Scripture: Jeremiah 2:1-13 Key Takeaways: + The Essence of Idolatry Romans 1:22-25 + The Shock of Idolatry Sin against Love Sin against Logic + The Cost of Idolatry Psalm 16:11 + The Cure for Idolatry

Scripture: Romans 16:25-27 Key Takeaways: “This epistle is really the chief part of the New Testament and is truly the purest gospel. It is worthy not only that every Christian should know it word for word, by heart, but also that he should occupy himself with it every day, as the daily bread of the soul. We can never read it or ponder over it too much; for the more we deal with it, the more precious it becomes and the better it tastes.” Martin Luther. + Live for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV) + Find your strength in the Gospel. Justification Romans 3:23-25 (ESV) Propitiation Union with Christ Romans 6:4 (ESV) Adoption Romans 8:14-17 (ESV) 1 Corinthians 15:1-2 (CSB) + Help take this Gospel to the world.

Scripture: Romans 16:17-23 Key Takeaways: + Unity in the church is worth defending Romans 16:17 + Obedience strengthens our Unity Romans 16:19 + Love for the Church and its mission strengthens our unity Romans 16:3-15 Acts 17:5-9 Acts 20:4 + Gospel unity results in victory Romans 16:20 Genesis 3:15 Ephesians 6:12-15

Scripture: Romans 16:1-16 Key Takeaways: + The Church was an intimate family in Jesus. 1 Timothy 5:1-2 (ESV) + The Church included and dignified women. “Amidst contemporary denunciations of Christianity as patriarchal and sexist, it is easily forgotten that the early church was especially attractive to women… Christianity was unusually appealing because within the Christian subculture women enjoyed far higher status than did the women in the Greco-Roman world at large.” – Rodney Stark Philippians 4:2–3 (ESV) “…we see an early example of women serving as deacons in the correspondence between Pliny the younger and the emperor Trajan (AD 98–117). In a fascinating conversation, Pliny asks Trajan for advice about what he should do as the legate to the province in Bithynia with Christians. We want to think about one small piece of the conversation. Pliny refers to two Christian women, who were called ministrae in Latin. In English we can translate this word as “ministers,” and that is a good translation into Latin of the Greek word diakonos, which means “servant” or “minister.” We thus have an early example—in the second decade of the second century—of women serving as deacons. Obviously, such an example doesn’t prove women should serve as deacons, but it suggests women functioned as deacons in the early church.” – Thomas Schreiner + Whatever we see women doing in the Bible, we want to see them doing it in our Church. + Fully Engage in the Church

Key Takeaways: + Prayer is the Direct Communication with God. + Prayer Shapes Outcomes. Psalm 34:6 (ESV) “In essence, prayer is rebellion – rebellion against the status quo, the state of the world in its sin and fallenness. It is the absolute and undying refusal to accept as normal what is completely abnormal. It is the rejection of every agenda, every scheme, every opinion that clashes with the norms that God originally established.” – David Wells. 2 Thessalonians 3:1–2 (CSB) Acts 12:1–5 (CSB) Philemon 22 (CSB) + Prayer is Contending for the Purposes of God.  "The secret of prevailing prayer is not our eloquence, but our faith; not our fluency, but our fervency." - George Muller  "Prevailing prayer is the most powerful force in the universe. It can move mountains, heal the sick, and change the world." - Charles Spurgeon 2 Corinthians 10:3–4 (NIV) "The number one reason why prayer malfunctions in the hands of a believers is that they try to turn a wartime walkie-talkie into a domestic intercom. Until you believe that life is war, you cannot know what prayer is for. Prayer is for the accomplishment of a wartime mission… But what have millions of Christians done? They have stopped believing that we are in a war. No urgency, no watching, no vigilance, no strategic planning. Just easy peacetime and prosperity. And what did they do with the walkie-talkie? They tried to rig it up as an intercom in their cushy houses and cabins and boats and cars - not to call in fire power for conflict with a mortal enemy, but to ask the maid to bring another pillow to the den." – Piper, Prayer the work of Missions + What status quo in your life do you need to rebel against? + Will you give yourself to intercessory prayer for the mission of God?

Scripture: Romans 15:14–29 Key Takeaways:  1 Timothy 1:12–17 (CSB) + Ministry to the Church + Ministry to the Needy 1 Corinthians 16:1–2 (CSB) 2 Corinthians 8:9 (CSB) + Ministry to the Unreached + The Unreached will be reached Revelation 7:9–12 (CSB) + It will take missionaries with ambition who are willing to go 1 Thessalonians 2:19–20 (CSB) + It will take the preaching of the Word and the power of the Holy Spirit. + It will happen through Church Planting + It will happen through sacrificial Christians who see their role in God’s great mission as senders and pray-ers.

Scripture: Romans 15:8-13 Key Takeaways: + God is a Trustworthy God. 2 Corinthians 1:20 (CSB) Titus 1:2 (ESV) + God is a Merciful God. Isaiah 30:18 (NIV) + God is a Missionary God. Genesis 12:3 (ESV) Illus: ee-taow. Image of Missionary being carried. Psalm 67:4 (ESV) Matthew 24:14 (ESV) + God is a Hope-Giving God. 1 Thessalonians 1:3 (CSB) Titus 2:13 (ESV)

Scripture: Romans 14:19 -15:1–7 Key Takeaways: + Every person has a God-given Conscience. Hebrews 10:22 (ESV) + Our conscience needs to be obeyed. + Christians disagree on matters of conscience. + Nobody has an inerrant conscience. + We must prioritize Christian Unity over our personal freedoms. + “When do you have the freedom to do something?” 1.      Does this violate a biblical command or principle? 2.      Is there a latent danger to me in doing this? 3.     Am I fully persuaded this is OK for me to do? 4.    Will this be a barrier to the people I’m trying to reach. 1 Corinthians 9:19–23 (ESV) 5.     Will a weaker brother or sister that I am with in this moment be encouraged to follow my example and violate their conscience. 6.     Does doing this in this moment introduce a barrier to Christian fellowship? 7.     Does this negatively impact my thought life? Philippians 4:8 (ESV) 8.     What is my motive for doing this?

Scripture: Romans 14:13-23 Key Takeaways: + Not everything in the Christian Life is Black and White + The Temptation to make gray what is black and white 1 Corinthians 5:9-13 (ESV) Galatians 6:1 (ESV) + The Temptation to make black and white what is gray + Love Requires that we Limit our Freedom 1 Timothy 4:1-5 (ESV) + Experiencing the Holy Spirit is more critical than experiencing my freedom and more effective than increasing my restrictions. Colossians 2:20-23 (NLT) Galatians 5:16 (ESV)

Scripture: Romans 14:10-12 Key Takeaways: “On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures;he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.” ― Nicene Creed, 325 AD John 5:22-24 (ESV) + Make sure you’re ready to stand before Jesus. Romans 10:9-13 (ESV) Isaiah 45:22–24 (NIV) + Make every effort to help people confidently stand before Jesus. Oh, my brothers and sisters in Christ, if sinners will be damned, at least let them leap to hell over our bodies; and if they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees, imploring them to stay, and not madly to destroy themselves. If hell must be filled, at least let it be filled in the teeth of our exertions, and let not one go there unwarned and unprayed for. ― Charles Spurgeon + Our Vison: Helping People & Places Encounter Jesus “There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilizations - these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub and exploit - immortal horrors or everlasting splendors. This does not mean that we are to be perpetually solemn. We must play. But our merriment must be of that kind (and it is, in fact, the merriest kind) which exists between people who have, from the outset, taken each other seriously - no flippancy, no superiority, no presumption.” ― C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory + Make honoring Jesus the highest aim of your life. 2 Corinthians 5:9-10 (ESV) Colossians 1:9-10 (ESV)

Scripture: Romans 14:1-9 Key Takeaways: + There are gray areas that each Christian must decide upon for themselves + A growing confidence in the gospel leads to a growing freedom in the gray spaces. Colossians 2:16–17 (NIV) + We are to give grace to one another in the gray spaces. + Whatever you do in the gray space, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)

Scripture: Romans 13:11-14 Key Takeaways:   + Wake Up   1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 (ESV)   + Get Dressed

Scripture: Romans 13:8-10 Key Takeaways:  + Love is our greatest and ongoing debt + Love is the measure of our maturity John 13:34–35 (ESV) Maturity is not marked by how much of the bible you know, your church attendance, your impeccable morality, your spiritual experiences, your giftedness, even your service, or commitment to God. All those things are good, but they are nothing without love.  1 Corinthians 13:1–3 (ESV) 1 Thessalonians 3:11–13 (ESV)  “The rule of love is that one should wish his friend to have all the good things he wants to have himself and should not wish the evils to befall his friend which he wishes to avoid himself. He shows this benevolence to all men. No evil must be done to any. Love of one’s neighbor works no evil. Let us then love even our enemies as we are commanded, if we wish to be truly unconquered.” St. Augustine, “Of True Religion.” Luke 6:27–36 (ESV) + Start in your home + Make this house a house of love  + Care more about being righteous than being right + Be Specific

Scripture: Romans 13:1-7 Key Takeaways:   + Christians inhabit 2 kingdoms   Ephesians 1:19-23   Colossians 1:13-14   Daniel 2:19-21   Jeremiah 27:4-6   Daniel 4:31-32   John 19:11   Revelation 1:5   Revelation 11:15   + All human government is ordained by God and Christians are to submit to it. To resist the government is to resist God. To submit to the government is a way to live free of fear. Governing authority is for the good of an ordered and just society.   + Christians should never violate their conscience through disobedience to the government or by obedience to the government.   Acts 5:29   “For men’s religion to God is between God and themselves. The king shall not answer for it. Neither may the king be judge between God and man. Let them be heretics, Turks, Jews or whatsoever it appertains not to the earthly power to punish them in the least measure. This is made evident by our lord the king by the scriptures.” - Thomas Helwyss, “A Short Declaration of the Mystery of Iniquity” (1612). + Christians should be exemplar citizens that seek the good of their communities. Pay taxes Honor leaders Steward influence

Scripture: Romans 12:14-21 Key Takeaways:   + Bless   Matthew 5:10-12   + Live in Harmony Harmony Requires Humility Pride is the Enemy of Harmony   + Do Not Do Evil Romans 6:17-18 Romans 3:10-12 + Our vengeance is evil + Only God’s wrath can offer full vengeance + Vengeance is not for us, but for the glory of God

Scripture: Romans 12:9-13 Key Takeaways:   “Beloved Brethren, we are philosophers not in word but in deeds; we exhibit our wisdom not by our dress, but by truth; we know virtues by their practice rather than through boasting of them; we do not speak great things, but we live them.” Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage, 256.   + Genuine Love Genuine Discerning Affectionate   Psalm 16:2-3 (ESV) Honoring + Zealous Service   + Patient Joy   + Generous Hospitality

Scripture: Romans 12:3-8 Key Takeaways:   New Identity New Assignment   1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (ESV) 1 Corinthians 12:11 (ESV)     New Power   Ephesians 3:7-8 (ESV) Ephesians 2:19-22 (ESV)

Scripture: Romans 12:2 Key Takeaways:   Resist the Formation of the World   Galatians 1:3-5 (ESV) Romans 8:5-8 (ESV) “We can present our bodies to the Lord as genuinely holy and acceptable sacrifices only if we “do not conform to this world” but “are transformed by the renewing of the mind. - Douglas Moo Renew your Mind by the Gospel   Titus 3:5-7 (ESV)   “MY DEAR WORMWOOD, I note with grave displeasure that your patient has become a Christian. Do not indulge the hope that you will escape the usual penalties; indeed, in your better moments, I trust you would hardly even wish to do so. In the meantime we must make the best of the situation. There is no need to despair; hundreds of these adult converts have been reclaimed after a brief sojourn in the Enemy's camp and are now with us. All the habits of the patient, both mental and bodily, are still in our favour.” - Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis   Ephesians 4:17-24 (ESV)   Restore your Dignity by the Spirit’s Help   Romans 8:13-14 (NIV) 2 Cor 3:17-18 (ESV)

Scripture: Romans 12:1 Key Takeaways:  “The Christian and the Materialist hold different beliefs about the universe. They can’t both be right. The one who is wrong will act in a way which simply doesn’t fit the real universe. Consequently, with the best will in the world, he will be helping his fellow creatures to their destruction.” - C.S. Lewis   Romans 12:1 (NIV)   Romans 1:24-25 (ESV)   Romans 12:1 (NIV)   Offer Your Body to God   1 Peter 2:5 (ESV)   Philippians 4:18 (ESV)   Display the Worth & Beauty of Christ in Your Body.   “It has been said that in the New Testament doctrine is grace; and ethics is gratitude; and something is wrong with any form of Christianity in which, experimentally and practically, this saying is not being verified. Those who suppose that the doctrine of God's grace tends to encourage moral laxity are simply showing that, in the most literal sense, they do not know what they are talking about. For love awakens love in return; and love, once awakened, desires to give pleasure.” - J.I. Packer, Knowing God   Luke 7:47-50 (ESV)

This sermon explores Romans 11:25-32, emphasizing that theology should lead us to doxology (praise) and devotion (godliness). It underscores the wonder and worth of God, the wisdom and ways of God, and the wealth and works of God, acknowledging that while God can be truly known, He cannot be fully comprehended.  Scripture: Romans 11:25-32 Key Takeaways: “As I often tell my students, theology is for doxology and devotion—that is, the praise of God and the practice of godliness...Theology is at its healthiest when it is consciously under the eye of the God of whom it speaks, and when it is singing to his glory.” -       J. I. Packer, Concise Theology: A Guide to Historic Christian Beliefs. + Theology is for Doxology and devotion. + The Wonder and Worth of God. 1 Kings 10:23 (CSB)  1 Kings 10:4–8 (CSB) + The Wisdom and Ways of God -       God can be truly known but not fully known. Deuteronomy 29:29 (CSB) Psalm 56:8–9 (CSB) + The Wealth and Works of God. Psalm 50:12 (CSB) Colossians 1:16–17 (ESV)

Scripture: Romans 11:25-32 Key Takeaways: God has a heart for the Jewish people and so should we. Salvation is of God so be humble. 1 Corinthians 1:28–31 God lets us fall into and feel our sin so we might marvel at His mercy.

Scripture: Romans 11:11-24 Key Takeaways: Main Idea: "God has always wanted a people to reveal his glory to and display his glory through.   Three Parts of God's Plan Genesis 12:2–3 Ephesians 3:6   Ephesians 3:9   “The restoration of Israel is an easier process than the call of the gentiles” - John Stott   Two Ways to Respond   Romans 10:3-4   One Hope for us All   Isaiah 49:6 Revelation 7:9   “One cannot help but wonder what the remarkable result would be if this mass of lay people could be spiritually released from their servitude in the American success system and reoriented to channel their major energies toward building the Kingdom of God” - Richard Lovelace, Dynamics of Spiritual Life   1.          Continue in God’s Kindness 2.         Fear the Lord 3.         Be Stubbornly Hopeful

Scripture: Romans 10:13-11:11 Key Takeaways:   Even when it looks like unbelief is winning the day, God is at work saving a people for himself.      1 Peter 3:18   “At the turn of the 20th century, Africa was home to less than 10 million Christians, fewer than any other region except Oceania. By 2000, the Christian population in Africa had exploded to more than 383 million. In 2020, more Christians lived in Africa than any other region of the world. By 2050, with a Christian population of more than 1.28 billion, more Christians will call Africa home than the next two most populous regions—Asia and Latin America—combined.” - Aaron Earls, Lifeway Research.      God has a purpose in every tragedy, even the tragedy of unbelief.   Romans 1:16 Acts 13:46 Acts 18:6 Acts 28:24–28 Matthew 21:42–43 Acts 2:22–24 Romans 8:28 2 Corinthians 1:8–11   The Gospel has the power to give you an enviable life.     1 Peter 3:15

Scripture: Romans 10:5–17 Key Takeaways:   A Person is saved solely by faith in the crucified and risen Lord Jesus, apart from works. Apart from personal, conscious, saving faith in Jesus people will experience eternal judgment.   Romans 2:5 Ezekiel 18:23 Ezekiel 33:11 John 3:16–17   Universalism   Mark 9:42–48 Matthew 25:46 Revelation 20:14–15   “Hell is a dreadful reality. To speak of it lightly proves we do not grasp its horror. I know of no one who has overstated the terrors of hell. We can scarcely surpass the horrid images Jesus used. We are meant to shudder. Why? Because the infinite horrors of hell are intended by God to be a vivid demonstration of the infinite value of his glory which sinners have belittled…When people repeat the centuries old objection that an eternal punishment is disproportionate to a finite life of sinning, they disregard the essential thing…The essential thing is that degrees of blameworthiness come not from how long you offend dignity, but from how high the dignity is that you offend.” John Piper, Let the Nations be Glad.   Inclusivism   Luke 24:45–49 Acts 4:7–12 Acts 10:1–6 Acts 10:38–43 Acts 10:47 Acts 11:13–14   The task of every Christian is to get the Gospel to all peoples who have yet to hear it.   Revelation 7:9–12   The Spirit of Christ is the spirit of missions, and the nearer we get to Him the more intensely missionary we must become. - Henry Martyn   If there be any one point in which the Christian church ought to keep its fervor at a white heat, it is concerning missions. If there be anything about which we cannot tolerate lukewarmness, it is in the matter of sending the gospel to a dying world. - Charles Spurgeon

Scripture: Romans 9:30-10:4 Key Takeaways:   God did not promise salvation to every ethnic Israelite, but only to those he sovereignly chose to be recipients of his saving love (Romans 9:6-29).   Israel did not respond to Jesus in faith (Romans 9:30-10:21).   John 5:39-40 John 6:35-45   Because the Gospel is so shocking, many people are offended by it and stumble over it.   Philippians 3:4-9   Because the Gospel is so shocking, it takes a work of God to believe it.    2 Corinthians 4:4-6   To make intercession for men is the most powerful and practical way in which we can express our love for them. — John Calvin

Scripture: Romans 9:14–29 Key Takeaways:   Exodus 4:21 Exodus 7:3–4 Exodus 7:13   God’s ultimate aim in all that he does is the manifestation of and magnification of his glory.   Romans 11:33–36 Romans 16:27 Philippians 4:20 1 Timothy 1:17 Isaiah 42:8   In Election, God Displays his perfections in the manifestation of his Mercy (9:15).   Exodus 33:18–19   “The stunning thing for Paul is not that God rejected Ishmael and Esau but that he chose Isaac and Jacob, for they did not deserve to be included in his merciful and gracious purposes. Human beings are apt to criticize God for excluding anyone, but this betrays a theology that views salvation as something God “ought” to bestow on all equally.” Thomas Schreiner.   In Election, God Displays his perfections in the manifestation of his Justice (9:20-23).     Ephesians 2:5–7   Before you raise your questions and objections lower your posture.   Job 40:1–9   Don’t eliminate other truths because of this one.   Matthew 11:25–29   Don’t fixate on this doctrine right now if it disturbs you. 

Scripture: Romans 9:1-16 Key Takeaways:  1.   God did not promise salvation to every ethnic Israelite, but only to those he chose to be recipients of his saving love (Romans 9:6-29). 2.   Generally speaking, Israel did not respond to Jesus in faith (Romans 9:30-10:21). 3.   God faithfulness to Israel is seen in that there is a believing remnant (Romans 11:1-10). 4.   God’s faithfulness to his promise to Israel will one day be seen in greater measure when God saves Israel in great numbers (Romans 11:11-32).   The Doctrine of Election   Ephesians 1:3–6 “3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.”  2 Thessalonians 2:13 “13 But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.”   Titus 1:1 “1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness,” 1 Peter 1:1 “1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,” Colossians 3:12 “12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,”   Many Christians throughout history have disagreed on this passage and on how to understand the doctrine of election. Arminians and Calvinists. At CATC we don’t have a flag, but we have a flavor. The Doctrine of God’s sovereign election of particular sinners for salvation rarely sits well with us when we first hear it. This is not a Pauline doctrine. Jesus taught this emphatically.   Personal salvation is ultimately grounded in God’s sovereign unconditional election of particular, undeserving sinners. Romans 8:28–30 “28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.” This doctrine humbles us to the dust. This doctrine gives you tremendous boldness.

Scripture: Romans 9:1-13 Key Takeaways:   Romans 9:6 Romans 3:20-25 Romans 5:1-5 Romans 8:1 Romans 8:28-39   Does Israel’s spiritual condition mean that God doesn’t keep his promises or that God can’t accomplish his purposes?   Romans 11:33-36   Not every physical descendent of Israel truly belongs to Israel.   Romans 11:1

Scripture: Luke 6:46-49 Key Takeaways:   Matthew 28:18-19 Ephesians 1:20-23   “Our commitment to Jesus can stand on no other foundation than a recognition that he is the one who knows the truth about our lives and our universe…Could we seriously imagine that Jesus could be Lord if he were not smart? If he were divine, would he be dumb? Or uninformed? Once you stop to think about it, how could he be what we take him to be in all other respects and not be the best-informed and most intelligent person of all, the smartest person that ever lived? He is not just nice, he is brilliant…‘Jesus is Lord ’can mean little in practice for anyone who has to hesitate before saying ‘Jesus is smart. ’He always has the best information on everything and certainly also on the things that matter most in human life.”- Dallas Willard, Divine Conspiracy   Matthew 7:21-24 O Christ What Burdens Bowed Thy Head: The tempest’s awful voice was heard, O Christ, it broke on Thee! Thy open bosom was my ward, It braved the storm for me. Thy form was scarred, Thy visage marred; Now cloudless peace for me. – Anne Cousin

Scripture: Luke 24:1-12 Key Takeaways:   1 Corinthians 15:3–9 1 Corinthians 15:14 1 Corinthians 15:30–32   Jesus did rise from the dead and Christianity is true, and you must honestly face it.  OR  Jesus did not rise from the dead and Christianity is false, and you can completely forget it.     Jesus did not die. (“Swoon Theory”)   The disciples were deceived.   The disciples were deceivers.     You won’t find Jesus among the dead. You won’t find life away from Jesus.     1 Corinthians 15:32

Scripture: Isaiah 55:19 Key Takeaways:   The greatest things we need are found in a relationship with God.    “What causes us to be fickle is the realization that our present pleasures are false, while failing to realize that absent pleasures are also vain.” Blaise Pascal.    The Greatest things we need are completely free.    John 6:35 John 7:37–39   Anything that would lead you away from God, or rise above him, is an enemy to your joy.    “...in the past couple of years, I have noticed a happiness pattern that relates to politics. Namely, the people most in the know tend to be unhappier than those who pay less attention. I subjected this observation to a bit of analysis, and sure enough, the numbers bear it out. I analyzed the 2014 data from the General Social Survey collected by the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago to see how attention to politics is associated with life satisfaction. The results were significant. Even after controlling for income, education, age, gender, race, marital status and political views, being “very interested in politics” drove up the likelihood of reporting being “not too happy” about life by about eight percentage points.” Arthur C Brooks. “Depressed by Politics? Just Let it Go,” 2017.     The invitation is to come to God once and daily. 

Scripture: Genesis 3:1-15 Key Takeaways:  James 1:13–15 Hide from God Jonah 1:3–5 Psalm 139:7–12 Cover Up Make Excuses and Shift Blame Genesis 3:21 Luke 19:10 Face Ourselves Face God Luke 15:20 Receive Grace Come, ye sinners, poor and needy, Weak and wounded, sick and sore Jesus ready stands to save you, Full of pity, love and pow'r. I will arise and go to Jesus, He will embrace me in His arms In the arms of my dear Savior, Oh, there are ten thousand charms. – Joseph Hart (1759).

Scripture: Romans 8:31-39 Key Takeaways:   God is for us and is greater than anyone or anything against us. Romans 8:1 2 Kings 6:15–17 God will give us every small thing we need, because he has already given us the Greatest thing we need  “Who delivered up Jesus to die? Not Judas, for money; not Pilate, for fear; not the Jews, for envy; —but the Father, for love!’ Octavius Winslow Romans 8:32 God will always accept us in Jesus no matter what accusations are brought against us. Isaiah 61:10 Revelation 12:10–11   Jesus, Thy robe of righteousness; My beauty is, my glorious dress; ‘Midst flaming worlds, in this arrayed, With joy shall I lift up my head. - John Wesley. God’s love will always hold us and always help us in the face of any danger.

Scripture: Romans 8:28-30 Key Takeaways: The bad things will all be turned to good.   Romans 8:18   John 11:33-35   John 11:38-39   The good things can never be taken away from you.   John 6:44   Jeremiah 32:38-41   Ephesians 1:4-6   “What matters supremely, therefore, is not, in the last analysis, the fact that I know God, but the larger fact which underlies it—the fact that he knows me.. I know him because he first knew me, and continues to know me. This is momentous knowledge. There is unspeakable comfort—the sort of comfort that energizes, be it said, not enervates—in knowing that God is constantly taking knowledge of me in love and watching over me for my good. There is tremendous relief in knowing that his love to me is utterly realistic, based at every point on prior knowledge of the worst about me, so that no discovery now can disillusion him about me, in the way I am so often disillusioned about myself, and quench his determination to bless me.” - J.I. Packer, Knowing God   “Ultimately, the proof of a right approach to these doctrines is that you find in them the greatest urge to holiness and sanctification. If your belief of these doctrines has not driven you to holiness you are in a dangerous condition … you are misusing them to say: Well, it is all right with me, it matters not therefore what I do. I am saved … No one can truly see these doctrines without being humbled.” - Martin Lloyd Jones    The best things are always ahead of us.   ■          “Foreknew”: God set his love on us. ■          “Predestined”: God planned a glorious process & destination for us. ■          “Called & Justified”: God works out his plan in time. ■          “Glorified”: God completes the plan in eternity.   John 17:22-24   Philippians 3:20-21

Scripture: John 16:20-28 Key Takeaways: Prayer is a Privilege secured for us by Jesus.   Hebrews 10:19–22    “God is radically committed to my life of prayer. He shed the blood of His Son so that I might be cleansed and rendered fit to stand before Him in love. He also permitted the brutal rending of His Son so that I might now have a way to enter into the Holy Place through the torn flesh of Jesus. ‘Draw near,’ he says… How can I not feel the infinite sincerity of these invitations, especially when considering the painful lengths that God endured so that I might enter his presence in prayer. Indeed the Gospel serves as the sweetest of invitation to pray.” - Milton Vincent.   Matthew 7:7–11     Prayer is Adoring and Asking.   Matthew 7:7–11     True Prayer Prioritizes the Priorities of God.   Matthew 6:9–10   Prayer is an attitude and a habit.   “It’s good to let prayer be the first business of the morning and the last at night. Guard yourself carefully against those false and deluding ideas which tell you, ‘Wait a little while. I will pray in an hour; first I must attend to this or that.’ Such thoughts get you away from prayer into other affairs which so hold your attention and involve you that nothing comes of prayer.” – Martin Luther   “Admit no exception in the prayer schedule, for the exception will break down the habit. The habit is the important thing.” - E. Stanley Jones.

Summary: Scripture: Romans 8:26-27 Key Takeaways: Romans 8:1 Romans 8:2–4   John 14:15–17   + Presence   Isaiah 41:10   Isaiah 43:1–5    Psalm 23:4   Psalm 34:18    + Prayer   2 Corinthians 12:7–10

Scripture: Romans 8:18-25 Key Takeaways: + Cry Out Genesis 3:17-19   +Look Forward 1 Peter 1:4   The firstfruits of an incoming harvest were, literally, the first batch—and they were a foretaste of what was to come. Currently, the spirit is making us internally alive (v 10); giving us gradual, internal freedom from the effects of sin and death, making us slowly more like Christ (v 29). But this is only the firstfruits—just a taste of the complete, total freedom from the effects of sin and death in our bodies and spirits that the Spirit will one day give us – Tim Keller   1 John 3:2-3 Look about you! Look below you! Note it. Read it. God, whom you want to discover, never wrote that book with ink. Instead he set before your eyes the things that He had made. Can you ask for a louder voice than that? – Augustine   The easiness and naturalness of trees and vines are shadows of His beauty and loveliness. The crystal rivers and murmuring streams are the footsteps of His favor, grace, and beauty. When we behold the light and brightness of the sun, the golden edges of an evening cloud, or the beauteous rainbow, we behold the adumbrations of His glory and goodness; and in the blue sky of His mildness and gentleness. – Jonathan Edwards + Experience Peace

In this sermon, Minister of Care, Scott Berry, focused on our identity as adopted children of God. He highlighted our identity as conquerors empowered by the Holy Spirit and heirs through adoption, emphasizing the significance of engaging with the Word of God and walking in step with the Spirit.   Key Takeaways:   + We are killers -      We fight by the Holy Spirit -      Word of God -      Walking with the Spirit + We are adopted   + We are heirs  

Text: Romans 8:5-11 As we continue in Romans, Pastor JR Vassar examines the profound contrast between living according to the flesh and living in the Spirit.   Key Takeaways John 3:6 Galatians 5:19–21 Galatians 5:16–17    • Focus on Jesus • Devote time to the Word and Prayer   Romans 12:12

Text: Romans 8:1-4 Notes: + In Jesus you have all the acceptance you will ever need. -       John 12:42-43 -       1 Corinthians 4:3-4 "To please God… to be a real ingredient in the divine happiness… to be loved by God, not merely pitied, but delighted in as an artist delights in his work or a father in a son- it seems impossible, a weight or burden of glory which our thoughts can hardly sustain. But so it is." — C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory. “We all automatically gravitate toward the assumption that we are justified by our level of sanctification, and when this posture is adopted, it inevitably focuses our attention not on Christ but on the adequacy of our own obedience. We start each day with our personal security resting not on the accepting love of God and the sacrifice of Christ but on our present feelings or recent achievements in the Christian life.” Richard Lovelace, Dynamics of Spiritual Life: An Evangelical Theology of Renewal (Preaching and Teaching for Individual Renewal). + In Jesus you have all the freedom you need. + Dominion – Desire – Deeds – Death -       Romans 6:12 -       Romans 6:20-21 -       Romans 7:5 -       Romans 7:15 -       Romans 7:20 -       Romans 6:20-23 “There is no greater mockery than to call a sinner a free man. Show me a convict toiling in the chain gang, and call him a free man if you will; point out to me the galley slave chained to the oar, and smarting under the taskmaster’s lash whenever he pauses to draw breath, and call him a free man if you will; but never call a sinner a free man, even in his will, so long as he is the slave of his own corruptions. In our natural state, we wore chains, not upon our limbs, but upon our hearts, fetters that bound us, and kept us from God, from rest, from peace, from holiness, from anything like freedom of heart and conscience and will. The iron entered into our soul; and there is no slavery as terrible as that. As there is no freedom like the freedom of the spirit, so is there no slavery that is at all comparable to the bondage of the heart.” - Charles Spurgeon + Dominion - Desire - Deeds - LIFE! + Jesus dying for us is necessary for the Spirit living in us. -       Galatians 3:13-14 -       Romans 13:8-10 “Run, John, run, the law commands but gives us neither feet or hands. Far better news the gospel brings: it bids us fly and gives us wings.” – John Bunyan.

Text: Romans 8:1-2 In Pastor JR Vassar's sermon on Romans 8:1-2, he emphasizes humanity's vital need for reconciliation with God, exploring universal guilt and the transformative power of faith in Christ. The book of Romans acts as a catalyst for reshaping lives and evoking profound spiritual responses. + Why are we studying Romans? + The greatest need we have is to be put in the right with God. + We want to experience the new life we have in Christ. + We are concerned about the condition of this world. + Why did Paul write this Letter?    

Notes: Text: Acts 2:41-47   “Beethoven has the real goods, the stuff from Heaven, the power to make you feel at the finish: something is right in the world. There I something that checks throughout, that follows its own law consistently: something we can trust, that will never let us down.” – Leonard Bernsetin, Composer   +Spirit-Empowered Community is a place where people grow   +Spirit-Empowered Community is a place to invite   “The kingdom is to be in the midst of your enemies. And he who will not suffer this does not want to be of the kingdom of Christ; he wants to be among friends, to sit among roses and lilies, not with the bad people but the devout people. O you blasphemers and betrayers of Christ! If Christ has done what you are doing who would ever have been spared?”

Notes: Text: Hebrews 1:1-3 +The baby in the manger is God’s message to us. +The baby in the manger is God’s savior for us. +The baby in the manger is God’s king over us.

Notes: Text: 2 Corinthians 5:14-21   +A follower of Jesus is no longer a prisoner to death. +A follower of Jesus is a new creation. +A follower of Jesus is sent.   “Plainly, if Paul’s conclusion is to be drawn, the ‘for’ must reach deeper than this mere suggestion of our advantage: if we all died, in that Christ died for us, there must be a sense in which that death of his is ours; He must be identified with us in it: there, on the cross, while we stand and gaze at Him, He is not simply a person doing us a service; He is a person doing us a service by filling our place and dying our death.” – James Denney   “But, behold, a new soul (for it was cleansed), and also a new body, and a new worship, and new promises and covenant and life and table and dress, and all things absolutely new.” – John Crysostom

Notes: Text: Exodus 25:1-9 “The central miracle asserted by Christians is the incarnation. They say that God became man.” –  C. S. Lewis   + Image of Tabernacle in the Encampment of Israel +The Tabernacle was a Place of Glory   +Image of Book Immanuel +The Tabernacle was a place of Grace +Image of Ark of the Covenant +Jesus is the Truer and Better Tabernacle   + In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. – John 1:1 ESV   +Jesus is the Place of God’s Glory   +Jesus is the Place of God’s Grace   +Jesus Belongs at the Center   +Jesus Makes us a Tabernacle

Notes: Text:  Psalm 105:37-43 “Hearts on earth say in the course of a joyful experience, “I don’t want this ever to end.” But it invariably does. The hearts of those in heaven say, “I want this to go on forever.” And it will. There is no better news than this.” – J. I. Packer + Awkward Christmas Photos + Forever Life + Full Life

Notes: Text:  Exodus 12:1-13, 21-28 Typology exists when there is a historical correspondence between events, institutions, and persons found in the OT and the NT. I argue that typology does not merely represent correspondence but a correspondence intended by God. - Thomas Schreiner “J. Barton Payne identified 1,239 prophetic predictions in the Old Testament that involved some 6,641 verses, or 28.5 percent of the total corpus of the older testament...Payne also found 127 personal messianic predictions in some 3,348 verses in the Old Testament...” Kaiser, Walter C., Jr. 2009. Recovering the Unity of the Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. If you were to calculate the probability of any one person fulfilling, sheerly by chance, all the Old Testament Messianic prophecies that Jesus fulfilled, it would be as astronomical as winning the lottery every day for a century. Even if Jesus deliberately tried to fulfill the prophecies, no mere man could have the power to arrange the time, place, events, and circumstances of his birth or events after his death. - Peter Kreeft. Christianity for Modern Pagans. + Paint Your Door “The answer of course is neither. Because death doesn’t pass over them on the ground of the intensity or the clarity of the faith exercised. But on the ground of the blood of the lamb… It is not the intensity of our faith but the object of our faith that saves.” - D.A. Carson +Don’t Forget Exodus 12:13 “The blood shall be a sign for you...”

Notes: Text: Colossians 1:3-14   “To have found God and still to pursue Him is the soul’s paradox of love, scorned indeed by the too-easily satisfied religionist, but justified in happy experience by the children of the burning heart.” – A.W. Towzer   +The Gospel creates a secure community that loves   +The Gospel creates a witnessing community that multiplies   +The Gospel creates a wise community that pleases God   +The Gospel creates a thankful community with one allegiance   “You cannot know anything about Jesus, anything, if you miss the kingdom of God…You are zero on Jesus if you don’t understand this term. I’m sorry to say it that strongly, but this is the great failure of evangelical Christianity. We have had Jesus without the kingdom of God, and therefore have literally done Jesus in.” – Gordon Fee   -      Remind one another of the Gospel -      Repent of any ways we’ve lacked love -      Renew our minds to know what pleases God -      Respond with thanks to God for bringing us into his Kingdom

Notes: Text:  Romans 7:7:5-6, 14-25 +Who is the “I”? +There are many in the Church who fit the description of the “I”. +There are true believers in the Church who are still trying to live the Christian life by the law and not by the Spirit. -       Repent of grieving and neglecting the Holy Spirit. -       Acknowledge the Holy Spirit and cultivate a relationship with him. -       Surrender to Him daily. -       Engage in activities in your life that open you up to his presence and power. + It’s not the script of the law outside of you; it is the Spirit of God inside of you!

Notes: Text:  Romans 7:7-13 “…these motions of sin are irritated, provoked, and increased, through the law’s prohibition of them; which is not to be charged as a fault on the law, but to be imputed to the depravity and corruption of man; who is like a mighty torrent of water, which rises, rages, flows and overflows, the more any methods are taken to stop its current, or like a filthy dunghill which when the sun strikes powerfully on it, it exhales and draws out its filthy stench; which nauseous smell is not to be imputed to the pure rays of the sun, but to the filthiness of the dunghill. – John Gill. An Exposition of the New Testament, vol. 2, The Baptist Commentary Series. + The law is perfect -       Psalm 19:7 -       The law of the Lord is perfect + The law brings conviction of sin + The law brings provocation to sin + The law brings condemnation for sin

Notes: Text: Romans 7:1-6 “Men quietly got in touch with Him... and found themselves doing things they couldn’t do, thinking thoughts they couldn’t think, and loving people they couldn’t love. They were a surprise to themselves and others.” - Mastery, E. Stanley Jones    + Christianity is a new relationship with Jesus    + Christianity is a new purpose    +Christianity is a new existence    New Master  New Husband  Effectiveness in the mission of Jesus 

Notes:   Text:  Romans 7:1-4   “On your exceedingly great mercy rests all my hope. Give what you command, and then command whatever you will.” - Saint Augustine, The Confessions    +License (Antinomianism)   +Legalism    +The Principle  The law is binding on us while we live +The Illustration  Marriage +The Application  You died to the law and are now belong to Christ +Jesus motivates us by His love and likeness  +Jesus always supplies what He commands  +Jesus always forgives when we fail Him  +Jesus will never leave us  +Don’t bring yourself back under the law  +Focus on your relationship with Jesus 

Notes:   Text:  Romans 6:11-13, 19   “Grace is opposed to earning, but it’s not opposed to efforts.” - Dallas Willard   • Prayer  • Fasting  • Service - disciplines of community (giving, generosity, confession)

Notes: Text:  Romans 6:11-23 + Vision + Intention + Means “There is no need to despair; hundreds of these adult converts have been reclaimed after a brief sojourn in the enemy’s camp and now are with us. All the habits of the patient, both mental and bodily, are still in our favor.” Screwtape Letter, CS Lewis • Solitude • Scripture

In this sermon, Pastor JR explains how every Christian is free from sin as a fact, but not every Christian lives in that freedom as an experience. Notes: Text:  Romans 6:15-23 + Conversion is a Total Transfer of Loyalty + Conversion is a Total Transformation of Life + Every Christian is equally free from sin as a fact, but not every Christian lives equally in that freedom as an experience.

Notes:  Text:  Romans 6:12-14+ What is the Promise? ·       You Belong to Christ and Christ Belongs to You.   + What are the Practices? • Mortification • Vivification

In this sermon, Pastor JR reminds us that baptism and faith go hand in hand. It signifies our union with Jesus. Our sins become Christ's, and His grace, life, and salvation become ours, transforming our identity and inaugurating a new life filled with power and promise. Notes: Text: Romans 6:1-11 + Baptism is empty without faith and faith expresses itself through baptism + Baptism signifies and assures our union with Jesus 1 Corinthians 1:30 “And if they are one flesh and there is between them a true marriage … it follows that everything they have they hold in common, the good as well as the evil. Accordingly, the believing soul can boast of and glory in whatever Christ has as though it were its own, and whatever the soul has Christ claims as his own. Let us compare these and we shall see inestimable benefits. Christ is full of grace, life, and salvation. The soul is full of sins, death, and damnation. Now let faith come between them and sins, death, and damnation will be Christ’s, while grace, life, and salvation will be the soul’s; for if Christ is a bridegroom, he must take upon himself all the things which are his bride’s and bestow upon her the things that are his. If he gives her his body and very self, how shall he not give her all that is his? And if he takes the body of the bride, how shall he not take all that is hers?” -       Martin Luther. + Baptism gives us a new crucified and risen identity in Jesus + Baptism inaugurates a new life with power and new capacities in Jesus 2 Corinthians 5:17 + Baptism makes a promise to us about our future + Know and Count these things to be true  

In this sermon, Casey Schutza answers what it means to be united with Christ, in his death, life, and resurrection. Text:  Romans 6:1-5 Notes: + We’ve been United to His Death + We’ve been United to His Life  

+ Jesus’ grace is more powerful than Adam’s Sin. •  Grace outmatches sin •  Grace overcomes sin Ezra 9:6 (ESV) — 6… “O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift my face to you, my God, for our iniquities have risen higher than our heads, and our guilt has mounted up to the heavens.   Psalm 38:4 (ESV) — 4 For my iniquities have gone over my head; like a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me. Psalm 40:12 (ESV) — 12 For evils have encompassed me beyond number; my iniquities have overtaken me, and I cannot see; they are more than the hairs of my head; my heart fails me. “Grace comes to people leaping over the mountains of their iniquities.” CH Spurgeon Luke 7:47 (CSB) — 47 Therefore I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; that’s why she loved much. But the one who is forgiven little, loves little.” + Jesus has won more for us than Adam Lost for us. Lamentations 5:16 (ESV) — 16 The crown has fallen from our head; woe to us, for we have sinned!”

In this sermon, we're reminded of the profound biblical truth that one man's actions had the power to mar the world, while only one man possesses the ability to redeem it, Jesus. We are all either in Adam, inheriting the consequences of sin, or in Christ, beneficiaries of His redeeming grace. Text: Romans 5:12-21 Notes: + One man ruined the world, and only one man can rescue it. Type = a person, institution, or event in the Old Testament that God intentionally designed to prefigure Jesus and his salvation in the New Testament. 1 Corinthians 15:21–22 + You are either in Adam or in Christ. + There is no one like Jesus.

In this sermon, the profound truths of God’s love come to life as Pastor JR explores the comforting security of our belonging to Jesus. Romans 5 underscores that God's declaration of righteousness and friendship is unchanging. Text: Romans 5:6-11 Notes: “Q: What is thy only comfort in life and in death? A: That I, with body and soul, both in life and in death, am not my own, but belong to my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ, who with His precious blood has fully satisfied for all my sins, and redeemed me from all the power of the devil; and so preserves me, that without the will of my Father in heaven not a hair can fall from my head; yea, that all things must work together for my salvation. Wherefore, by His Holy Spirit, He also assures me of eternal life, and makes me heartily willing and ready henceforth to live unto Him.”  - Heidelberg Catechism   + The Love of God The Love of God is not just a subjective felt experience in the heart, but an objective factual expression in history. When God saw the worst about us, He showed the greatest love for us.   + The Logic of the Gospel God will not condemn in the future those He has already declared righteous in the present God will never treat as enemies those He has already made his friends.  

In this sermon, Pastor JR Vassar unpacks how God's work shapes us, leading us to find peace in Christ, access His grace, and embrace confident joy in the hope of being transformed into Jesus’ likeness through our trials.  Text: Romans 5:1-5. Notes: + GOD IS ALWAYS DOING A WONDERFUL WORK IN OUR SUFFERINGS SO WE CAN REJOICE Mark 4:16–17 "When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie, my grace, all-sufficient, shall be thy supply; the flame shall not hurt thee; I only design, thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.” - John Rippon, How Firm a Foundation. “I felt suddenly my heart melting within me, like wax before the fire, with love to God my Savior; and also felt, not only love and peace but a longing to be dissolved and be with Christ. There was a cry in my inmost soul, which I was totally unacquainted with before, ‘Abba Father!’… I knew that I was his child and that He loved me and heard me. My soul being filled and satiated, cried, ‘It is enough! I am satisfied! Give me strength and I will follow Thee through fire and water.’” - Howell Harris.

Join us as we jump back in our Romans series! In this sermon, Pastor JR Vassar explores the transformative power of God's grace as outlined in Romans 5:1-2. The sermon emphasizes the peace we find through Christ, our access into grace, and the confident joy in the hope of being transformed into His likeness. Dive deeper into these powerful truths and the implications they hold. 

In this sermon, Stephen Osborne, CATC Elder, explores how to navigate the complexities of wealth and poverty biblically. He encourages us to look to Proverbs to teach us how to seek balance and contentment in God's provision. 

In this sermon, we are reminded of the importance of prioritizing the presence of God in our lives. Pastor JR highlights hindrances to intimacy with God, such as insecurity, indifference, inaction, inattentiveness, and insubordination. Emphasizing the need to gaze upon God's perfections and inquire about His will, the sermon encourages listeners to seek a more profound encounter with God and cultivate a hungry remnant dedicated to experiencing His presence and bringing renewal in our lives.

In this sermon, Pastor JR Vassar addresses dealing with scoffers and mockers in the world. JR emphasizes the importance of recognizing and renouncing our own inner scoffer, avoiding accommodation of scoffers, and discerning when to disengage from those who persistently mock and reject the truth. Scripture encourages us to stay steadfast in the face of ridicule and follow God's wisdom, seeking favor in humility rather than being influenced by those who scorn the faith.

In this sermon, Casey Schutza explores the significance of true friendship and its relevance in combating the loneliness epidemic. True friendship is characterized by consistency, candor, care, and counsel. We are called to find that friend in Jesus and be freed to be that friend for others. Through Christ's ultimate act of friendship on the cross, we are reminded of the depth and power of true friendship. Sermon Notes  What does True Friendship look like? True Friendship is Consistent True Friendship is Canid  True Friendship gives Care True Friendship gives Counsel How do we become a friend like that?  You have to find that Friend in Jesus You have to be freed to be that friend to Others  

Casey Schutza explores the contrasting ways of the sluggard and the diligent in the book of Proverbs. By looking to the diligence of Jesus, embracing His love, and working for His reward, we can change our ways and find true fulfillment in knowing God and accomplishing His work. The Way of The Sluggard Detached from their Purpose Deceived in their Mind  Destroy opportunities & relationships by small surrenders The Way of The Diligent Aims for Precision Elevated by Persistence Alignment with their Calling The Way We Can Change Look to the Diligence of Jesus.  Embrace the Love of Jesus Work for His Reward  

Join us as we continue to explore the contrasting characters found within the Book of Proverbs. Through their vivid stories, we are called to choose wisdom and align our lives with God’s design. Listen in as Bryan Loritts, Executive Pastor of Teaching and Development at Summit Church, shares with us how pride impacts our lives.   Sermon Notes: + We Should Take Pride Seriously Because God Takes Pride Seriously + We Should Take Pride Seriously Because it Seriously Hinders our Relationship with God + We Should Take Pride Seriously Because it Impacts Our Relationship With Others

Proverbs 1:20-33 “Knowing about God is crucially important for the living of our lives. As it would be cruel to an Amazonian tribesman to fly him to London, put him down without explanation in Trafalgar Square and leave him, as one who knew nothing of English or England, to fend for himself, so we are cruel to ourselves if we try to live in this world without knowing about the God whose world it is and who runs it. The world becomes a strange, mad, painful place, and life in it a disappointing and unpleasant business, for those who do not know about God. Disregard the study of God, and you sentence yourself to stumble and blunder through life blindfolded, as it were, with no sense of direction and no understanding of what surrounds you. This way you can waste your life and lose your soul.” J.I. Packer, Knowing God.  Proverbs 3:5–8 (ESV) — 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. 7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. 8 It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. + Don’t be Ignorant + Don’t be Idle + Don’t be Irate Proverbs 19:3 (ESV) — 3 When a man’s folly brings his way to ruin, his heart rages against the Lord.

Join us in our new sermon series as we explore the contrasting characters found within the Book of Proverbs. Through their vivid stories, we are called to choose wisdom and align our lives with God’s design. This sermon from Life Group Minister, Matt Lear, examines Lady Folly and Lady Wisdom.

In this sermon, Pastor JR continues teaching in Haggai 2 as he encourages us to remain faithful even in the small things and when progress is slow.   Sermon Text: Haggai 2 Sermon Notes: Don’t despise the day of small things. •  God is an ever-present help for his people • God is the God of Increase + Historical fulfillment. + Christological fulfillment + Ecclesiological fulfillment. + Eschatological Fulfillment. Expect Blessing when you put God first.

In this sermon, Pastor JR teaches through Haggai 1 encouraging you to invest your time, passions, and values according to God's mission rather than temporary fulfillment. Sermon Text: Haggai 1 Sermon Notes: God’s Complaint We value entertainment over spiritual formation We value comfort and security over mission We value temporal over eternal God’s Correction God’s Command God’s Commitment

In this sermon, Casey Schutza answers the questions – what are the promises of God that bring us hope, why do these promises bring us hope, and how can everyone gain this hope in life and death? Sermon Text: Romans 4:13-25 Sermon Notes: What was The Promise?  Why Does Hope matter? How Can we get in on it too?

During this sermon, Pastor JR unpacks the paradox of our great worth despite our great unworthiness. The gospel says the best about us and the worst about us. We are unworthy sinners who are broken, fallen, and rebellious. The gospel also speaks to our worth. Our value is fixed because Jesus Christ paid a ransom for us on the cross. Sermon Text: Romans 4:1-12. The Essentiality of Faith The Elements of Faith Knowledge Trust Commitment The Effects of Faith Secure Standing Family status The world as our inheritance

This Sunday, Pastor JR talks through how the gospel practically impacts our everyday lives as Christians. Sermon Text: Romans 3:27-31 Sermon Points: Justification is a pardon and a pronouncement.  The Gospel answers our insecurities and our pride. The Gospel frees us from legalism and lawlessness.

As we continue our series through Romans, Pastor JR unpacks how we are justified through faith. Without Christ clothing us in righteousness, we cannot approach God. Through Jesus’s sacrifice, we can now enjoy full communion with God.   Sermon Text: Romans 3:19-26 Notes: Pardon Pronouncement Propitiation Imputation

After a short break, Pastor JR jumps back into our Romans Sermon Series as he unpacks Romans 3 - every person's natural condition in regards to their sinful nature and how Jesus saves us from ourselves. Sermon Text: Romans 3:9-24 Every person w/o exception in their natural condition is under sin (3:9). Every person w/o exception in their natural condition is under the control of sin. Every person w/o exception in their natural condition is condemned because of sin Every person w/o exception in their natural condition is incapable of saving themselves Every person w/o exception can be saved by faith in Jesus

This Sunday we continue our Grace-Driven Family series by talking about Marriage. Pastor JR unpacks what a Grace-Driven Marriage can look like in the reality of a broken world - two broken people being sanctified and finding joy in their marriage as they move towards Jesus. Text: Genesis 3:1-22  Frustration “…(the) ideal of marriage as a permanent contractual union designed for the sake of mutual love, procreation, and protection is slowly giving way to a new reality of marriage as a ‘terminal sexual contract’ designed for the gratification of the individual parties.” – John Witte, Jr. quoted in The Meaning of Marriage by Tim Keller When the glamour wears off, or merely works a bit thin, they think they have made a mistake, and that the real soul-mate is still to find. The real soul-mate too often proves to be the next sexually attractive person that comes along. Someone whom they might indeed very profitably have married, if only—. Hence divorce, to provide the “if only.” And of course they are as a rule quite right: they did make a mistake. Only a very wise man at the end of his life could make a sound judgment concerning whom, amongst the total possible chances, he ought most profitably to have married! . . . But the “real soul-mate” is the one you are actually married to.” - J.R.R Tolkien  Formation “Marriage is a duel to the death, which no man of honor should decline.” - G. K. Chesterton, Manalive Fulfillment Ephesians 5:31–32 (ESV) — 31 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.       

Guest Speaker, Kurt Bruner, gives parents practical advice on how to raise their children in a grace-driven, Jesus-centered environment.

This Sunday, we celebrate Easter as Pastor JR walks through Jesus' resurrection from the perspective of Mary Magdalene. Scripture: John 20:1-18. Sermon Points: Linger and Look Listen and Turn Worship and Rejoice Go and Tell

On Palm Sunday 2023, Pastor JR Vassar began our short sermon series, Jesus is Enough. We learned through Luke about how we as Christ-followers can choose to live a resolved life just as Jesus did on earth. Passage: Luke 9:51 Sermon Notes:Love for the Father Love for YOU

Notes: True Spirituality is an inside-out reality. True Spirituality is evidenced by a life centered on Jesus. True Spirituality lives for the right praise.

This Sunday, JR Vassar continued our series in Romans. Pastor JR describes how our faith is not about our actions, but true spirituality is an inside-out reality. It’s not a worldview, set of morals, or list of rules. Christianity is about the work of the Holy Spirit in your heart. Sermon Text: Romans 2:17-29 Sermon Notes: True Spirituality is an inside-out reality He brings conviction He gives revelation He gives confidence in Jesus He indwells you He assures you

Scripture: Romans 2:1-16 This Sunday, JR Vassar continued our series in Romans. This sermon closely examines how God's righteous judgment and loving kindness work together to lead us to repentance and into the fullness of life. Notes:Jesus will carry out God’s Judgment God’s Judgment will be Just God’s judgment will be irreversible Our only Hope in judgment is Grace

Scripture: Romans 2:1-11   This Sunday, Casey Schutza continued our series in Romans. This sermon closely examines how the religious person still needs grace and Gospel. Notes: Religious people can be falsely assured Religious people can be deeply hypocritical Religious people can be the most resistant to grace + Do I seek the higher future? + Do you seek immediate selfish gain?  

Scripture: Romans 1:18-32 This Sunday, Pastor JR Vassar continued our series in Romans. This sermon takes a closer look at idolatry and sexual sin and the different approaches of the traditionalist, revisionist, and the ways of Jesus. Notes: Revisionists: Paul was not addressing monogamous, consensual, committed same-sex relationships as we have today Revisionists: Paul is speaking about heterosexuals who commit homosexual acts contrary to their own personal nature. The WORDS of Jesus - Matthew 19:3–6 The WAYS of Jesus - 1 Corinthians 6:9–1 + We are all guilty of sexual sin and are offered the grace of God in Jesus. + We all must submit all our desires to the Lordship of Christ. + We must love those who reject God’s design and decree, but we must not affirm them in that rejection.

Scripture: Romans 1:18-25  Notes: The Universal Condition of all People  + Humanity has REJECTED GOD.  + Humanity has REPLACED GOD  The Universal Consequence for all People  The Universal Cure for all People + Be saved + Be sane + Be sent

Scripture: Acts 4:13-31 When was the last time you got into “good” trouble? Join us as we take a break from Romans and look to the book of Acts. Casey Schutza asks the question why is it so hard to be a vocal witness for the gospel?   Notes: + Spiritual formation is preparation for witness + Witnesses will attract good trouble + The trouble we face cannot silence the gospel + Way to respond to trouble

Scripture: Romans 1:16-17 The book of Romans answers the deepest questions we have as humans -- who do we belong to and why are we here? If we truly grasp and believe the message of Romans we will personally know God, have an assurance of heaven, and understand the gospel. This fourth sermon covers what the righteousness of God is and why it’s good news to us.   Notes: + Righteousness of God: Something He is + Righteousness of God: Something He gives The righteousness of God is “God’s righteous way to declare unrighteous people ‘righteous,’ by faith.” + Justification by Faith is the heart of the Gospel. + God declares us righteous without compromising his righteousness “I had conceived a burning desire to understand what Paul meant in his letter to the Romans, but thus far there had stood in my way that one phrase in chapter one: ‘the righteousness of God.’ I did not love, no I hated this righteous God who punishes sinners. Martin Luther

Scripture: Romans 1:7-17 The book of Romans answers the deepest questions we have as humans -- who do we belong to and why are we here? If we truly grasp and believe the message of Romans we will personally know God, have an assurance of heaven, and understand the gospel. This third sermon looks at the cultural shift away from Christianity and how we need a deeper faith, not a new one.   Notes: The Gospel is God’s truth and power to save Christians still need the Gospel+ The Gospel not only saves us, but it also changes us I Care More About My Obligation Than My Reputation

The book of Romans answers the deepest questions we have as humans -- who do we belong to and why are we here? If we truly grasp and believe the message of Romans we will personally know God, have an assurance of heaven, and understand the gospel. This second sermon looks at what the gospel is.    SERMON TEXT: Romans 1:1-6 SERMON NOTES:  +The Gospel has always been the plan of God + The Gospel is Jesus + The Gospel demands a response of faith fueled obedience + The Gospel is destined for all nations + You can belong to Jesus  + You can trust and obey Jesus + You can invest your life in the mission of Jesus

This Sunday, Pastor JR Vassar began our new series in Romans. The book of Romans answers the deepest questions we have as humans -- who do we belong to and why are we here? If we truly grasp and believe the message of Romans we will personally know God, have an assurance of heaven, and understand the gospel. This first sermon looks at the life and testimony of Paul, the writer of Romans. SERMON TEXT: Romans 1:1 SERMON NOTES:  The most critical realities you and I need to deal with are “whose we are and why we are. + Servant of Christ Jesus + Called to Be An Apostle + Set Apart for the Gospel of God 

Sermon Text: Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-10, 18 + Intentionally create margin for generosity + Establish a sustained response to the poor  • Sustained • Strategic • Personal

Matthew 2:1-18 “Because here's something else that's weird but true: in the day-to-day trenches of adult life, there is actually no such thing as atheism. There is no such thing as not worshiping. Everybody worships. The only choice we get is what to worship. And the compelling reason for maybe choosing some sort of god or spiritual-type thing to worship—be it JC or Allah, be it YHWH or the Wiccan Mother Goddess, or the Four Noble Truths, or some inviolable set of ethical principles—is that pretty much anything else you worship will eat you alive. If you worship money and things, if they are where you tap real meaning in life, then you will never have enough, never feel you have enough. It's the truth. Worship your body and beauty and sexual allure and you will always feel ugly. And when time and age start showing, you will die a million deaths before they finally grieve you.. Worship power — you will feel weak and afraid, and you will need ever more power over others to keep the fear at bay. - David Foster Wallace   The Way of Herod Paranoid Prideful   The Way of the Wise Men Diligence Joy Three Ways to Respond  Rejection Indifference Worship  

Sermon Text: Luke 1:5-25, 55-66  God uses unlikely but available people to bring about his purposes.   God’s plans always involve a time of waiting.   All our lives are to bear witness to Jesus.    

Sermon Text: Matthew 5:1-12 Identity of the Disciples Mission of the Disciples The Cost and Motivation of Discipleship

Sermon Text: Matthew 5:1-12. “Rather than the good life being defined in predominantly moral terms (i.e., seeking virtue, shunning vice, and conforming to a divinely given “way”), now the good life is often defined by a pursuit of a feeling, which is won by the accumulation of all the things you would find if one were to weld together ideal versions of a job résumé, dating profile, and Christmas list. By achieving success, wealth, power, and the right body type, we’ve allowed a modern combination of meritocracy and consumerism to cast an imaginative and alluring vision of ‘happily ever after.” Joshua Chatraw, Telling a Better Story. Persecution is inevitable for followers of Jesus.  Our Response to Persecution is non-retaliatory.  How real is the Kingdom of Heaven to you?  How real is Jesus’ promised reward to you?

This is the ninth message in our series, “The Beatitudes: Jesus’ Invitation To The Good Life.” Pastor JR shares with us what being a real peacemaker is. Sermon Text: Matthew 5:10-12 The Certainty of Persecution The Cause of Persecution  The Forms of Persecution  The Response to Persecution  

This is the eighth message in our series, “The Beatitudes: Jesus’ Invitation To The Good Life.” Pastor JR shares with us what being a real peacemaker is.   Sermon Text: Matthew 5:1-9Sermon Notes:  God is a Peace-Making God God’s children are peacemaking people Rest in the Peace you have with God Don’t Settle for Counterfeit Peace Prepare to have your attempts at peace rejected Spread Peace by Spreading the Gospel  

Matthew 5:8 What is it? For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” (Mark 7:21-23) Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully. (Psalm 24:3-4) “Their whole life, public and private, is transparent before God and men. Their very heart—including their thoughts and motives—is pure, unmixed without anything devious, ulterior, or base. Hypocrisy and deceit are abhorrent to them; they are without guile” - John Stott “Purity of heart is to will one thing.”– Soren Kierkegaard What's the Motivation for it? “Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.” - ‭‭1 John‬ ‭3:2-3‬ ‭ESV‬‬ “Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.” — ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭22:1-5‬ ‭ESV‬‬ How can we have it? “And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith.” — ‭‭Acts‬ ‭15:8-9‬ ‭ESV‬‬

This is the sixth message in our series, “The Beatitudes: Jesus’ Invitation To The Good Life.” Pastor JR shares with us what mercy is, how do we learn it, and what is the promise.  Sermon Text: Matthew 5:1-7 Sermon Notes:  What Is Mercy? How Do We Learn Mercy?   “Like nothing else could ever do, the gospel instills in me a heart for the downcast, the poverty-stricken, and those in need of physical mercies, especially when such persons are of the household of faith. When I see persons who are materially poor, I instantly feel a kinship with them, for they are physically what I was spiritually when my heart was closed to Christ. Perhaps some of them are in their condition because of sin, but so was I. Perhaps they are unkind when I try to help them; but I, too, have been spiteful to God when He has sought to help me. Perhaps they are thankless and even abuse the kindness I show them, but how many times have I been thankless and used what God has given me to serve selfish ends? The gospel reminds me daily of the spiritual poverty into which I was born and also of the staggering generosity of Christ towards me. Such reminders instill in me both a felt connection to the poor and a desire to show them the same generosity that has been lavished on me. When ministering to the poor with these motivations, I not only preach the gospel to them through word and deed, but I reenact the gospel to my own benefit as well.” A Gospel Primer for Christians by Milton Vincent. What Is The Promise? How we experience God treating us is the way we will treat others; but how we treat others is also how we will experience God treating us.

This is the fifth message in our series, “The Beatitudes: Jesus’ Invitation To The Good Life.” Pastor JR shares with us how to pursue righteousness. Sermon Text: Matthew 5:1-6 Sermon Notes:  Legal Righteousness Moral Righteousness - You evaluate everything in your life by how it affects your pursuit of righteousness - You embrace everything that promotes righteousness Social Righteousness You embrace everything that promotes righteousness  You will work to alleviate the sufferings of others even at personal cost to yourself.  

This is the fourth message in our series, “The Beatitudes: Jesus’ Invitation To The Good Life.” JR shares with us how meekness is the key to the Kingdom of God, why we should desire meekness, and how to cultivate it.  Sermon Text: Matthew 5:1-5.  Keep your eyes on the eternal Keep your eyes on Jesus 

This is the third message in our series, “The Beatitudes: Jesus’ Invitation To The Good Life.”  Sermon Text: Matthew 5:4 + Those who mourn over the sin and brokenness in them.  + Those who mourn over the sin and brokenness around them.  + Those who mourn over the sin and brokenness inflicted on them.    + He comforts us with Pardon.  “Suppose for a moment that in a flash of insight you discovered that all your motives for ministry were essentially egocentric, or suppose that last night you got drunk and committed adultery, or suppose that you failed to respond to a cry for help and the person committed suicide. What would you do? Would guilt and self-condemnation, and self-hatred consume you, or would you jump into the water and swim a hundred yards at breakneck speed toward Jesus? Haunted by feelings of unworthiness, would you allow the darkness to overcome you or would you let Jesus be who He is - a Savior of boundless compassion and infinite patience, a Lover who keeps no score of our wrongs?” Brennan Manning, Abba’s Child. + He comforts us with his Presence + He comforts us with his Promises   

  This is the second message in our series, “The Beatitudes: Jesus’ Invitation To The Good Life.” This sermon covers what the Kingdom of God looks like and why being poor in spirit is foundational to living in his kingdom.   If you feel like you are not enough for Jesus, you are ready for Jesus  You never graduate from poverty of spirit The poor in spirit never feel superior to anyone 

Sermon Text: Matthew 5:1-12. “At length they gradually deviated into a taste for those luxuries which stimulate to vice; porticos, and baths, and the elegancies of the table; and this, from their inexperience, they termed politeness, whilst, in reality, it constituted a part of their slavery.” ― Tacitus, The Agricola and The Germania.  “Jesus did not die at the hands of muggers, rapists, or thugs. He fell into the well-scrubbed hands of deeply religious people, society’s most respected members.” - Brennan Manning, Abba’s Child   Who he is How he lived Why he died Where He is  What He knows   Tortured Souls  Cheated Souls Diseased souls   “I find, then, a fourth case, where the happy life exists,—when that which is man’s chief good is both loved and possessed. For what do we call enjoyment but having at hand the objects of love? And no one can be happy who does not enjoy what is man’s chief good, nor is there any one who enjoys this who is not happy.” St. Augustine.

Jude 17-21 Sermon Notes: “The Ring of Sauron is only one of the various mythical treatments of the placing of one’s life, or power, in some external object, which is thus exposed to capture or destruction with disastrous results to oneself.” J.R.R. Tolkien Keep yourselves in the Love of God Building Yourselves up in your most holy faith Praying in the Holy Spirit Waiting for the Mercy of Jesus CHALLENGE 5.4.3.2.1 5 times a week in the Scripture and Prayer 4 times a month in corporate worship 3 times a month in a discipleship group 2 times a month in your Life Group 1 time a month in corporate prayer (Prayer and Songs)

Ephesians 3:14-19   Sermon Notes: Paul’s (and Scripture’s) great concern is our interior life.     "The sad reality is that most of us will not go forward until the pain of staying where we are in unbearable." Pete Scazzero Notes:  In Scripture In silence and solitude In Community    CHALLENGE:  5 times a week in the word and prayer 4 times a month in corporate worship 3 times a month in your life group 1 time a month in corporate prayer

Renewed Passion for Discipleship This is the last message in our sermon series, "Songs of Renewal." Minister to Young Adults and Alpha Director, Casey Schutza, challenges us to make faithful disciples in every generation. Psalm 78 + What is our greatest temptation?  + What is our greatest gift?  + What hope do we have for the future?  

This message is the tenth message in our sermon series, "Songs of Renewal." Minister to Young Adults and Alpha Director, Casey Schutza, encourages us to renew our vision of Jesus.  Psalm 2 + Inditement of the King + Identity of the King + Invitation of the King

This message is the ninth message in our sermon series, "Songs of Renewal." Friend and Pastor from Providence Church, Afshin Ziafat, shares with us what true biblical repentance is.  Psalm 51 + Turns to God + Confesses Sin + Begs for Mercy + Longs for Restoration + Seeks God's Glory

This message is the eighth message in our sermon series, "Songs of Renewal." Friend and Pastor from Northway Church, Shea Sumlin, teaches us how to have trust in God in seasons of uncertainty.  Psalm 33 + No matter what God has for us, our posture should be thanksgiving  + God is sovereign over everything + Nothing can thwart God's plans  + God sees you + Dont put your trust in human systems + Put your trust in God  + Our response is hope and trust as we wait 

This message is the seventh message in our sermon series, "Songs of Renewal." Our friend and partner from  Dallas Chinese Bible Church, David Tang, encourages us to renew our trust of God in times of suffering.  Psalm 31 Sermon Notes:  + Cry out to the God who hears + Align our hearts to God's truth + Commit ourselves to the God who redeems 

This message is the seventh in our sermon series, "Songs of Renewal." Our friend, Lance Shumake, will remind us of our great mission as believers.  Psalm 96 + God's ultimate mission is to be glorified in all the earth. + Our mission is to declare the greatness of God. + Our mission is to ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name + Our mission is to proclaim that the Lord reigns. +Our mission is to invite the nations to worship Jesus with us.

This message is the sixth in our sermon series, "Songs of Renewal." Our church partner and pastor of All People's Church, Kenji Adachi, will encourage us to place our hope in God. Psalm 20 +Admit we are hopeless without God + We must appeal to the Lord. 

PSALM 139 + Repentance is continual + Repenance can be reactive + Repentance should be proactive Why do we need it? Why do we resist it? How do we need it?

This message is the fourth in our sermon series, "Songs of Renewal." Our Student Minister, Nathaniel Kuhns, will be teaching us, helping us discover how the blessed life is being known.  Psalm 32 +To live a blessed life is to be known by God + To live a blessed life is to be known by others

This message is the third in our sermon series, "Songs of Renewal." Our friend, Josh Knight, of Flourishing Grace Church will be teaching us, helping us discover how God brings renewal to our days.  Psalm 90

This message is the second in our sermon series, "Songs of Renewal." Our friend, Jamin Roller, of Citizens Church will be teaching us, helping us discover how God brings renewal to us even in our doubts. Psalm 73 Sermon Notes:  Doubt is a normal part the Christian life God wants faith to be renewed + Name the doubt + Defend doubt + Tell God where doubt is leading you + Doubt your doubts + Renewed faith and heart

This message is the first message in our sermon series, "Songs of Renewal." Things grow old and break down. God loves to renew and build up. We will be diving into the Psalms, the Christian’s hymn book, for a summer sermon series entitled Songs of Renewal. Several friends of CATC will be teaching us, helping us discover how God brings renewal to us and through us to the world around us. Psalm 131 Sermon Notes:  + Befriend humble Ignorance + Befriend the Ordinary and be Faithful. 

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:6-11.  Sermon Notes:  Humble ourselves before a caring and Mighty God.  Resist every cause and expression of evil.  Wait with Glad Hope.   

After Jesus rose from the dead, he ascended into heaven and will one day come again. But, he has promised to be with us even now. So, how do we currently experience Jesus’ presence? In this collection of teachings, we will look at Jesus as our ever-present Savior, Lord, and Friend, one who is present for us in heaven, present among us in the sacraments, and present in us by his Holy Spirit. John 14:15-18; 15:26 Sermon Notes:  + He will convince us of Jesus  (The Spirit of Revelation)  + He will renew us into the most honorable version of ourselves(Spirit of Renewal) + He will help us feel the reality and intimacy of being perfectly loved children of God(Spirit of Sonship) +He will lead us into a life of meaningful participation in the purposes of God(Spirit Power)

After Jesus rose from the dead, he ascended into heaven and will one day come again. But, he has promised to be with us even now. So, how do we currently experience Jesus’ presence? In this collection of teachings, we will look at Jesus as our ever-present Savior, Lord, and Friend, one who is present for us in heaven, present among us in the sacraments, and present in us by his Holy Spirit.   Matthew 26:17-20;26-29   Sermon Notes:  + Remembering + Encountering + Feeding + Renewing + Proclaiming + Anticipate • Seriously • Eagerly • Honestly

After Jesus rose from the dead, he ascended into heaven and will one day come again. But, he has promised to be with us even now. So, how do we currently experience Jesus’ presence? In this collection of teachings, we will look at Jesus as our ever-present Savior, Lord, and Friend, one who is present for us in heaven, present among us in the sacraments, and present in us by his Holy Spirit. Romans 6:1-5 Sermon Notes:  + Baptism doesn’t save us + Baptism is a visible sign of our salvation in Christ • NEW LORD  • NEW LIFE  • NEW FAMILY • NEW FUTURE + Baptism is for everyone who has been united to Jesus by faith + Remember your baptism + Be baptized

Join us as we listen to guest speaker, Pastor Ray Ortlund, unpack Psalm 85 for us. Ray Ortlund (ThM, Dallas Theological Seminary; MA, The University of California, Berkeley; PhD, University of Aberdeen, Scotland) is president of Renewal Ministries, and an Emeritus Council member of The Gospel Coalition. He founded Immanuel Church in Nashville, Tennessee, and now serves from Immanuel as Pastor to Pastors. Ray has authored a number of books, including The Gospel: How The Church Portrays The Beauty of Christ and Marriage and the Mystery of the Gospel. He and his wife, Jani, have four children. (bio taken from thegospelcoalition.org)⁠

Hebrews 7:23-25 Jesus’ intercession means that we will never be condemned    +Propitiation – His wounds secure our pardon.  + Righteousness - His works secures our place. Jesus’ intercession means that we can and will overcome every enemy to our faith Jesus’ intercession means the Church will accomplish its mission 

Listen in on our Easter 2022 message: Jesus wants you to believe with Confidence Jesus wants you to experience Life Jesus wants you to not define yourself by your lowest moment

This message is the final sermon of our sermon series, "Seven Deadly Sins." Join us as we explore how to sever the root of these chief sins and cultivate the virtues that can replace them. In this message, Pastor JR walks through Proverbs 24:30–34 to show us how sloth keeps us from being the person God created us to be. + Created to Be in relationship with God.  + Created to Be in relationship with others.  + Created to Be in relationship with creation.  Pastor JR contends that sloth can lead us to Boredom, Blasphemy, and Brokenness.  

This message is the sixth part of our sermon series, "Seven Deadly Sins." Join us as we explore how to sever the root of these chief sins and cultivate the virtues that can replace them. In this message, Pastor JR walks through 1 Thessalonians 4:1-10 to show us how lust keeps us from being the person God has created us to be.  + God takes sex seriously, and so should we + God takes you seriously, and so should you + God takes others seriously, and so should you + God takes God seriously, and so should you

This message is the fifth part of our sermon series, "Seven Deadly Sins." Join us as we explore how to sever the root of these chief sins and cultivate the virtues that can replace them. In this message, Pastor JR walks through Philippians 3:17-21 to define what gluttony is and how we can battle it. Excessively  Hastily  Too frequently Demandingly  Sumptuously  Mindlessly   +You must be driven by something greater and purer than your bodily appetites  + You must properly value your body + You must become a friend of the cross. 

This message is the fourth part of our sermon series, "Seven Deadly Sins." Join us as we explore how to sever the root of these chief sins and cultivate the virtues that can replace them. In this message, Pastor JR walks through John 3:22-30 to show us what envy is and the remedy to curing it.  Sermon Notes:  + Envy is the anxiety of inflated ambition  + Envy wants what another has and can’t be happy until it has it + Envy desires prominence in the eyes of self and others

This message is the third part of our sermon series, "Seven Deadly Sins." Join us as we explore how to sever the root of these chief sins and cultivate the virtues that can replace them. In this sermon, Pastor JR walks through Ephesians 4:25-5:2. This sermon teaches us to see the effects of our anger, helps us learn where our anger comes from, and teaches us how to be free from sinful anger.   Sermon Notes:  The Effects of Sinful Anger: Hurts and Warps our humanity  Hinders our relationship with God: Makes us Vulnerable to Satan  Destroys relationships  Where does our anger come from?  Pride  Insecurity    How do we get free from sinful anger?  STARVATION REFLECTION IMAGINATION RESIGNATION  

This message is the second part of our sermon series, "Seven Deadly Sins." Join us as we explore how to sever the root of these chief sins and cultivate the virtues that can replace them. In this sermon, Casey looks at Luke 12:13-21 to see how greed lies to us and how we generate generosity.  Sermon Notes:  + What is Greed?  +How does greed lie to us?  +How do we break greed's power in us?   

This message is the first part of our sermon series, "Seven Deadly Sins." Join us as we explore how to sever the root of these chief sins and cultivate the virtues that can replace them. In this sermon, Pastor JR looks at Daniel 4:1-37 and the story of King Nebuchadnezzar's pride.    Sermon Notes:  + A High Regard for Self  + Lack of fear of God  + Boasting in accomplishments  + Disregard for others.  + God will teach us to glorify him + God will teach us to submit to him  + God will teach us gratitude + God will exalt us in the end

Empowered by the Spirit  This message is the sixth part of our teaching series called, "Profile: About A Christian." We will explore what the Scriptures teach regarding the identifying descriptors of a Christian. In this sermon, Pastor JR shows us that Christians are marked by the Spirit and what that means for us.  Romans 8:1-17 Sermon Points • You are convinced in the Lordship of Jesus and trust him for salvation.  • You experience a new dimension of life  • You are being led by the Spirit to wage war against personal sin  • you have the felt experience of God’s Fatherly Love.  • You are empowered for witness  

This message is the fifth part of our teaching series called, "Profile: About A Christian." We will explore what the Scriptures teach regarding the identifying descriptors of a Christian. In this sermon, Minister to Life Groups, Matt Lear, shows us that Christian community is a gift we should embrace.  2 Peter 2:4-10   SERMON POINTS • Embrace the Love of God's People • Embrace the Call to Love Like Jesus + Commit to a specific people + Commit to investing significant time + Commit to being an accessible community  + Commit to being an attractional community 

This message is the fourth part of our teaching series called, "Profile: About A Christian." We will explore what the Scriptures teach regarding the identifying descriptors of a Christian. In this sermon, Pastor JR shows us that Christians are shaped by Scripture.    2 Timothy 3:10-17   Sermon Points • A Christian Believes in the Bible’s Truthfulness  • A Christian is Changed by the Bible’s Message • A Christian Lives by the Bible’s Promises + Know the promises + Believe the promises  + Rely on the promises  + Pray the promises + Meet the conditions of the promises + Wait for the fulfillment of the promises   

This message is the third part of our teaching series called, "Profile: About A Christian." We will explore what the Scriptures teach regarding the identifying descriptors of a Christian. In this sermon, Pastor JR walks through Luke 24:36-53 and how evangelizing is a central tenet of the Christian Faith.    Luke 24:36-53   Sermon Points • Global Evangelization is a central tenet of the Christian Faith.  • All of God’s people are agents to evangelize the world.  + Small Love  + Big Fears + Lone Rangers + Fatal Distractions + Little Power  • Our focus must be local and global    

This message is the second part of our teaching series called, "Profile: About A Christian." We will explore what the Scriptures teach regarding the identifying descriptors of a Christian. In this sermon, Pastor JR walks through 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 and how it shows us that the gospel not only saves us but changes us.    // Sermon Points //  • The Gospel is Factual • The Gospel is Foundational • The Gospel is Formational

This message is the first part of our teaching series called, "Profile: About A Christian." We will explore what the Scriptures teach regarding the identifying descriptors of a Christian. In this sermon, Pastor JR reminds us that Christians are Jesus-Centered.

“Come, let us return to the Lord; for he has torn us, that he may heal us; he has struck us down, and he will bind us up. 2  After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him. 3  Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord; his going out is sure as the dawn; he will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth.” 4  What shall I do with you, O Ephraim? What shall I do with you, O Judah? Your love is like a morning cloud, like the dew that goes early away. 5  Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth, and my judgment goes forth as the light. 6  For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. (Hosea 6:1–6) ESV What blocks Renewal? "Their concern was for healing rather than cleansing. They wanted God to make things right in their nation, but they did not come with broken hearts and surrendered wills. They wanted happiness but not holiness. They wanted a change in circumstances but not a change in character. They wanted rescue from their situation but not deliverance from their sins. - Warren Wiersbe What Catalyzes Renewal?   9 As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him. 10 And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”  (Matthew 9:9-13) ESV "Halfhearted Christians are the most miserable people of all. They know enough to feel guilty but they haven't gone far enough in Christ to be happy"- Ray Ortland How do we Contend for Renewal? Prepare in the Hidden Place Delight in Discipleship   O Ephraim, what have I to do with idols? It is I who answer and look after you. I am like an evergreen cypress; from me comes your fruit. (Ho 14:8).  I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. (Jn 15:5) ESV Patiently play your part  

// Sermon Highlights //  + Jesus is Lord over human history.  + Jesus Opens and Closes the Door to the Kingdom. + Jesus cares for and works for all in his Kingdom.    - Rest in His acceptance.    - Rest in his adequacy.   

// Sermon Highlights //  + He is a Promise Keeping God + He is a Mercy Giving God + He is a Hope Instilling God   

Sermon Highlights: + This Light is Eternal  + This Light Brings Creation  + This Light Brings Revelation  + This Light Brings Confrontation  + This Light Brings Salvation + This Light Sends us on Mission

// SERMON HIGHLIGHTS //  + Jesus is the Wisdom of God that saves us. + Jesus is the Wisdom that makes life work

// Sermon Highlights //  + God is moving all of human history to a glorious eternal ending + Our Eternal Destiny is the Culmination of our Earthly Trajectory + If we believe a new world is coming, then we must invest our greatest resources and energies in that world   

+ The Condition of God’s People   + The Requirements for Revival Heartfelt Prayer  Commitment to Righteousness Confession and Repentance   Submission to God + The Confidence to Wait

+ The Darkness in the World + The Light of the World + The Hope of Nations

//SERMON HIGHLIGHTS// God’s grace is all satisfying. God’s grace is free.  God’s Grace is freeing.    

The Identity of the Suffering Servant The Description of His Suffering  The Meaning and Cause of His Suffering.  Substitution  Propitiation The Outcomes of His Suffering. For us Justification  Adoption  The Response to His Suffering

//Sermon Highlights// Why should we listen to him? How shall we listen to him?     

//Sermon Highlights// + The Servant’s Work + The Servant’s Way + The Servant’s Weapon

SERMON HIGHLIGHTS + Mission of the Servant + Methods of the Servant + Means of the Servant

Sermon Highlights + True spirituality is a pursuit of God AND a shared embrace of God’s deepest concerns.   

// Sermon Highlights //  + God is Sovereign and is orchestrating the future for the good of His people.  +God enables the weak to overcome every obstacle +God does the impossible in response to prayer

// Sermon Highlights// Find Comfort in the Mighty Arm of God  Find Comfort in the Incomparable Greatness of God Find Comfort in the inexhaustible resources of God   

// Sermon Highlights // Find Comfort in the Forgiving Grace of God  Find Comfort In the Experienced Presence of God Find Comfort In the Enduring Promises of God  

Sermon Highlights We follow Jesus in ALL things We follow Jesus in AWE of him We follow Jesus in HUMILITY We follow Jesus on MISSION

Isaiah 36-39 The Blessing of Crisis -Our crises create opportunities for a fresh encounter with God.  -Our crises reveal what we really want.  The Threat of Prosperity. 

SERMON HIGHLIGHTS + God is a God who makes the barren fruitful. + God is a God who strengthens the weak and calms the anxious. + God is a God who overturns the impossible + God is a God of the happy ending

Colossians 1:15-20 SERMON HIGHLIGHTS + Jesus is our meaning + Jesus is our mission +Jesus is our message

Philippians 2:14-18 SERMON HIGHLIGHTS Grumbling Tarnishes Christian Distinctiveness  Christian Grumbling Doesn’t Tell the Truth

Philippians 2:1-11 SERMON HIGHLIGHTS The Humble Renunciation of Jesus. The Humble Incarnation of Jesus. The Humble Crucifixion of Jesus.

Isaiah 30:18-33 Sermon Highlights: God wants from us a Life of Faith.  + The Life of Faith Submits to God’s Discipline - Discipline of Correction - Discipline of Perfection + The Life of Faith waits for God’s Victory.  

To live a life of faith, what does a life of faith look like ... ?  +The life of Faith Listens to God’s voice + A life of faith is a life that submits to God’s voice, his word.  Focus on Intimacy with God Marinate Your Life in Scripture Trust That His Word Is Reality and It's Good Commit To His Will And Do Whatever He Says To Do

Isaiah 30-31 Sermon Highlights To live a life of faith, what does a life of faith look like ... ?  +A Life Of Faith Relies On God's Mercy

Sermon Highlights +Diminished Affection + Neglected Revelation +Legalistic Tradition  + Absent Compassion A new heart A renewed heart  

ISAIAH 26 // SERMON HIGHLIGHTS // + Christian, you are safe because God is great + Christian, you are safe because peace is promised + Christian, you are safe because your hope is higher

+ Any plan or any life built apart from God or against God in the end will collapse.  +God is building something beautiful and satisfying and lasting for his people  + This is available for all peoples and every person.   

ISAIAH 13-24 // SERMON HIGHLIGHTS // + God has a settled, active, opposition to Human Pride.  + Pride puts us at enmity with God and others.  + The end of unchecked, unrepentant pride is the active opposition of God. + Humility opens us up to the experience of the Grace of God.  + The consummation of Human History is the exaltation of Jesus.  + Begin your day renouncing pride and embracing humility.       

Isaiah 12 - How can we be zealous and excited for the mission of God?  // SERMON HIGHLIGHTS // + Confident Testimony + Drinking Deeply

ISAIAH 11:1-10 I am a Christian ultimately because of Jesus, who he is, what he is like, what he has done and will do. // SERMON HIGHLIGHTS // His Matchless Competency His Transforming Power His Worldwide Fame

Isaiah 6:1-13

Isaiah 5:18-30

Isaiah 2:6-22

Isaiah 1:21-31

1 Thessalonians 1:2-5

Genesis 9:1-11 - The Sixth Commandment

Luke 10:17-20

John 20:19-22

"People who delight in the grace of God become gracious people." - JR Vassar

Guest Pastor Jonathan Murphy

"When we neglect God and his purposes, our lives become flat. We end up killing time to cure boredom instead of stewarding time to accomplish something of significance." - JR Vassar

Luke 10:25-37 "To see someone as a person means that you understand that everyone has intrinsic worth and is sacred...There is no one on this planet who is simply common. Every person that exists is made in the image of God...They are reminders to us of God's existence and reality." - JR Vassar

Romans 8:28-39

Romans 8:31-34

Romans 8:28-30 “Don’t turn a text of comfort into a text of controversy… when we go through times of suffering, theology matters. God is not going to comfort you apart from reason or your mind… He comforts us with truth… Theology has the ability to serenade and sooth you.” – JR Vassar

Romans 8:18-29 “Be careful how you define ‘good.’ It doesn’t mean an upgrade in your circumstances as much as it means an upgrade in you.” –JR Vassar  

Romans 8:1-27 “The Holy Spirit is given to us because life is too much for us.” -JR Vassar

Romans 8:22-25 “God wants the Holy Spirit not to be just a theological truth we affirm, but an experiential reality we encounter.” – JR Vassar

Listen to our first ever, Q&A Podcast where we will help you go just a little further into your understanding of the Romans 8 text. Pastor Joseph Tenny is joined by Pastor JR Vassar in answering the questions you have sent in as you have been following the sermons. They cover everything from important biographies...

Romans 8:17-22 “Jesus has come to regain us for God and to regain creation for us.”  –JR Vassar

Romans 8:14-17 “The Holy Spirit gives every Christian a sense of God’s personal, fatherly love.” – JR Vassar

Romans 8:12-14 “I fear we have few of us a diligence proportionable to our danger.” –Joseph Tenney (Quoting John Owen)

Romans 8:12-17 “The mortification of sin is more than overcoming certain particular sins; it is the killing of the roots of sin, not just the fruit of sin.” -JR Vassar

Romans 8:5-11

Romans 8:5-8 | Guest Speaker – Tyson Guthrie  

Romans 8:1-4 “The gospel is that your heart may be made fit to receive the Holy Spirit and that you might be brought into a new experience of life altogether under the influence and power of the Holy Spirit.”–JR Vassar

Romans 1:1-4 “A Christian should never feel condemned, never see God as opposed to them, and never see him as a God in need of appeasing. It’s all been done in Christ.” -JR Vassar

Mark 4:35-41 “Our circumstances do not have final significance. They break upon the fact that Jesus has all authority. They are robbed of ultimate significance…This world is broken and fallen and we are all going to get cut, wounded and we are all going to bleed. But those things do not have ultimate significance… Christ...

Hebrews 10:23-25 “Our worship is desperately seeking a home.” -Joseph Tenney

“The gospel will heal you of your need to be extraordinary because it gives you the love and approval you desperately want and need.” – JR Vassar

Hebrews 11:29-40 “It is the exercise of faith in God that activates the power of God to bring about the supernatural work of God.” –JR Vassar

Psalm 119:65-72

Psalm 80 “Jesus didn’t show up to lecture and condemn us, he came to save us.” – JR Vassar

“God owns all things, knows all things, and God orders all things.” -James Sercey, Student Minister

“You can oppose the Kingdom of Jesus, but you can never overcome it.” -JR Vassar

Gregg Simmons – Life Action Ministries “There is no humanity outside a personal relationship with our creator.”

1 John 2:18-27 “This is how you know you have the Holy Spirit living in your life, you see and trust and treasure Jesus.” – JR Vassar

1 John 2:1-11 “You can never enjoy a love that you have to earn because you are always afraid you can lose it.” -JR Vassar  

1 John 2:1-6 “Being a Christian means I know Christ – not just as a good person, therapist, life coach, or example to follow. It means I know him as Savior and advocate.” –JR Vassar

I John 2:1-2 “You get assurance by looking to a person.” -JR Vassar  

Philippians 4:4-9 “Much of our anxiety is the fruit of what we have chosen to set our minds on.”  – JR Vassar

Philippians 4:4-9

Colossians 2:8-15 “The greatest threat to Christian freedom is other Christians insisting their brothers and sisters in Christ should act a certain way, believe certain ideas, and follow certain rules or they aren’t really Christians. Christianity isn’t a religion of rules. It’s a religion of relationship.” -Thabiti Anyabwile

“Contentment come from having the real felt presence of God in your life.” – JR Vassar

Matthew 6:25-34 “Your fears are false prophets telling you lies about God.” -JR Vassar

Hebrews 2:14-15 “The deepest greatest need of every human being is that you need someone to die for you”

Psalm 42 “Experiencing God’s presence is your only hope for anxiety.” – JR Vassar

Luke 24:36-43 “You can’t out-sin God’s grace.” -JR Vassar

Luke 22:39-46 “It is costly to be in the will of God. In love, He hands every one of us a ‘cup’ to drink.” –JR. Vassar

Luke 22:24-30 “Greatness is not promoting yourself to be seen, but humbling yourself to serve.” -JR Vassar

Luke 14:25-33 “We cannot live for ourselves and bring life to this world.”  -JR Vassar

Luke 9:21-27 “When it comes to glory and shame, you get one now and one later, but the one you choose for later is forever”

Luke 5:27-31 “No one walks into the kingdom with their head held high” – JR Vassar

Luke 4:1-13 “I’ll submit my desires to God’s will and I will not define God’s will by my desires ” – JR Vassar

“We need to be the kind of people that take our anger and let it be fueled and motivated by love.” – Joseph Tenney

“You cannot move towards Jesus and sexual sin at the same time” – JR Vassar

“In the end it won’t matter what you owned, what will matter is who owned you” – JR Vassar

Proverbs 24:30-34 | 26:13-16 “Boredom is the result of being unhinged from your purpose and your design.” -JR Vassar

“If you hope to change your speech, you must address your heart.” -JR Vassar

Proverbs 1:8-19 “Creation and the Cross level all of humanity and equally elevate it.” -JR Vassar

Proverbs 1:1-7, 20-30 “Proverbs shows us what a life looks like when it’s been put back together by God – by His good rule and authority.” -JR Vassar

2 Timothy 4:6-8

Hebrews 3:7-15 “If you hear his [God’s] voice you become immediately accountable to what he asks”

1 John 4:14 “One thing that makes Christianity unique is that it is based on historically verifiable events.”  JR Vassar

UNDERSTANDING ISLAM | DECEMBER 12 Understanding Islam: Befriending Muslims: Every local church needs to equip every Christian to “Go and make disciples.” Scott Venable, Glocal Impact Pastor, Northwood Church

1 John 4:7-10 | CATC Advent Series 2017 “You are like a lost treasure that Jesus Christ has come for and it cost God everything just to bring you back into his possession.”

Ephesians 6:21-24 “What you love most is the most important thing about you because it determines how you live.”  JR Vassar

Ephesians 6:10-20 “There are things we are up against that will not have pragmatic solutions because they have demonic origins.” -JR Vassar

Ephesians 6:5-9 “Christian workers should be the hardest working, most reliable, most responsible, most dependable workers because they are working to please Jesus. And they should do their work with excellence.” – JR Vassar

Ephesians 6:1-4 “As you see the kind of father God is you can see the kind of parent you can become.” – JR Vassar

Ephesians 5:22-33

Ephesians 5:22-33

Ephesians 5:22-33 “Marriage is a parable of Christ’s relationship with his people.” -JR Vassar

Ephesians 5:15-21 “God’s will isn’t something buried that you have to dig up. It is something revealed that you have to learn and live out.” -JR Vassar

Ephesians 5:7-14 “Counter the darkness with the truth of the Gospel – I belong to God, he is for me and not against me. He is for my good.” – JR Vassar

Going Global: God’s heart for the World. God loves the world. What does this mean for us in a city of growing diversity? How do we understand the opportunities of globalization? Afshin Ziafat, Lead Pastor of Providence Church

Ephesians 5:1-7 “We are not to do with our body what we don’t have the character, the courage and the commitment to do with our whole life.” -JR Vassar

Ephesians 5:1-2 If my life is going to be an ongoing impression of God…I have to learn how to walk in love and ask what is the loving thing to do. – JR Vassar

Ephesians 4:25-32 “What if my mantra were, ‘I refuse to withhold from others what God has so freely given to me.'” JR Vassar

JR Vassar

Ephesians 4:25-32 “We [the church] are called to give a comprehensive and compelling picture of Christ to the world.” -JR Vassar

Ephesians 4:17-24 “Becoming a Christian is not you trying harder, it’s you encountering Jesus and being made new.” JR Vassar

Ephesians 4:7-16 “As each member of the church uses his gifts, we are giving the world a comprehensive and compelling picture of Christ.”  -JR Vassar

Ephesians 4:1-6 “Your Christianity is the truest, most defining and enduring reality about you.” – JR Vassar

“God desires to give us life, not just good behavior.” -Pete Brooks

Psalm 13 “God is worthy of praise, even on a bad day. He’s good because of who He is.” -Doug Logan

Psalm 42 “When life bottoms out, real Christianity finally gets to go to work.”  Jared C. Wilson

“It is the Spirit of God who becomes the key element to experiencing unity.” – Gregg Simmons

So we aren’t trying to find deliverance but strength in God. God did not say to Isaiah “fear not for there is nothing to fear.” He said, “Fear not for I am with you and I will strengthen you.”

“Jesus Christ had this song stripped from him for a moment so that we could sing it forever” JR Vassar

Ephesians 3:20-21 “You were not built to bear the burden of God, you were built to bring glory and honor to God”

Ephesians 3:14-19 “To be filled with the fullness of God, you must experience the limitless dimensions of Christ’s love for you.”  

Ephesians 3:14-19 You are giving Christ unrestricted access and unconditional ownership to every single part of your life – This is what it means for Christ to dwell in your heart.

Ephesians 3:11-19 “I walk into the presence of God with confidence because of Jesus’ record…he is my all access pass.”

Ephesians 3:1-12 “It’s not about merit, it’s all about mercy.”

Ephesians 3:7-9 “The gospel is beautiful in that it humbles every person, kings and paupers, puts them all on the same level as sinners in need of grace.”

Ephesians 3:1-10 “Jesus did not come to make bad people better with rules; he came to make dead people alive by a resurrection.”

Ephesians 3:1-10 “Conversion is when you see God, then you see you, and then you see your need for his mercy.”

Many claim Christianity’s teachings on human sexuality are outdated and constitute bigotry. Does an accurate reading of the Christian Scripture lead to an anti-gay bias? What is to be Christianity’s posture to the LGBT community?  Speaker: Peter Hubbard, author of Love Into Light and Teaching Pastor of North Hills Community Church in Taylors, SC.

Ephesians 2:17-22 Are you in this city, this household, this temple? Will anyone know it?

Ephesians 2:11-20 “Those of you who feel like second class citizens of the kingdom of God, if you are in Christ you are a co-heir with Jesus, a child of god. You are deeply forever loved. You are vital to the health and future of the church and one day you will rule and reign...

Ephesians 2:1-10 “Salvation is through faith alone (apart from works) but not a faith that is alone (without works).”

Ephesians 2:8-10 “Your life right now is a dress rehearsal for eternity.”

Ephesians 2:1-7 “Being alive in Christ does not point to a past event but a present reality.”

Barry Creamer President and Professor of Humanities at Criswell College, Dallas, TX.

Ephesians 1:15-23   “There is no biblical category for one who benefits from the crucified Christ but does not bow to the resurrected Christ.”

Good Friday Service, 2016

Ephesians 1:15-23 “The church is a living organism, a people who’ve been joined together by God as he connects us to Jesus.”

Ephesians 1:15-23 “What would happen if the power of God that raised Christ from the dead became an active power in your life?”

If there was a God and He was powerful and good, why is there so much evil and suffering in the world? Can we really believe in a God who has all power and is perfectly good when the world is broken as it is? Speaker: Burk Parsons. Editor of Tabletalk Magazine and Co-Pastor of...

Ephesians 1:15-21 “God is not a subject to be studied, but a person to be encountered and enjoyed.”

Ephesians 1:15-21 “The essence of discipleship is not behavior modification, it is the transforming of affections.”

Ephesians 1:11-14   “It is critical that we experience the Holy Spirit in our lives because that’s what is going to break the power of sin.”  

Ephesians 1:11-14 “For all of eternity you are going to have an ever expanding capacity for joy”

Ephesians 1:7-10   “Jesus is not merely a coach meant to inspire you, not simply a therapist who’s there to comfort you or a counselor who’s there to advise you. He is the Hero of this great drama. Do not treat him as an accessory.”

Ephesians 1:3-8   “You’re not saved by the quality of your faith, but by the object of your faith.”

Many people claim that the Bible is merely a human book, irrelevant, full of errors, and unreliable as an authoritative source of truth for all people. But, what does the evidence suggest? Can we trust the Bible? Speaker: Dr. Dan Wallace, Author and Sr. Professor of New Testament Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary

Ephesians 1:1-6   “Your life with God will rise no higher than your understanding of Him as your Father.”

Ephesians 1:3-6 If you are a Christian today, it is because God chose you for himself. You have been on God’s heart from before the foundation of the world.  

Ephesians 1:1-2   “Don’t ever think you’re beyond the grace of God.”

I Thessalonians 3:1-10   “Do not hold God to promises He never made to you. You will be tempted into unbelief and suspicion of God, but don’t move – stand firm, unshakable.”

2 Corinthians 4:16-18     “Choices in this life have eternal consequences.”

Isaiah 56:1-8   “What are you ordering your life around?”    

Isaiah 65:17-25   “Everything good in this life that we experience is a sample of what’s coming.”

Beau Hughes, Pastor of the Village Church Denton helps us face the realities of depression and anxiety that exist in the Church and shows how we help and care for one another in the struggle.

Isaiah 9:1-7   “If you are in chaos, know that his purposes for your life are wonderful. He has come to make cosmos from chaos.”

Isaiah 8:26-9:3 “The story you live in shapes the ethic with which you live.”

Nehemiah 13:30-31 “God chooses to do his greatest works through people who will wait on him in prayer.”

2 Corinthians 7:2-16 “God doesn’t work in spite of our humanity but through it.”

Nehemiah 12:44-47   “God has given us music to awaken our affections for Him.”

Nehemiah 9:1-3, 32-33, 38   Committing to a church body intentionally promotes & protects the faithfulness and unity of the church.

Afshin Ziafat, pastor of Providence Church in Frisco, TX helps us navigate the issue of race and how we as the church can model reconciliation.

Nehemiah 8:9-12   “God is leaving hints all over this universe that you can be happy, that there is ultimate joy available to you.”

Nehemiah 8:1-8, 13-18   “The Bible is the truest guide on all manner of human existence.”

Nehemiah 6:1-16   The purposes of God will always be opposed, but they will never be overcome.

Nehemiah 5   A Believer’s home is a place of ministry. A Believer’s table is a place of ministry, a haven of hospitality.  

Equipping at the Cross | 10.5.2015 Pastor JR Vassar will lead a men’s forum and author and speaker Jen Wilkin will lead a women’s forum on the destructive nature of pornography and the Church’s responsibility to those who suffer with it.

Equipping at the Cross | 10.5.2015 Pastor JR Vassar will lead a men’s forum and author and speaker Jen Wilkin will lead a women’s forum on the destructive nature of pornography and the Church’s responsibility to those who suffer with it.

Nehemiah 3:1-5; 4:1-23   “Whatever God is going to do, He’s going to do it through ALL His people.”

Romans 1; Acts 17:16-33   If you start the story in the wrong place, you risk losing the good news of the gospel.

Brian Fisher, President of Online for Life will be speaking on making abortion unthinkable and unavailable in our lifetime.

Nehemiah 2   “You can live in one of two realms:  ‘What if…’  or ‘If God…’ Fear must be met with faith in who God is.”

Nehemiah 1:4-11 Prayer is our response to God as He reveals himself to us.

Nehemiah 1:1-4   If the unborn are not human, no justification for abortion is necessary. If the unborn are human, no justification for elective abortion is adequate.

Nehemiah 1:1-11 Restorers see the world as it is and they weep. They know hope is found only in God and they pray.

Nehemiah 1:1-4 “We are studying the book of Nehemiah because God is finding people who see the world as it is, envision a better future, and with God’s help, work to bring about renewal.”

1 John 5:19-21   “God’s greatness is just beyond your idol. Risk the full view.”

Jude 20-21   “Your faith is on a 24/7 mission to find rest for your soul.”

Colossians 2:16-23   The subtle nature of idolatry is that we can even elevate religion, morality and virtue to idolatrous positions in our life.

Ecclesiastes 2:1-11   “Every joy you experience in this life has a bottom to it. It has only so much capacity to satisfy your heart and thrill your life. The depth and duration of your joy depends on the depth and duration of the object you’re looking to for that joy.”

Luke 12:13-21 “Jesus said, ‘I’m not here to give you things you think are your life. I’m here to BE your life.'”

John 12:42-43 “If you’re going to follow Jesus, it’s going to cost you severely. And we need people who love this world enough to be rejected by them so we might speak truth to them.” (We apologize for the inferior quality of this recording.)

James 4:1-10

Romans 1:18-25

Titus 2:11-14

Matthew 19:1-12

Matthew 16:13-26

Matthew 7:15-29

Matthew 7:12-14

Matthew 7:7-11

Matthew 7:1-6

Matthew 6:25-34

Matthew 6:19-24

Matthew 6:19-21

John 20:1-18

2 Corinthians 5:21

John 12:1-19

Matthew 6:1-18

Matthew 5:38-48

Matthew 5:33-37

Matthew 5:31-32

Matthew 5:27-30

Matthew 5:21-26

Acts 2:41

Matthew 5:17-20

Guest Speaker, Steve Timmis Matthew 5:13-16

Matthew 5:1-12

Matthew 5:1-10

Matthew 5

Guest Speaker Gregg Simmons

John 3:16-21

Hebrews 4:14-5:2

Titus 2:11-14

Titus 2:11-14

   

Psalm 73

Colossians 4:2-6

Ephesians 2:11-22

1 Corinthians 3:21-23

Romans 12:3-5

Acts 16:9-32

Matthew 28:18-20

Colossians 1:11-14

Mark 10:28-31

Acts 2:37-47

Ephesians 3:14-21

Matthew 7:7-11

Matthew 6:9-13

Matthew 6:9-15

Matthew 6:9-15

Matthew 6:9-15

Matthew 6:1-15

Matthew 6:1-8

John 15:1-13

Matthew 13:1-9, 18-30

Guest Speaker Barry Jones Luke 10:25-37

Matthew 18:21-35

Matthew 13:44-46

Matthew 13:44-46

Luke 14:1-14

Luke 18:9-14

Luke 15:1-2, 11-32

Jonah 4

Jonah 3

Luke 24:1-9

Romans 5:6-8

Jonah 3

Jonah 2

Jonah 1

Jonah 1

Mark 4:35-41

John 17:1-11

2 Corinthians 13:14

Matthew 3:16-17

1 Corinthians 3:1-17

Luke 3:21-22

Matthew 6:19-33

John 6:25-40

Matthew 7:24-29

Ephesians 4:30-5:2

Luke 10:38-42

Luke 2:8-20

Luke 2:1-16

Galatians 6:11-18

Galatians 6:1-10

Galatians 5:13-26

Galatians 5:1-15

Galatians 2:16-21

Galatians 2:16-21

Galatians 2:10-16

Galatians 1:1-10