We are in a new month which means that the summer is almost over! But that also means that our long walk in Romans is also coming to an end. And as I considered what we needed to reflect on from the past 81 messages in this wonderful letter from the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul, I came 1:17 where Paul quotes Habakkuk 2:4 by saying that the righteous person shall live by faith. But my question is - what exactly is "faith"? Is it simply believing in Jesus or is it something more? That's what we'll wrestle with Sunday as we begin our three part wrap up of Romans. 

Sometimes, we approach Scripture and we don't know what to do with it. Take the Proverbs for example. Are they promises? Wise sayings? How do we rightly handle this part of the Scripture? This week, we are blessed to have Jordon K with Bible Pathways join us to bring the Word. His message "Enjoying God's Wisdom and Favor" is from Proverbs 8 and not only will you see how to enjoy God's wisdom, you'll learn how to see it in the text as well. 

When I write a sermon, I always see the closing as one of the most important aspects of the sermon because it's the last thing people will hear before they go home. After such an important letter as Paul's to the saints in Rome, what he leaves them with is equally important. What does he tell them? We'll see you Sunday as we, in the words of another preacher, begin our decent on this long flight we've had in Romans. Can't wait to open God's Word with you - see you at 10 am! 

One of the major themes in Romans is the idea of unity. And as Paul is brining this letter to a close, he takes one last opportunity to remind the church of the importance of unity within the local assembly. Peace and unity is something that is easy to lose and hard to regain, especially when there are those who seek to destroy the unity for thier own gain. Who are these people? What do they hope to accomplish? We'll talk about this on Sunday. Hope to see you (and your closest friend or enemy) as we explore those who seek to destroy the church for their own gain. See you at 10 am this Sunday! 

Last week, we saw how Paul gave the Roman church an invitation to join with him in his efforts to take the gospel where it isn't known. This week, as we begin the homestretch in our series in Romans, we see that Paul thanks over 25 people that, based on what we read, all have helped him or worked with him to spread the gospel across the region. So, what lessons can we learn from a text that we often skim past? We can learn several that help us understand the importance of gospel partnerships. 

It's already July and with the start of this new month comes our celebration of our nation's indepedence. And with it, we think of men like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson who led our nation in the early days of our fight for independence. Or we think of great leaders like Abraham Lincoln or Franklin D. Roosevelt who led our nation during some of our darkest days and our greatest triumphs. It would be foolish, however, to think that Washington or Lincoln did all of those things all on their own. Countless brave men and women have given their all to secure our freedom and they do it not for the fanfare or the glory, but because it needed to be done. This week, we continue a look at the end of Romans 15-16 with the realization that while Paul got all the press, he never worked alone. He not only needed Jesus, but the help of the church as well. Can't wait to see you Sunday as we continue our look at Romans with "Partners for the Gospel Pt 1" 

Last week, we began to see how Jesus came with an express purpose - that is to redeem lost people to himself and for his glory. That mission or purpose of Christ radically changed the life of a Pharisee named Saul, turning everything he knew upside down. Saul now knew that his purpose was to take the gospel, or good news, of Jesus to the lost people of the nations. It changed him so much, he started using the non-Jewish version of his name - Paul. Christ's mission suddenly became his misison. And in our text this week, we'll see how God uses people to spread this good news that lost people can come to know and trust Jesus.

Year ago, I was part of the preaching team at my former church. We would get together and help whoever was preaching to understand the text and prepare the message. One of my fellow elders who was also part of this group was know for tying every passage back to one key idea. He would remind us that this passage was all about the mission of God to see lost people saved. And while we would kid him, the truth was that every passage was about mission - especially our text this week. Paul reminds the Roman church that he is on a mission given to him by God - and this has serious implications for each of us. 

Author A.W. Tozer wrote in his classic The Pursuit of God “One hundred pianos all tuned to the same fork are automatically tuned to each other. They are of one accord by being tuned, not to each other, but to another standard to which one must individually bow. So one hundred worshipers meeting together, each one looking to Christ, are in heart nearer to each other than they could possibly be were they to become ‘unity’ conscious and turn their eyes away from God to strive for closer fellowship.” 

Year ago, I was part of the preaching team at my former church. We would get together and help whoever was preaching to understand the text and prepare the message. One of my fellow elders who was also part of this group was know for tying every passage back to one key idea. He would remind us that this passage was all about the mission of God to see lost people saved. And while we would kid him, the truth was that every passage was about mission - especially our text this week. Paul reminds the Roman church that he is on a mission given to him by God - and this has serious implications for each of us. 

A ship was sailing past a remote island and discovered a man who had been stranded there for several years. They went ashore to rescue the man and noticed he had built three huts for himself. They asked him what each hut was for. The man said the first was his house and the second was his church. When they asked him what the third one was for, then, he said, "Oh... that. That's the church I used to go to." It seems even on a deserted island we have trouble accepting one another. The Roman church did too and Paul has something to say about it. Listen to this week's message to find out what he has to say! Due to a power outage, the livestream ended early. This is an audio only recording of the message from Sunday, May 28th, 2023. 

It's hard to believer it, but nine years ago this month, I preached my very first sermon here in Cumming. Little did I know then that nine years and over 465 sermons later, I would still be preaching God's word here. But that's the thing about life. You blink and the next thing you know your kids are graduating or you are becoming a grandparent. As one noted philosopher stated, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” This week, our text in Romans 13:11-14 invites us to do just that - stop and look around to see how our walk with Christ is and if it is a little off, how to get it back on track. Can't wait to see you Sunday at 10 am as we explore this text and what it means for us. See you then!

In 1967, the Beatles had a hit "All You Need is Love". Since then, the idea that love is all you need in this life is one that captured the contemporary imagination. But, were John Lennon and Paul McCartney correct? Is all that we need in this life just love? The Apostle Paul has something to say about this and his answer might surprise you. Sunday is Mother's Day so bring your mom (or come to honor your mom) and all ladies will receive a gift to say the church loves you. 

Years ago, I knew a man at the church we attended who was legendary for his obedience to the speed limit. In fact, his wife laughed one Sunday that she was surprised he knew how to drive over 65 mph when the state he was in allowed him to drive that fast. His reason? Our text this Sunday, Romans 13:1-7. Was he right in his application? Watch this message to find out! 

This week, we return to our study of Romans. As we learned just before Easter, the only way to live a counter cultural life is by complete surrender to Jesus Christ. Over the next two weeks, we're going to see how true this is because our natural tendency is to do unto others the way they've done unto us. But Jesus turns that upside down. For anyone who says that church isn't practical, invite them Sunday as we learn "How to Deal With Jerks". 

John 3:16 tells us that God so loved the WORLD. And yet, even after the resurrection, Jesus was largely unknown outside of Israel. Even today, 2,000 years later, the Joshua Project estimates that 1,849,295,000 or over 23% of the world's population remains unreached. Yet, Jesus loves the WORLD. That message needs to get out. And that's where we come in. As we wrap up our short series on the resurrection and the meaning for us today, we'll look the end of Matthew 28 to discover God's heart for the nations and our role in sharing that love. 

Last Sunday, we celebrated the resurrection of Jesus with joy. However, not everyone was excited that Jesus was alive. In fact, the religious leaders then are like many today and went to great lengths to get the people to lie about the fact that the tomb was empty despite the fact that there were guards in place. Likewise, we belive lies about Jesus and it hinders our walk with him. 

He is Risen! Today we celebrate the truth that Jesus is not dead, but kept his promise and on the third day, he rose from the grave. But, despite our temptation to think otherwise, the fact that an itinerant preacher from 2,000 years ago matters greatly to us today. Because Jesus rose, those who trust him have hope that transcends this life. As we celebrate the truth that Jesus is alive, we'll also explore why it matters today. Hope to see you and all your friends this Sunday! 

In our study of Romans, Paul identified a struggle that many of us have. We can't seem to get our act together. We do what we don't want and we can't seem to figure out how to do what we need to. Even Paul struggled with this as we saw in Romans 7:15. What's the solution? A transformed mind. How does our text relate to that? You'll have to join us in person or online to find out. 

We have a saying at our house meant to encourage us to keep moving forward. The saying is, "We're doing the best we can with what we've got." It's a recognition that at times we lack what we might want or need. But, in light of our text in Romans 12:3-8, maybe doing the best with what we've got is exactly what God wants the church to do because God provides all that the church needs. Excited to share what God's Word has to say about unity in the church despite the diversity of people.

What's the difference between a ship and a stick? A ship can navigate choppy waters and get to a destination while a stick can only go along with the flow. Which one are we called to be in light of Romans 12:2? Well, you'll need to come on Sunday to find out. Excited to get back and share what God's Word has to say about how to live differently in light of a broken world. 

Last week, we wrapped up the robust theological section of Romans. Chapters 1-11 lay this deep groundwork and defense of the Gospel. But, as is the case for many of us, we now sit back and ask ourselves the question, "Now what?" Now that we understand this deep mystery that is the gospel, how rich and powerful this truth is, what do we do with it? This week, we begin our final run to the end of Romans and begin to answer that question. 

Like many people, one of my favorite things to see on a football Saturday is the Wave where the fans and players turn and wave to the kids at the University of Iowa Hospital. Every time I see it, I get a little choked up because I don't understand how or why kids should be sick and suffer like they do. Why does God allow this to happen? Maybe you can relate to that feeling. And while I can't give an answer as to why that happens, I know that there is truth in a quote from Tim Keller about prayer when he wrote, "God answers every prayer the way we would if we possessed all the knowledge that he has." As we wrap up Romans 11 this week, we'll see how God does amazing, incredible things - even if they don't make sense. 

Last Summer, we spent several weeks exploring the great promises of Romans 8. But, there was a problem. Paul notes that if God didn't keep his promises to Israel, then what makes us think he'll keep them for the Gentiles (that would be us!). So, for the last few months, we've walked through Romans 9 to 11 to see that God is indeed a God who keeps his promises. And since he keeps his promises to us, he'll keep them for Israel as well. I can't wait to talk to you Sunday about our great, promise-keeping God!

There is an old joke about the difference between a dog and a cat. The dog sees their master and says "You feed me, you care for me, you love me. You must be God." The cat on the other hand says, "You feed me, you care for me, you love me. I must be God." Since Paul has gone to such great lengths to tell the Gentiles that they are part of the family as well, it would be easy for them to get a big head. Paul is taking that option away. How? You'll have to show up Sunday to find out! 

This Sunday, we get back into our study of Romans. We do so by continuing a key question that the early church had which was "Did God forget Israel by saving the Gentiles?" The reason it matters is that if God didn't keep his promises to Israel, then he was unfaithful. And if he was unfaithful to them, he might be to us as well. Something happened, the quesiton is what are the consequences of some of ethnic Israel not being part of the elect. 

Over the past three weeks, we've discussed how we should follow Jesus. If we are honest, there is a high cost in following him. The question we need to ask ourselves is simply this: is following Jesus worth the cost? 

Over the past three weeks, we've discussed how we should follow Jesus. If we are honest, there is a high cost in following him. The question we need to ask ourselves is simply this: is following Jesus worth the cost? 

Many years ago, I had a bumper sticker that I had tacked to the wall of my cubical that read "Jesus is coming. Look busy." We all know Jesus is coming back, but there is a temptation to not living like it while we wait. This week, as we continue our New Year's sermon series on "Following Jesus", we'll explore how we are to spend our time doing the Master's business. 

Many years ago, I had a bumper sticker that I had tacked to the wall of my cubical that read "Jesus is coming. Look busy." We all know Jesus is coming back, but there is a temptation to not living like it while we wait. This week, as we continue our New Year's sermon series on "Following Jesus", we'll explore how we are to spend our time doing the Master's business. 

Last Sunday, we tackled the hard subject about letting Jesus set the terms, to let him be king. It's hard because we want to be the one in charge. Once we surrender and let Jesus be the one in charge, what comes next? Well, that's what we'll look at this week. Once you know who is in charge, you know who to listen to. Can't wait to see you Sunday at 10 am as we find out more about how to follow Jesus fully in the new year. 

This week we kick off a new sermon series for the New Year! What does it mean to be a follower of Christ? That's an important question. Equally as important is who gets to set the rules for the relationship. One of the running gags on my favorite sitcom is the "Relationship Agreement". Who sets the terms, matters. This week, as we begin this series, we'll look at a passage from Matthew that lays out the most important aspect of the terms of our relationship with Jesus - who is in charge. 

One of the ways I used to describe the retirement home where I was chaplain was an airport terminal. All of these people were just waiting around, expecting their flights to have left by now. As they waited to see Jesus, they didn't know how to spend their time. As we celebrate 2023, we'll linger one more week looking at why Jesus came to earth and as we consider that he came so that he might come back, we'll explore how we might spend our time as we wait! 

It's here! And if the calendar didn't tell you, the weather certainly will. Come in out of the cold and join us as we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ as our brothers and sisters have for hundreds of years. Join us either at 6 pm on Christmas Eve or for an encore at10 am on Christmas morning as we celebrate the truth that Jesus came 2,000 years ago as a loving gift to save. If you can't join us in person, we'll livestream Christmas Eve and you can watch a replay if you can't join us then. Just don't forget to make Jesus the biggest part of your Christmas celebration! 

It's hard to believe, but we're only a week away from Christmas! How is your preparation for your Christmas Celebrations coming along? Are you ready or are you still sort of wandering around lost, looking for the way out? This Sunday, we'll continue our look at why Jesus came in exploring the reality that Jesus came to seek and save spiritually lost people. 

NOTE: Due to a technical issue, we had to end the livestream early. This is an audio only recording of the message. Thanks for your understanding!

One of the reasons that the religious elites missed the coming of Christ isn't that they weren't smart enough or couldn't read the signs. They missed Jesus because they didn't see how he could possibly be the humble king that did come. This week, we'll explore Philippians 2:1-11 and see how Jesus coming as the humble and sacrificial king leads to his exaltation as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. 

Jesus had a very clear mission in coming to earth. Although we are often enamored with his miracles and teachings, he came seeking the lost and proclaiming the good news that the captives are free. This week, we'll explore a passage that puts these items in their proper place as we ask ourselves if we want only the gifts from Jesus or do we want the gift of Jesus himself. See you Sunday at 10 am! 

It's hard to believe, but the Christmas season is upon us once again! This year, as we celebrate the coming of our Savior, our sermons will attempt to answer the big question - "Why?" Why did Jesus come to earth? And as we do so, it is our aim to help us see the beauty of Jesus and his work to save us. This week, the first answer we'll see is that Jesus came to bring light into darkness. Hopefully you will be able to join us on Sunday as we begin our Christmas celebration! 

As we head into the Christmas season, we have one more week in Romans before we take a few weeks off to celebrate the birth of our Savior. One thing about the coming of Christ, it was promised long before it happened. The fact that it happened the way that it was promised is proof that God is faithful to his promises. This week, we look at another set of evidence that God is faithful in keeping all of his promises. I love sharing with you how God is faithful, even when we're not. 

Last week see saw the both/and of salvation when we looked at the fact that Scripture teaches that salvation is both a work of God and that man has a responsibility to respond. Paul speaks in the text at length about how no one can respond without someone telling them about the gospel and the hope they can find in Jesus. There is a temptation to look at this text, however, and say that the responsibility is for someone else. This week, we'll take a closer look at this text and ask ourselves one final question - "What is my job in God's ongoing work to save a people to himself and for his glory?" 

There is a saying that is often attributed to St. Francis of Assisi that says "Preach the gospel at all times. Use words if necessary." While it is doubtful that Francis actually said that, I also hope that he didn't because it isn't Biblical. There is a need to make sure our actions match up with our words to be sure, but we need to use words. Paul has made the case a couple of weeks ago that we need to pray for those who need Jesus and last week we saw how people need to respond. This week, we'll find out how people will come to hear. 

One of the big things we teach in Bible Pathways is the idea of context. That means that the text surrounding a particular text matters and helps us understand the meaning. Also, we need to understand the context of any quoted text as well. Both of these tools help us to understand that a given text means and will help us this week understand Romans 10:5-13. 

I'm sure we've known someone who is outwardly zealous for God. I call it being on fire for the Lord. There are those who are excited about God and they want everyone to know about it. You think to yourself, "Man, they have to be born again!" But are they? Our text this week warns against having a zeal or passion for God without having a relationship with him. 

As a dad, I've learned a lot about two things - mercy and fairness. And what I've learned is that they go together about as well as water and oil. Fairness is all about getting what you deserve and mercy is all about getting what you don't deserve. This week, we'll continue Romans 9 and see how Paul deals with the charge that God isn't fair - and my answer may surprise you!

With Romans 8 in our review mirror, we move on to Romans 9 and pick up our pace a bit. Paul is shifting his focus to cover a couple of things. First, he's showing his heart to see people, and in particular his Jewish brothers and sisters, come to trust Jesus as well. Second, he's answering charges that God is unfair in his application of the promise to Abraham. How Paul answers those questions reminds us that God is good and loving -- even when it seems like he's not. I hope you'll join us and you'll consider bringing a friend this week! 

Sometimes it's fun to walk through the woods and marvel at the leaves on a tree or the flower along the path. It helps you to grow and to learn about nature. But sometimes you need to step back and see the entire forest or field of flowers to fully appreciate the majesty of creation. This is one of those Sundays. Over the last 12 weeks, we've slowly walked through what many call the greatest chapter in all of Scripture. During that time, we've learned Paul's message to the Roman church was that their present position in Christ and their promised future in Christ provides a persistent hope in Christ. Today we wrap up our series on Romans 8 with a review of the entire chapter.

As we've spent the last few weeks in the beauty that is Romans 8, one thing is abundantly clear and that is no matter what happens in this life, Jesus keeps us safely secured in his love. How secure? Well, so secure that Paul says that nothing can take a Christian out of the grip of Jesus. Since this is true, how does that change our lives? Be sure and be here Sunday as we find out together! 

According to a recent article I read, every day, 13 of our brothers and sisters are killed because they have claimed the name of Jesus Christ. Greater numbers face persecution or tribulation every day. And that doesn't even begin to count those who face opposition on a lower level but still have significant opposition. Despite all the blessings of being a Christian, there are many days when it is hard. How do we deal with the issues? By remembering that God loves us enough to have died for us and that secures our future. 

Have you ever heard of the sunk cost fallacy?  It's the reason you finish a movie or book even though you don't like it. "I have too much invested to quit." While it is a fallacy in life, Paul's argument that God won't give up on you is exactly that. How so? See you Sunday to find out and be sure and invite a friend! 

Last Sunday as we closed, I mentioned how the lightbulb came on for me as a result of studying Romans 8. This week, we'll explore more about what is going on in this text and how it gives us incredible confidence. I really hope you can join us Sunday either in person or via our livestream at 10 am. 

There are a handful of verses that people know whether they are active in their faith or have just a passing familiarity with the Bible. John 3:16 or Psalm 23:4 are well known verses. But I'd contend that Romans 8:28 must be on that list and brings together many threads that are in the Scripture into one incredible promise. I hope to see you Sunday as we resume our study of Romans 8 with a look at "The Great Promise." 

Many years ago, I used to train managers on how to train their staff. The problem we had was too many managers just dropped off new staff and told them to do the job and the new employee would get frustrated. I explained that a good manager had to stay there and make sure that the staff understood what they needed to do. For the Christian, we often feel the same way. Take prayer for example. We know we are supposed to pray, but no one shows us how to pray. So we struggle and get frustrated. One of the joys is that God didn't design it that way. In fact, our text this week shows us how God cares enough to intercede on our behalf to make sure we can get it done right. 

As I prepare to travel overseas this fall for that teaching trip, I am reminded how much I despise air travel. The hardest part is waiting. You wait in line to check into your flight, then to go through security, then at the coffee shop for a cup of coffee and then at the gate for the plane. I am not a person who waits well. This week, our text talks about how Paul wanted the church in Rome to wait and as an example, he uses a most unlikely source. I hope you'll join us Sunday at 10 am as we consider how we wait for God's promises to come true shows a lot about how strong our faith is.

The other day, I had a chance to visit with the chaplain at our retirement home in Boone and he shared how many of the residents wonder if we are in the last days or the end times. As he shared this, he said he started preaching a series that reminded them that it really doesn't matter. What matters is that we remember God's promises, keep our walk pure, and trust that he'll provide and protect to the end. Ironically enough, he's doing that through the Old Testament book of Zechariah and we'll see the same thing in the New Testament book of Romans this Sunday. 

In 1656, Puritan John Owen wrote an exposition on our text today entitled "The Mortification of Sin". In that book, he wrote a line that many have repeated over the years. He wrote, "Be killing sin or sin will be killing you." This warning has echoed throughout the ages in the church as a warning from Romans 8:13. This Sunday, we'll continue our study of Romans 8 with a look at how the battle to kill sin is possible in the life of a Christian - and more necessary than you realize. 

One of the most enduring advertising campaigns in recent memory is for Gatorade and they ask "Is it in you?" The ad asks if you have the drive to win, the desire to succeed, are you willing to pay the price for victory and if you are, then you need to drink Gatorade. For the Christian, we don't ask "Is IT in you" but instead "Is HE in you" meaning is the Spirit of God dwelling inside of you. If you are a Christ-follower, then the answer is yes, and if the answer is yes, then some pretty amazing things are true. What are they? Well, put down the fireworks this weekend long enough to join us for worship on Sunday. We'll see you at 10 am and answer that question! 

Last week, we came to see that because there is no condemnation, we are free. But, what is the source of this freedom? In other words, what allows us to be free and to live free?  The answer is the saving power of Christ and the life-giving power of the Spirit. We'll see you Sunday at 10 am as we continue to study the greatest chapter in the Bible and this incredible truth that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus! 

This week, our study in Romans takes us to what many consider to be the greatest chapter in all of the Bible. Romans 8 is the climax of the first seven chapters of Romans and reminds us of our present condition, our promised future, which both lead to our persistent hope. Over the next 12 weeks, we will take our time and explore the riches and depth of this incredible letter all for God's glory. I can't wait to dive into this with all of you. 

Last Sunday, we saw how even the Apostle Paul struggled with sin in his life. We concluded that the way to defeat sin in our life is the same way we come to Christ to begin with - we come to Jesus in repentance and faith. Now, Paul wraps up this section by showing us the right response to Christ's saving grace. We'll see you Sunday at 10 am as we consider our response to the fact that "The Deliverer Has Come".

Last week, we learned that if you use the law rightly, it will lead you to Jesus. But what about those of us who already know and trust Christ? How do we deal with those persistent areas of sin in our lives that drag us down and discourage our walk with Jesus? Paul continues to explore this idea in our text this week as we continue our study of Romans. 

This week, we return to our study of Romans. Throughout this letter, the apostle Paul has built a case to the Jewish Christians that their obedience to the law will not save them nor grant them favor in God's sight. Because of this, they needed to trust in Christ's obedience for salvation rather than the law. But the law had a purpose in the plan of salvation and that's what we'll visit this week as we explore Romans 7:7-12. I'm excited to return to Romans - we'll see you Sunday at 10 am!

This week, we wrap up our time looking at the resurrection by returning to a well known text. Matthew 28 describes the  wonderful news that Jesus is not dead, he is not in the tomb, but he is alive. We see the women who have come to finish preparing a body for burial surprised and elated that the tomb is empty. And in this, they are told not to be afraid, but to go and tell the disciples to meet Jesus in Galilee. Likewise, the fact that Jesus died and rose again means that we can now obey Jesus without fear as well. 

As we continue our look at the power of the resurrection in our lives on this Mother's Day, it's appropriate that we see the power of Jesus in the life of a mother. The reality is that sin breaks everything but the hope of the resurrection is that Jesus is fixing what is broken and making all things new. That's every mom's (and everyone's) hope. Hope to see you (and your mom or son or daughter or someone!) this Sunday as we see how Jesus is fixing what is broken.