This morning, we close out the Book of Romans with a final greeting from Paul’s current companions in Corinth. And then Paul gives a mouth full in his combination “doxology mixed with prayer for the saints.” Paul prays for the saints in Rome to be established for the obedience that springs from faith. In order to exercise faith, one must have an object upon which to rest and thus Paul gives four things that believers must be established “according to.” If believers can learn to be established in this way, walking by faith in the Lord Jesus and His resources, they can obey in such a way that is pleasing to the Lord! Preached: 7/7/2019
“In the name of Christian love and grace, churches have tolerated dangerous and disruptive elements to the detriment of the health of the Church.” There is a time to separate from others for the sake of the health of the body. This morning, we will consider one such time when it is appropriate. Although it is difficult to administer what we would call “tough love,” we must do it if we are truly concerned about the health of the local church we find ourselves involved in. Satan uses any element he can to destroy local churches, including carnal Christians who desire a place of preeminence within the body of Christ. Preached: 6/30/2019
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In our day and age, many people are interested in their ancestry as shown by their willingness to pay money to find out who they are related to and where they come from. As we continue on from last week, in this final chapter of Romans, we are given a “spiritual” ancestry of sorts, as Paul mentions roughly 35 names in this chapter. But, before we just dismiss this section as a “list,” let’s take the time to meet OUR “spiritual” family members. This was not just a “list” to the Apostle Paul – it was his family and OURS. Preached: 6/23/2019
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In our day and age, many people are interested in their ancestry as shown by their willingness to pay money to find out who they are related to and where they come from. In the final chapter of Romans, we are given a “spiritual” ancestry of sorts, as Paul mentions over 35 names in this chapter. But, before we just dismiss this section as a “list,” let’s take the time to meet OUR “spiritual” family members. This was not just a “list” to the Apostle Paul – it was his family and OURS.
Preached: 6/9/2019
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This morning we continue to look at Paul’s future itinerary as described to the Roman believers. As the saying goes though, “The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” Although we gain insight into Paul’s heart with his planned itinerary, we are also reminded in Proverbs 16:9 that “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” It is interesting to note how God DID and DID NOT answer in the affirmative Paul’s specific prayers requests. Preached: 6/2/2019
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This morning, Paul shares his future itinerary with the Roman believers. As the saying goes though, “The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” Although we gain insight into Paul’s heart with his planned itinerary, we are also reminded in Proverbs 16:9 that “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” Preached: 5/26/2019
In the section we continue today, Paul continues with a “personal” tone as he further describes his own unique ministry. This ministry and message (i.e., the gospel) were given to him via direct revelation from the Lord Jesus Christ, and God validated and verified his ministry in both word and deed to the Gentiles he was called to. Paul also revealed his “strategy” for ministry…laying his own foundation (i.e., Jesus Christ) and building thereon. Preached: 5/19/2019
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In the section we will start today, Paul returns to a more “personal” tone as he begins to describe his own unique ministry. This ministry and message (i.e., the gospel) were given to him via direct revelation from the Lord Jesus Christ. This ministry, or sacred service, was as the apostle to the Gentiles…such a seemingly ODD fit for a former Pharisee! God does incredible things via His grace!
Preached: 5-12-2019
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Today, we conclude Paul’s great exposition of the righteousness of God in the epistle to the Romans. As he wraps up his teaching on the practical extension of grace to other believers in non-essentials, Paul provides us with a historical overview of why Jesus Christ can receive all believers to Himself regardless of their stance on non-essentials. It is because of His purpose as a servant to the Jews in fulfilling their Old Testament Scriptures, and as the source for mercy to all Gentiles.
Preached: 5-5-2019
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In today’s passage, we will see a repeated word that summarizes the whole section – that word is the word “please.” The word is essential to understand as we continue looking at the proper exercise and restriction of Christian liberties regarding non-essentials within the body of Christ. The Church of Jesus Christ needs to understand these precious truths of practical application to protect against factions, divisions, and schisms in the Body, which ALWAYS impede the main mission of the Church. Whom will you please? Will you adapt or adjust your liberties for the benefit of other believers? Or, is the exercise of liberty more important to you than the spiritual welfare of your fellow believer?
Preached: 4-28-2019