Greetings Brothers & Sisters in the Name Of Christ Our King,

Today we will learn what the Bible says regarding the Incarnation.  The Incarnation refers to God becoming human or as the apostle John says: "The Word Became Flesh.”  We will learn much about the incarnation but find that the more we learn, the greater the mystery, which is what you would expect from an infinite and Almighty God.  We learn seven things that the Bible says about the incarnation of the Son of God: 1. The incarnation was not the beginning of the Son of God. 2. The incarnation presents the Son of God’s great humility. 3. The Incarnation fulfills prophecy. 4. The Incarnation Is supposed to be a mystery. 5. The incarnation is vital for salvation. 6. The Incarnation Means Christ can sympathize with our weaknesses.

7. And finally, the incarnation means His work is perfect and effective. Now we can know all these wonderful things about God and still never know God. To know God is to surrender ourselves to Him. The Word is God. When we obey His Word, we obey God.  This is true belief. The real significance of the virgin birth is that we would know God so intimately that we would, "not perish but have everlasting life." The Word is God.  Know God and so love God as He has (known) loved you! 

That I may have words to preach and that you may have ears to hear by the Spirit’s power and in the name of Jesus.

Merry Christmas! 

Pastor John

Other Scripture Referenced:

Revelation 1:8
Colossians 1:15-17
Genesis 1:26
Philippians 2:5
Matthew 1:21
Deuteronomy 29:29
Matthew 1:21
Hebrews 2:17
Hebrews 4:14-15, 12:3-4

Greetings Dear Church,

Today we come to the end of a cherished letter to the early Roman church.  The church has always needed teaching & correction.  We're no exception.  But we love the Holy Scriptures! 2 Tim. 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

After a bold talk, a child needs encouragement, given a belief that they're able to do all that has been instructed successfully.  Paul insures His sheep that He believes in them, that He is satisfied that God Almighty is at work within them!  Now he commends some of them by name!  Their names will be forever recorded in Holy Scripture! …in a good way!

The Key question for you this morning is this:  Where’s Your name? If anyone received encouragement it was those who heard their names read by the leader of the Roman church!  What an exciting Sunday morning that must have been nearly 2,000 years ago. I pray it is for you too, this very Day!

Because He was Born,

Pastor John

Other Scripture Referenced:

Acts 19:29
Jude
Ephesians 3:20
James 4:4
Revelation 20:12-15

Pastoral Greeting.

Thanksgiving Greetings To You All,

We remember this morning that in Rom. 14 Paul directed us to build each other up in the joy of our salvation rather than destroy each other over gray matters not prohibited in scripture, specifically meats offered to idols, holidays and drinking.  This is the context with which we find ourselves this morning in Rom. 15 1-5.  In fact Paul said in Rom. 14:1 As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him but not to quarrel over opinions. 

 Paul cirles back around to his point: "Welcome one another." It stands to reason that we're not going to feel welcome if we're quarrelling over an opinion.  .Instead we focus on repenting of our own sin and building each other up rather than tearing people down. In so doing, we welcome people into our lives and give each other courage to fight sin and face life struggles themselves. 

Are you thankful for your brothers and sisters in Christ Today?

Pastor John Gunden

Deuteronomy 6:4
Ephesians 4:3
Ephesians 4: 11-12
Philippians 2:1-5
Revelation 3:1
John 14:6
1 Corinthians 2:14
Matthew 18:15-17

Dear Saints,

This morning we return to our study of Romans 14.  As we approach our text we remember that Paul is dealing with matters that are not commanded or prohibited in scripture; gray areas if you will.  These are not salvation issues and Paul wants the churches to not argue over these opinions.  The gray areas are ways we can walk by faith too!

The Bible is silent on many details of our lives.  And Paul says “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”  (Phil 2:12-13). So we seek to please the Lord in everything we do.  We avoid the extreme of legalism and the other extreme of license to do as we please that we might live a life of faith that trusts Christ salvation yet bears the fruit of that salvation!

Pastor John

Other Scripture Referenced:

Romans 3 
Matthew 18:3-5

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The first 11 chapters of Romans tell us who the unchanging God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is, regarding the New Covenant in Jesus Christ. Chapters 12-16 tell us how we practice this faith. Because we have repented and believe in Christ, we are born again and follow His commands.

Chapter 14:1-4 teaches us to welcome one another in the faith. It is God who accurately judges. We are not omniscient. We cannot read the thoughts and intents of the heart. God can: “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12 ESV)

Paul wants the Roman Church to behave in their gatherings with a welcoming tone. We must all seek to obey God but in our pursuit of Holiness let us not judge each other, instead we encourage and welcome one another to the table of Grace we so depend on.

Since God is our master and judge, let us not do His job. Let us welcome others and give them rest rather than quarrel.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

Pastor John

Other Scripture Referenced:

Ephesians 5
Romans 3:28
Romans 5:1
Galatians 2:16
Titus 2:14
Hebrews 10:24
Hebrews 11:6
Psalm 150:3-5
Romans 12:3-4
2 Timothy 2:24
Jude 1:24
Revelation 1:5
Acts 20:7
1 Corinthians 5:12
Matthew 18:15
Philippians 2:12-13

Matthew 11:28

Dear Brothers & Sisters,

What Time Is It?  It’s time to love others.  Why?  Because the time of His return to judge sinners draws near.  Now’s the time to preach His mercy to sinners because soon He’ll judge all sin.  This is true of God and the more we know of God the more we practice His ways and His way is this:  “He doesn’t wish that any perish but that all should reach repentance.”

What time is it?  It’s time to love one another in the church to encourage our brothers and sisters in the faith; time to not be so consumed with our own agenda’s but to love our neighbor as ourselves; time to even love those who harm us, to love our enemies.  Ever since the first coming of Christ it has been the glorious time of the Gospel:  The good news of Christ’s gracious love to save doomed sinners.  His second coming will be a time of wrath and just vengeance upon all sin, for the wages of sin is death.

But now, it’s time to love.

Pastor John

Other Scripture Referenced…

Revelations 18 
Romans 12:1-2, 12 
Hebrews 9:27 
Hebrews 10:22-32 
2 Peter 3:3-7 
Ephesians 2:10

Greetings Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Paul has taught us in chapters 1-11 to rightly think of God, so we don’t commit idolatry now He is teaching us how to behave so we don’t commit adultery.  Practicing Christianity is hard work and the moment we let up to live the good life, to offer our bodies to this world rather than Christ, we make our lives complicated.  

Jesus has paid for all of our sin, met all the righteous requirements of the law for us and provided us with the H. S. to help be obedient to Him.  “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works…”  (Eph 2:10 ESV)

We have all we need to live to live obedient Christian lives.  That’s what disciples of Christ do, they observe all that Christ commands (Mat 28:20 ESV). You can do all things through Christ who Strengthens you, more than you can imagine, even obey His commands.

Your brother and…

Pastor John

 
Other Scripture Referenced…

Philippians 2:3 
Romans 12:5-8 
Ecclesiastes  9:10 
Isaiah 56:10 
Proverbs 18:9 
1 Thessalonians 5:17 
John 14:1

Greetings Dear Church,

It is so good to be home on US soil!

This morning we are reminded that Paul is addressing the saints that gather in Rome (Romans 1:7).  The church is a gathering, it is as Paul puts it this morning, “the body of Christ”.

Remember, for 11 chapters, Paul taught us how to think about God.  Now he is teaching us how to worship according to his knowledge of God.  The practical application, how we live, occurs in the context of the body.  The church is a body, a living organism, with each member functioning with a special gift given to every true believer by the power of the Holy Spirit.  This is a gift never known to the new believer before Christ.  Only after being born of the Spirit does one receive their gift to serve one another in the gathering of the saints.  

This is the church.  Are you the church?  Do you sense God prompting you to use the gift you have been given to encourage others and bring Him glory?

May God bless you through the preaching of His Word today!

Pastor John

Other Scripture Referenced…

Romans 8:26 
Romans 11:33-36 
Philippians 2:2 
Romans 14:1 
1 Peter 3:15 
1 Peter 4:10 
Deuteronomy 4:2 
2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 
Hebrews 10:24 
2 Corinthians 9:7

Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,

In Chapters 1-11 of Romans, Paul has taught us to think of God rightly (theology) so that we may behave rightly (doxology).  How we behave is to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice because we’ve been bought with a price through the sacrificial death of Christ.  We no longer have a right to ourselves!  In fact, in the church (the body of Christ), we belong not only to Christ but to one another!  There is a strange and Holy “oneness” that only occurs in the Family of God by the power of the Holy Spirit!

The Title Of our message today is “The Oneness Of His Church”.  As we offer ourselves in service to God’s mission on earth, we are careful to do it according to His Word, together as one.  We look at building an addition to this church for the purpose of serving the needs of young families and children of this church to give them the tools they need to insure future ministry and influence on the western thumb.  We do this together in unity, in a Spirit led oneness to glorify “The One and Only King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Three in one, God and father, God and Son and God the Holy Spirit!

To God Be The Glory!

Pastor John

Other Scripture Referenced:

Acts 17:21
Hebrews 10:24
Acts 2:42
John 17:21-23
1 Corinthians 6:20
Exodus 35:1-29
John 12:1
Romans 11:33-36

Today’s message is entitled, “By The Grace Given” taken from Romans 12:3.  Paul is explaining how we serve one another in the church.  We extend the Grace given us to serve the greater witness of the church, we forgive each other; we’re devoted, loyal and committed to one another…. By the Grace give us!  Some folks don’t deserve this and immediately we’re reminded we do not deserve the grace we’re given either.  

Paul wants every individual in the Roman Church to know themselves in terms of grace.  They could be in hell now but for God’s unmerited favor.  Instead of giving us what we deserve, He gives us a gift we don’t deserve.  If it is up to each one of us to discover that gift and to fan it into flame.  We start humbly, with small things, without fanfare and are faithful, to do our part in the body of Christ for the greater glory of Christ!

“For from Him and to Him and through Him are all things, to God be the Glory!  Amen!”  (Romans 11:36)

Pastor John

Other Scripture Referenced:

Romans 11:26 
Romans 3:12 
1 Peter 4:10 
John 13:34-35 
Psalm 139:1-18 
Philippians 2:3

Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,

Today we come to Romans 12, a major division in Paul’s letter to the church in Rome.

In chapters 1-11, he lays out the Gospel theologically, now in ch 12-16 he lays it out practically.  What we think about God determines how we behave around God!  To think and never act is foolishness.  But to understand God, then act upon that understanding, is wisdom!

So our message today is entitled, “In View Of God’s Mercy”.  Viewing His mercy on us we:  1. Surrender our will;  2. Serve God’s purposes;  3. Scrutinize our thinking;  4. Switch our views to His Views.

As we view God’s mercy upon our hopeless souls, let us be grateful and ready to obey all that He has for us to do.

Pastor John

Other Scripture Referenced:

Romans 2 
Ephesians 5:25

Points:

• Surrender
• Serve
• Scrutinize
• Switch

Dear Brothers & Sisters In Christ,

After explaining the Gospel and our salvation; after declaring:  God’s not finished with Israel until He gathers his chosen Gentiles;  Paul breaks out in breath taking praise!  Right theology always brings right doxology.  …in other words the truth of God always brings true worship of God!

Paul cannot contain himself, he must praise God.  Even though Paul knows of the deep mysteries of God he is not proud, in several places in his writings, he boasts of his weakness, of being chief around sinners not his accomplishments.

Paul lifts his praise to God and bows to lower himself in proper position.  This should be the response of every true Christian.  

Oh the Depth Of The riches of the Wisdom and knowledge of God!

Pastor John

Other Scripture Referenced:

Psalm 95:1-7 (Call to worship)
Psalm 23 (Confession of faith) 
Philippians 3:3 
2 Corinthians 12:1 
1 Corinthians 8:1 
Romans 6:23 
1 Corinthians 2:16 
Isaiah 40:22 
1 Corinthians 6:27 
Romans 7

Dear Brothers & Sisters Of The Rivers Edge,

Today we approach the irrevocable Grace of God.  This is a gift that cannot be taken back.

Special grace – is the grace of God that foreknows, predestines, regenerates, calls, justifies, sanctifies & glorifies His people.  Special grace is for those chosen by grace – the unmerited favor of God in v5.  

Common grace is different from Special grace.  Common grace is God’s kindness to all that He gives life.  He provides everything necessary to sustain human life for as long as He chooses.  Common grace is limited, is not eternal. Special grace is irrevocable; which means irreversible, unalterable, unchangeable, immutable, final, permanent or binding.  The grace of God is all this!  When, in God’s grace, the chain of events to save our souls begins, the Bible teaches: it will reach it’s destination!  That destination is the final glorification of our mortal bodies; made perfect in the image of Christ!  

What a comfort it is to know that the gift of God’s mercy will never be taken from those who have repented of their sins and have trusted Christ as Lord and Savior.

Until we are all glorified!

Pastor John

Other Scripture Referenced:

Job 1:21 
Psalm 90:10 
Romans 8:28-29 
1 Peter 1-2
Isaiah 59

Dear Brothers and Sisters of the River's Edge,

Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ Our Lord!

We come to verses 25-27 in Romans chapter eleven and see Paul bring his argument to a glorious climax! Israel WILL be saved because it is written!

The title of our message today is "Taking God's View of the World".  Paul is an example to us; he's a Christian who sees the world through the lens of Scripture! This is the message to us today: Every aspect of our lives should be viewed through the lens of scripture; from the everyday minutia of life to the unrest we see in the Middle East!

A common response is, "well I don't know the Bible in order to do that!" Exactly!  That's the  problem! In every crisis we should ask, what does the Scripture say?  We don't wait for a crisis then expect to understand Scripture in the panic of the moment; no, we read and study everyday so that we can overcome trials.  Jesus quoted Scripture when tempted in the wilderness.

In every decision, our 1st question should be what does the Bible say? even when we see injustice or obvious lies spread by gossips, news outlets, academia and even many churches, we ask what does the Bible say?; because we want to view our world through the lens of truth.  God made the temporary world we live in, let us see it the way he does. 

Psalm 47: 4-5
Romans 9:6
Isaiah 59:20
2 Peter 1:20
2 Peter 3:15
Luke 21: 20-24
Romans 11:1-10 
Daniel 11:31

Dear Church,

Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ, Lord of all things, especially our salvation!  Now since He does the saving it is reasonable to think He saves then unsaved us?  Since that is ridiculous, does it make any sense for us to think for us to think we need to get born again over and over again?  Not if Jesus example of rebirth holds up.  We’re born physically once and born of the Spirit once spiritually.

Today we are reminded of our “Mind Blowing Salvation.”  Christ is a Savior Alone – a Savior Able – a Savior Always.

He’s Savior Alone.  We know we can’t save ourselves we can only sin and condemn ourselves.  Jesus saves.

He’s Savior Able.  His power Saves the vilest Gentile or wandering Jew.

He’s a Savior Always.  He saves and always saves, He’s never erratic.  We’re found and never lost.  

May God encourage you and comfort you in your eternal security today!

• Pastor John

Other Scripture Referenced:

Romans 12:1
Romans 9:15
Romans 11:32
Romans 11:5
John 15:1
James 1:13
Romans 11:33
Romans 11:36
John 15:7 
Mathew 18:14
John 6:37-39
John 10:27-30
Romans 8:1
Romans 8:29-30

Other Scripture Referenced:

Isiah 55:8-9
Romans 8:28
Genesis 1:16

Greetings Brothers & Sisters,

Today we come to Romans 11:16-22 where Paul insists Israel is not rejected forever. Though the nation has rejected Christ, God hasn’t voided His promises.

Last week we learned His rejection was to save the Gentiles, make the Jew jealous and through this jealousy draw Israel back to Faith in God instead of themselves.

Today we learn that the Kindness and Severity Of God ultimately makes us fruitful! At times God is Severe, in this case with Israel but all He does is fruitful. Are you fruitful?

May the fruit of our good works bring Him Glory!

~ Pastor John

Other Scripture Referenced:

Romans 10:2
1 Corinthians 10:9
Matthew 7:19
John 15:4-17
1 John 1:6
Jude 1

Greetings Brothers and Sisters,

Today we come to Romans 11:11-15. The Title of our message is “The Purpose For God’s Rejection.” We learned last time In Romans 11:1-10, Paul showed us God is not rejecting all Jews, he himself was dramatically converted and one of thousands who make up God’s believing remnant. So, section 1 of Rom. 11:1-10 Paul shows that (God does not reject all Jews.) Then, in section 2 verses Romans 11:11-32 he shows that (God doesn’t reject the Jews forever.) And finally in section 3, verses the great doxology we have come to love at the River’s Edge! We cannot forget, Christianity was launched by a remnant of Jews. Paul shows us three purposes for God's rejecting Israel:

1. To drive the Gospel to the Gentiles.

2. To make the Jew jealous.

3. That their jealousy would turn them to the Gospel! May God bless you as we feast upon His Word today!

Pastor John

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

This morning we're taking a break from our wonderful study of the book of Romans. We'll look at Psalm 96 (and some other passages) to answer this question: Why do we sing?

Along with that question comes other questions that we will seek to answer. The Apostle Paul said in Colossians 3:16, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."

I pray that this morning you will sing with all your heart! And that through God's Word you will be reminded of why you do so. Or maybe, you will learn why for the very first time.

Grace and peace,

-Pastor Ryan

Revelation: 4:11

Revelation 5:12

Psalm 150: 1-6

Ephesians 5:13

Galatians 3:16

Psalm 100:1

psalm 18:14

1 Corinthians 14:26

Hebrews 12:28-29

Amos 5:21-24

Zephaniah 3:17

Dear brothers and sisters,

Our text for today is taken from Paul’s epistle to the Romans, 11:1-10. The title of our message today is Chosen By Grace. We approach this chapter, with deep reverence as Paul concludes it with, "Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!” – Rom. 11:33 So we cannot say to ourselves, “I know what ‘Chosen by Grace means!’” Paul admits that when He ponders the thought he gets lost! It’s unsearchable and beyond tracing out! “Amazing Grace How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me!” Let us, too, be amazed in the wonder of what Christ has done for such as us! Let us repent of our sins and humble ourselves before this mighty truth again today.

Pastor John

Other Scripture Referenced:

Romans 11:33-36
John 15:16
Ephesians 1:11
Romans 9:14-16
Romans 11:2
1 Corinthians 11:27

Dear brothers and sisters,

Two weeks ago, we left off at verse Romans10:13 before Easter and said the “Gospel is not Impossible”, a child can understand the Gospel. What IS impossible, is to achieve righteousness by the law. The Gospel is a righteousness obtained by faith alone in Christ alone by His grace alone.

On Easter, we said “The Resurrection is Evidence that Demands Our Obedience”. Now today, we maintain our sermon title is “A Matter of Practice”.  

How we behave is as important as what we believe.  If we’re going to be followers of the Biblical Jesus, we can’t just believe as we please, or act as we please.  The Jesus of the Bible is not one who agrees with any of our opinions. 

2 Tim. 3:16 [tells us that Christ, through His scriptures] teaches, reproves, corrects and trains in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.  Christ not only teaches us what to believe but how to practice what we believe. 

So what are you practicing?  Faith behaves as though it believes in secret and in public!

“It’s A Matter of Practice”,

 Pastor John

Other Scripture Referenced:

2 Timothy 3:16

ohn 20:19-29

 The Evidence That Demands Obedience

 Last week Paul emphasized that Christ is the end of the law for righteousness! Faith in Christ gives us access to the righteousness we so desperately need at judgement. 
We live in a day and age where doctrine is despised because no one can seem to agree on it.  Paul said: "if anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:9).  

This week we're reminded that the pure unaltered Gospel is actually so simple that a child can understand it.  The true unchanged Gospel saves.  The Gospel is not impossible. But childlike faithf is not childish.  It doesn't despise doctrine, it believes doctrine as a child trusts a parent. 

The Gospel is not impossible, its not too high to understand, not too deep to contemplate, the Gospel is near us.

Be encouraged by His Word.

 - Pastor John

Other Scripture Referenced:

Job 19:25-27 
1 Corinthians 15:3 
1 Peter 3 
John 20:11 
Philippians 4:7 
Matthew 28:10 
Romans 10:14 
John 15:1-2 
Acts 1:3, 8

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Last week Paul emphasized that Christ is the end of the law for righteousness! Faith in Christ gives us access to the righteousness we so desperately need at judgment. We live in a day and age where doctrine is despised because no one can seem to agree on it. Paul said: “if anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:9)

This week we’re reminded that the pure unaltered Gospel is actually so simple a child can understand it. The true unchanged Gospel saves. The Gospel is not impossible.
But childlike faith is not childish. It doesn’t despise doctrine, it believes doctrine as a child trusts a parent.

The Gospel is not impossible, its not too high to understand, not too deep to contemplate, the gospel is near us!

Be encouraged by His Word,

-Pastor John

Scripture Also Referenced:

Acts 2:32
Romans 8:11
1 Peter 3:15
Proverbs 4:23

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The glorious 9th Chapter of Romans taught us that Salvation relies entirely on God’s Sovereign choice, His Mercy alone!  

We learned, God being Almighty, All-knowing and perfect in justice, does just as He pleases: exalting & humbling nations, showing mercy to one sinner but not another without violating the perfection of His perfect Justice! No one can hide from God or lie to God to avoid His justice.  He alone Sovereignly initiates salvation. 

Ch9 taught that only some are saved, that some profess faith but don’t possess faith. So we conclude that since God does as He pleases, we dare not harden our hearts when we hear His voice. Instead with a broken and contrite heart we repent, believe & cry out for His mercy!  All who call on His name are saved!

Today Paul teaches in Romans 10 that Zeal without knowledge will never save us but that Christ, the essence of all truth and knowledge, is the end of the law. Christ accomplished the righteous perfection we could never muster! Faith alone in Christ alone by grace alone is the true Gospel that saves our souls!

Praise Him! 
-Pastor John 


Other Scripture Referenced:

Galatians 1:8-9 
Romans 11:1-2 
2 Corinthians 6:17 
Romans 12:2 
John 3:15 
John 18:37 
Romans 3:19-22 
Isaiah 64:6
James 4:4
1 Timothy 2:16 
Matthew 18:20

Today we are blessed to hear from one of our own, Stefan Van Valkenburgh!  Stephan is a carpenter by trade with his father and brother Jake.  He repented of his sins and believed on the name of Jesus Christ only 5 years ago.  God has transformed his life as you will hear.

His arrangement  this morning is to preach on the “one another’s” of Scripture for two reasons.  1.  To build you up as a believer and 2. To remind us how I possible it is to be obedient to the commands of Christ without being a member of the body of Christ, His Church.

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”  -  John 14:15

Let us keep His Commandments by loving one another and in so doing, we will love Jesus!

For His Glory Alone,

• Pastor John

Other Scripture Referenced:

Romans 10
Romans 12
Col 1:18
Hebrews 10:24-25

Greetings Brothers and Sisters,

Today’s message is entitled “Do Not Harden Your Hearts”.
It brings us to the end of this glorious chapter of Romans 9.  

In it we come to three things:

1. Salvation is God’s sovereign choice. He has the right & power
   to show mercy or wrath on whomever He pleases. Gentiles or Jews. 
2. Paul is saying it has been prophesied all along that just some, just a “remnant” of Jews are saved. 
3. The warning to us is this: Not all in the visible church are saved either.  Just because we profess faith doesn’t mean we possess faith. 

So today if you hear God’s voice do not harden your hearts.

May God give you the grace to have a broken and contrite heart.  He will surely not despise it.  Our God is a God of glorious mercy, every bit as much as He is a God of Wrath and Judgment!

-Pastor John

Other Scripture Referenced:

2 Corinthians 6:14
Romans 10:2-4

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today, in helping us understand our salvation Paul takes us to the end of our finite minds & warns us to stop.  We’ll see, we’re just like our father Adam who blames His sin on God’s sovereign choice.

Paul speaks of God’s absolute right to have mercy on whomever He chooses.  We had nothing to do with our salvation but everything to do with condemnation.  “No one does good, all have sinned.”  (ROM 3)

The objection then is this:  Romans 9:14 What shall we say then?  Is there injustice on God’s part?  By no means!  - He then summarizes in verse 18 … he has mercy on whomever he wills,  and he hardens whomever he wills.

But his answer raises another objection:  “how can God be just by condemning those who cannot resist His will?”  Now Paul teaches us to tread carefully or we commit blasphemy.   We dare not accuse God of evil.  God is a Holy Potter, forming unholy clay into perfection.  All He does is good.  God never sins and never creates someone to go to hell.  We were born condemned in Adam and we all willingly sin, confirming our inherited condemnation.  Let us come before Him today remembering we are guilty apart from the blood of Christ.  Let us repent of our sins, confess them and so be cleansed.  Let us never blame the Savior who willingly took our guilt upon Himself and crucified it.

Until We Are Glorified,

Pastor John

Other Scripture Referenced:

Danial 4:35 
Psalm 115:3 
Psalm 135:6 
James 1:13 
Job 38:1, 40:2, 40:8, 42:1 
Romans 11:33, 12:3

Dear Brothers and Sisters, 

Today we will touch on the doctrine of God’s Sovereign election, His sovereign choice regarding fallen man.  Romans 3 taught us “None is righteous , no not one;” (Romans 3:10 ESV) “no one does good, not even one.” (Rom 3:12 ESV) “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and are justified by his grace as a gift,” (Romans 3:23-24 ESV)

Romans 6 taught us: “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  (Rom 6:23 ESV)  So there is the verdict.  Had God not made a choice to save us , which is within His Sovereign almighty power, we would still stand condemned!  But God chose us, He did not ask permission, He stooped to save us.  The difficult thing for us to grasp, as created beings, is that there are some He has not elected to save.  People object and say, “It’s not fair; all should be saved!”  But what is fair; is our condemnation, what is mercy; is our salvation.  

Thank God today, that He looked upon your helpless soul, had compassion and adopted you as His own.  You are God’s Sovereign choice, if in fact, you truly believe in the work of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Pastor John

Other Scripture Referenced:

Romans 3:10 
Romans 6:23 
Deuteronomy 7:6 
Romans 10:17 
Romans 8:28 
Isaiah 55:11 
Ephesians 1:11-14

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

The first thing Paul says to us in today’s section is, “What then shall we say to these things?”  (Romans 8:31).  It draws us to what we learned last week.  Then he continues the question by asking another question: “If God is for us, who can be against us?”  

So based on what we learned last week should give us the greatest confidence in our salvation!   In light of the truth of the Gospel what tribulation could even matter?  It’s as if Paul is saying, “If God is on your side as much as I’ve described, who can be against you or what could trouble you?”

Well, much troubles us in this life.  We have anxieties over many things and Paul exhorts the Romans and us to believe what we believe especially when things get difficult.  Paul tells us, “We are more than conquerers,” what could that mean?  He will explain today in our message entitled: “More Than Conquerers.”

- Pastor John

Other Scripture Referenced:

Romans 8:18 
Hebrews 12:2 
Jude 24

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Today we learn God does four things that precede the three installments of righteousness we receive; and those are Justification, Sanctification and finally Glorification.  We know Faith precedes justification instantly.  But what precedes that?  Paul explains three other important events that occur before our faith and leaves no room for boasting.  God alone saves, lest anyone boast.

Currently we’re all in process.  God is sanctifying us: making the unholy, holy; and so, for now, we groan for glory.  Paul wants us to know there is really no condemnation any more for those of us who are in Christ.  If there is any evidence of the Spirit of God at work in you, you’re guaranteed of the outcome.  When God saves he saves.  Your salivation is as good as done.  God bless you in the knowledge of our Blessed Savior!

- Pastor John

Other Scripture Referenced: 

Ephesians 1:3-4

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Paul has been explaining the Gospel and how it works to the Romans.  He explains their Justification in how they are secure in their salvation, Justified by the robes of righteousness that covered our sin since belief.  Now in Ch. 6, 7 and 8, He’s in the midst of explaining the importance of Sanctification.  Justification happens simultaneously at the moment of belief in Christ.  The process of being Sanctified is the main stage of salvation the church on earth is presently in.  As long as a true Christian lives on earth, He being made holier than he was than he was before.  Then, we pass from this earth, the Spirit will resurrect our mortal bodies to an immortal Glorified body that will remain in that righteous stage forever!  But for now we’re being made more and more like Jesus. 

Paul wrestled with  early church along with the other apostles, to push them to live holy lives. God used apostles, preachers and teachers to bring about holiness in their lives.  Paul labored tirelessly saying, “My little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you!” (Galations 4:19)

May Christ be truly formed in you in this church!  May you know the confidence the Spirit gives to those who belong!

• Pastor John

Other Scripture Referenced:

1 Peter 1:16 
Galatians 4:19
Galatians 5:22-23
Romans 8:31
Philippians 2:13