate freely with Gentile believers, drew back when men came from James. His withdrawal sent a dangerous message: that Gentile believers were second-class unless they adopted Jewish law. Paul would not stand for it, because the truth of the gospel was at stake. What follows in verses 15 through 21 is Paul’s theological explanation of that confrontation. Here he lays down the gospel in the clearest of terms. And friends, this is not merely an old controversy about Jews and Gentiles in the first century. It is a message for us today. For every heart here is tempted in some way to turn back to law, to trust in our own works, to add something to Christ. Paul shows us that to do so is to empty the cross of its meaning.

PM Worship Service, 21 December 2025 Beloved, there are moments in the Christian life when sin becomes unbearably heavy. The joy of communion with God seems distant, the heart aches with guilt, and the conscience will not be silenced. That is the scene before us in Psalm 38. This is one of the seven penitential psalms — a prayer of a believer who feels the crushing weight of sin and the sting of God’s fatherly discipline. David, the man after God’s own heart, groans under the arrows of divine chastening. His body aches, his spirit trembles, his friends withdraw, and his enemies surround him. Yet, through it all, his eyes remain lifted to the Lord: “Do not forsake me, O Lord! O my God, be not far from me! Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation!” (vv. 21–22). This psalm is a gift to us. It teaches us how to pray when guilt pierces the soul, when suffering humbles the heart, and when loneliness deepens our sorrow. It reminds us that though sin wounds deeply, there is mercy, restoration, and hope for those who look to the Lord. And it ultimately points us to Christ, who bore the full weight of our sin, so that in our darkest hour we may still say, “You, O Lord, are my salvation.” As we open this psalm, let us listen carefully — not only to David’s cry, but to the Spirit speaking through him — calling us to honest confession, humble submission, and confident trust in the steadfast love of our God.

AM Service 21 December 2025 The One who spoke the worlds into being, who dwelt from eternity in unapproachable light, stepped down into the lowliness of our humanity — not merely to share in our life but to rescue us from our sin. The Lord of glory became the servant of all, and because He humbled Himself to the point of death, even death on a cross, the Father has highly exalted Him. And this, beloved, is not just the story of Christmas; it is the story of our salvation. It is the story Paul sings in Philippians 2:5–11 — often called the “Christ Hymn” — where the Spirit carries us from the depths of Christ’s humiliation to the heights of His exaltation. And Paul does not give us this hymn simply to inform our minds, but to shape our hearts. He says in verse 5, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.” This morning, we will see how this text calls us to worship our humble and exalted Savior and to follow His pattern of humility in our lives.

AM Service 14 December 2025 Sometimes the sharpest battles for the truth of the gospel are not fought against outsiders, but within the church itself. We expect the world to resist the gospel, but what happens when compromise comes from one of our own? What happens when a respected leader, even an apostle, stumbles and by his example leads others astray? That is exactly what happened in Antioch. The apostle Peter — the one who had preached at Pentecost, the one who had been given the vision that Gentiles were clean in Christ, the one who had defended Gentile inclusion before the church in Jerusalem — fell into fear and hypocrisy. And when Peter fell, others followed. Even Barnabas, Paul’s dear companion, was swept along by his example. In that moment, the very truth of the gospel was at stake. Would the church be divided into two classes of Christians — Jews who were “truly clean” and Gentiles who were “second-class” unless they adopted Jewish customs? Or would the church stand firm on the gospel of justification by faith alone, through Christ alone, without any additions of law or culture? Into that crisis stepped Paul. He did not remain silent. He opposed Peter to his face — publicly, boldly, and for the sake of the gospel. This was not about personal rivalry, but about guarding the gospel of grace. Beloved, this passage teaches us that the gospel is not only a doctrine to be confessed but a life to be lived. To compromise in conduct is to deny in practice what we profess with our lips. And here we will see both the danger of hypocrisy and the glory of Christ, who has broken down every dividing wall and calls us to walk in step with His truth.

AM Worship Service, 07 December 2025, Lebanon Presbyterian Church (PCA), Abbeville County, South Carolina USA

AM 23 November 2025 Paul defends the divine origin of the gospel in Galatians 1:11–24, showing that it is revealed by Christ and transforms sinners by sovereign grace.

PM Sermon 16 Nov 2025, Lebanon Presbyterian Church (PCA), Abbeville County, South Carolina, USA This expository sermon on Psalm 36 explores the depth of human sin, the infinite height and breadth of God’s steadfast love, and the believer’s prayer for preserving grace. It traces the psalm’s movement from darkness to light, showing how Christ fulfills every line—revealing sin, embodying God’s covenant love, offering refuge under His wings, and giving the fountain of life. A rich, pastoral sermon calling believers to humility, confidence, and deeper joy in God’s faithful love.

As we begin this passage, you may notice something unusual. Paul, in almost every other letter, begins with thanksgiving. Even when writing to the troubled church in Corinth, Paul could still thank God for His grace at work among them. But not here. Not in Galatians. There is no thanksgiving, no pause for polite greetings, no gentle buildup. Instead, Paul comes in with the shock of holy astonishment: “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ…” Something had gone terribly wrong in these churches. They had started well, embracing the gospel of grace that Paul preached — salvation through faith in Christ alone. But now, they were turning to what Paul calls “a different gospel,” a distortion that added requirements to the finished work of Jesus. In this case, it was the teaching of Judaizers — insisting that Gentile believers needed to obey the ceremonial law, including circumcision, to be fully accepted by God. And, brothers and sisters, this is not just an ancient problem. The temptation to believe in Christ plus something else is alive and well today. Christ plus performance. Christ plus tradition. Christ plus a certain spiritual experience. The problem is, when you add anything to Christ, you don’t enhance the gospel — you lose it altogether. This passage is God’s urgent word to His church: there is no other gospel. Not then, not now, not ever. And so this morning, we will walk carefully through these verses to understand their meaning, to see how Christ fulfills them, and to hear how the Spirit calls us to cling to the one true gospel with unwavering faith. AM Service 16 November 2025, Lebanon Presbyterian Church (PCA), Abbeville, South Carolina, USA

In this expository sermon on Psalm 35, “Great Is the LORD,” Pastor John Butler unfolds David’s heartfelt cry for vindication when falsely accused, betrayed, and mocked. The psalm reveals God as the righteous Judge and divine Warrior who defends His people and delights in their welfare. Through David’s suffering, we see the greater David—Christ Jesus—who was betrayed, falsely accused, and vindicated in glory. This sermon comforts believers who suffer injustice, teaching them to entrust their cause to the Lord who sees, saves, and will one day silence every false tongue. PM Service, 09 November 2025

In this expository sermon on Galatians 1:1–5, “Christ Alone: The Divine Gospel of Grace and Peace,” Pastor John Butler proclaims the divine authority, unchanging truth, and saving power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul’s opening verses confront the danger of adding anything to Christ’s finished work and call believers to rest wholly in His grace and live in the freedom of His deliverance. The sermon exalts Christ as the source of grace, peace, and glory—our only hope and deliverer from this present evil age.

This expository sermon on Psalm 34, “Taste and See That the LORD Is Good,” unfolds David’s song of praise, his invitation to fear the LORD, and his assurance of God’s care and redemption. Drawing rich connections to Christ as the greater David, the true Refuge, and the Redeemer of sinners, it calls believers to bless the LORD at all times, trust Him in affliction, and live in the holy fear that flows from His redeeming love. PM Service, 02 November 2025, Lebanon Presbyterian Church (PCA), Abbeville County, South Carolina, USA

This expository sermon on 2 Corinthians 13:11–14 explores Paul’s closing benediction to the Corinthian church, calling believers to live in joy, unity, and peace through the grace of Christ, the love of the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. It unfolds the rich Trinitarian blessing that defines Christian life and community, urging believers to rejoice, seek restoration, comfort one another, and walk together in the presence of the God of love and peace. AM Worship Service, 02 November 2025, Lebanon Presbyterian Church (PCA), Abbeville County, South Carolina, USA

Psalm 33 calls believers to joyful worship, confident trust, and patient hope in the Lord who reigns over all. This Christ-centered sermon shows how the eternal Word—Jesus Christ—reveals God’s upright Word, faithful works, sovereign counsel, and steadfast love. In a world filled with fear and self-reliance, it urges God’s people to rest in His unshakable promises: “Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield.” PM Service, 26 October 2025

In this expository sermon on 2 Corinthians 13:1–10, “Examine Yourselves: Christ’s Power in Our Weakness,” Pastor John Butler proclaims Paul’s final call to the Corinthians—a summons to honest self-examination, repentance, and restoration through Christ’s indwelling power. The message unfolds the paradox of divine strength revealed in human frailty, urging believers to submit to Christ’s loving discipline, depend on His grace in weakness, and pursue holiness and unity within the church. A deeply pastoral and searching appeal to test our faith and walk in the strength of the risen Lord. AM Worship Service, 26 October 2025, Lebanon Presbyterian Church (PCA), Abbeville County, South Carolina, USA

PM Service 19 October 2025 This sermon on Psalm 32 – The Blessedness of Forgiveness proclaims the joy and freedom found in confessing sin and receiving God’s pardon through Christ. Exploring David’s journey from guilt to grace, it reveals the misery of concealed sin, the peace of confession, and the security of God’s steadfast love. Rooted in the gospel, it calls believers to live honestly before God, rejoice in forgiveness, and find refuge in Jesus—the One who bore our guilt and surrounds us with songs of deliverance.

AM Worship Service 19 October 2025, Lebanon Presbyterian Church (PCA), Abbeville County, South Carolina, USA Discover the heart of true gospel ministry in this expository sermon on 2 Corinthians 12:11–21, titled “The Heart of Christlike Ministry.” Learn how the Apostle Paul models humility, sacrificial love, and holy zeal for the church—reflecting the character of Christ, the true Apostle and Good Shepherd. This sermon calls believers and church leaders alike to embrace humility over pride, service over self-promotion, and holiness over worldliness, trusting the Spirit of Christ to build His church in love and truth.

In this expository sermon on Psalm 31:1–24, “My Times Are in Your Hand,” Pastor John Butler unfolds David’s journey from fear to faith, showing how believers can trust God’s sovereign hand in every season of life. Through vivid exposition and Christ-centered application, the message teaches that our lives—every joy and sorrow, gain and loss—are safely held in the hands of the faithful Redeemer who prayed, “Into Your hand I commit My spirit.” A powerful call to trust, courage, and steadfast love amid life’s changing times. PM Service, 12 October 2025, Lebanon Presbyterian Church (PCA), Abbeville County, South Carolina, USA

Discover the paradox of true strength in “Christ’s Power in Our Weakness” from 2 Corinthians 12:1–10. This sermon explores Paul’s thorn in the flesh, God’s purpose in suffering, and Christ’s all-sufficient grace. Learn how weakness becomes the stage for Christ’s power, how His grace sustains us in affliction, and how believers can find joy and strength in humble dependence on Him. A message of hope for the weary, encouragement for the suffering, and a call to glory in the cross where divine power is made perfect in human frailty. AM Sermon, 12 October 2025, Lebanon Presbyterian Church (PCA), Abbeville County, South Carolina, USA

This sermon on Psalm 30, “From the Pit to Praise — A Life Rededicated,” explores how God turns His people’s mourning into dancing and their weeping into joy. David’s song of deliverance becomes a model of repentance, restoration, and rededication to God’s glory. Through Christ—who entered the pit of death and rose again—we see the gospel pattern of chastening turned to joy, discipline to praise, and death to resurrection life. A powerful message of grace, renewal, and thanksgiving for every believer who has been lifted up by God’s mercy. PM Worship Service 05 October 2025, Lebanon Presbyterian Church (PCA), Abbeville County, South Carolina, USA