Posts from 2023 (Page 2)
Sharing the Gospel with Jewish People
As we talked about the fact that God has not forsaken his people from Romans 11, it is important for us to get a glimpse of how Jewish people may view the New Testament and Jesus. This interview we are sharing today give us some unique insights and glimpse that will further educate us in our evangelistic efforts to Jewish people. “God Has Not Forsaken Israel” (Romans 11:1-27) CCLI Streaming License # 20229783
From a Jewish Perspective
As we talked about the fact that God has not forsaken his people from Romans 11, it is important for us to get a glimpse of how Jewish people may view the New Testament and Jesus. This testimony we are sharing today not only encourages us that God is still at work but give us some unique insights and glimpse that will further educate us in our evangelistic efforts to Jewish people. “God Has Not Forsaken Israel” (Romans 11:1-27) CCLI…
Be Sent
A simple title but it references what we discussed as one of our closing points on Sunday–the important of take the good news of Jesus Christ to those in need. Paul tells us in Romans 10 that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word preached. If we hope for people to respond to the gospel message, we must proclaim it. At minimum, we can invite people to attend a church service with us. With nearly everything online today,…
Mix Reactions Toward God’s Sovereignty
The sovereignty of God can invoke a number of reactions from people. It may incite praise. It may create bewilderment and questions. It may incite critical comments and even anger. Since Romans 9’s focus was centralized on God’s sovereignty, let’s take a bit more time to explore that today and our mixed reactions as human beings toward this important attribute of God. “God Is the Potter. We Are the Clay.” (Romans 9:14-33)
Actions Amidst Suffering
As we were in Romans 8 this past Sunday, we began to build a foundation of understanding suffering. Paul noted that glory is greater, we and creation both groan for redemption to be fully realized, and that as we wait, the Spirit of God intercedes for us. Today, let’s look at actions to take amidst suffering as we continue to build this foundation. Thanks for watching. “Our Present Suffering” (Romans 8:17b-27) CCLI Streaming License # 20229783
Encouragements Amidst Suffering
As we were in Romans 8 this past Sunday, we began to build a foundation of understanding suffering. Paul noted that glory is greater, we and creation both groan for redemption to be fully realized, and that as we wait, the Spirit of God intercedes for us. Today, I’d like to offer two additional encouragements by way of a video to help us continue to process suffering & build this foundation. Thanks for watching. “Our Present Suffering” (Romans 8:17b-27) CCLI…
The Revolving Door of Sin
Romans 6 provides us with an important theological basis about the reality that sin has been conquered and we have been freed from its power because of Christ. Join us today as we review some of those key truths as well as the significance of baptism and historical scriptures toward this struggle we face. “Freed to Be Enslaved” (Romans 6)
Following Jesus While We Wait for His Return
On Sunday, we discussed the importance of following Jesus as we wait for his return. Some time ago, I was greatly encouraged by this interview with a man named Ruslan. Take a few moments to watch and be encouraged and challenged in your own walk with the Lord and the call to follow him. “He Is Coming Again” (Gospel of John & Revelation)
For Your Benefit & the Future
On Sunday, Paul preached from Romans 3-4 about the fact that salvation has always been by grace through faith. As we think about people being saved though, behind that is someone who took the time to share or teach the truth. Thinking on the theme of Romans, The Gospel Proclaimed and Practiced, today I want to challenge us to seriously consider the calling we have been given by Christ. Not only has the faithful obedience of this by others benefitted…
Responding to Tragedy
In light of the present tragedy near Nashville, I’d like to take some time to revisit a sermon I preached during the summer of 2022 about responding to tragedy. Within it are some key elements to remember and consider as we have our own responses toward this and as we talk with others. What does God think of this? Where is God? What is he doing? What is most important to remember? We’ll look at those questions and more. Thanks…
God’s Holiness & Our Need for Christ
I was greatly impacted some time ago by a book I was reading that brought me into a deeper understanding of the holiness of God and our great need for Christ as our Savior. As I read those words, it left me with praise for what God has done in my life as I think on my own sinfulness in comparison to his holiness and the immense kindness shown me on the cross. Take a moment to watch as I…
Loving the Unlovable
As I was thinking further on Romans 2-3, it made me think of how this looks in combination with a very well-known passage. And as we think on that passage as well today, it encourages us to deeper affection for our neighbors whether or not we think that they deserve it. Thanks for watching. “A Universal Cancer” (Romans 2:1-3:23)
God’s Restraints on Evil: Government & Church
As we finished up Romans 1, one of the questions we are left asking is whether or not God restrains evil at all in this world. If the world is as bad as Paul says it is, how do we account for the “good” we do see in the world? Today, we’ll discuss 2 of 4 different restraints God has placed in the world and the responsibility these elements call us to. Thanks for watching! “Mayday, Mayday! We’re Going Down!”…
God’s Restraints on Evil: Conscience & Family
As we finished up Romans 1, one of the questions we are left asking is whether or not God restrains evil at all in this world. If the world is as bad as Paul says it is, how do we account for the “good” we do see in the world? Today, we’ll discuss 2 of 4 different restraints God has placed in the world and the responsibility these elements call us to. Thanks for watching! “Mayday, Mayday! We’re Going Down!”…
We Suppress(ed) the Truth
The wrath of God is an often misinterpreted subject. On Sunday, from Romans 1:18-23, we gained a clearer picture of not only God’s wrath but why we deserved it. Today, we’re exploring the text a bit deeper seeing that Paul expressed our guilt six different times in the passage and what happens when we “exchange”. We using a more interactive format today that we trust will be beneficial. Thanks for watching. “An Unpopular Thought: God’s Wrath” (Rom 1:18-23)
God’s Fingerprints on Creation (#2)
On Sunday we took the time to specifically highlight Romans 1:20 and how creation declares the glory of God, how his attributes are clearly seen so that people are without excuse. This week, we’d like to take that a bit further and explore more ways we see the fingerprints of God on creation with the advances in technology over the last 50-60 years. Thanks for watching! “God Speaks Through His Creation” (Romans 1:20) “Untangler of Knots: The Amazing Topoisomerase Molecular…
God’s Fingerprints on Creation (#1)
On Sunday we took the time to specifically highlight Romans 1:20 and how creation declares the glory of God, how his attributes are clearly seen so that people are without excuse. This week, we’d like to take that a bit further and explore more ways we see the fingerprints of God on creation with the advances in technology over the last 50-60 years. Thanks for watching! “God Speaks Through His Creation” (Romans 1:20) “Amazing Flagellum : Michael Behe and the…
Gospel Transformation Stories (Part 2)
As we started our new series on Sunday, we talked about the fact that the gospel of God transformed our identity. It certainly did for Paul who went from a persecutor of the church and became and advocate for the church. The gospel brings transformation. This week, I’d like to just simply be encouraged by a couple of stories about gospel transformation both as a means to salvation and as a means to greater imitation of Christ in daily life.…
Gospel Transformation Stories (Part 1)
As we started our new series on Sunday, we talked about the fact that the gospel of God transformed our identity. It certainly did for Paul who went from a persecutor of the church and became and advocate for the church. The gospel brings transformation. This week, I’d like to just simply be encouraged by a couple of stories about gospel transformation both as a means to salvation and as a means to greater imitation of Christ in daily life.…
Four Essentials for Finishing Well
As we continue to build on and think through Paul’s message on Sunday, I’d like to add four additional essentials to finishing well as Christians. These are reflections from one of my favorite authors, and I trust will serve us well as we continue our Christian race individually and as a church. Thanks for watching. “Finishing Well” (Various Scriptures)