People Matter

Paul spendsPaul spends a lot of time in Romans 16 telling us about the people and families and friends that he was thankful for and those that he had affection for in the new church. But he tips us off to 5 products of the Gospel that beautifully describe God’s Church. a lot of time in Romans 16 telling us about the people and families and friends that he was thankful for and those that he had affection for in the new church. But he tips us off to 5 products of the Gospel that beautifully describe God’s Church.

Secret Church 2020

When we talk about the worldwide church, we don’t to forget the suffering many face for The Name. We hope that today it will awaken your heart to prayer for your brothers and sisters across the globe. We also hope to ignite your heart of thanks to God for the freedom we have to worship and, furthermore, to stir one another up to live less comfortably and more boldly for the glory and gospel of Christ!

Regarding persecution, we don’t know what our immediate future holds. I wouldn’t venture a guess as to whether or not we will face the kind of persecution in our lifetime that would drive us to have to meet underground, but it could come. Nevertheless, we should be mindful of the thousands of believers that are meeting in secret this very weekend. We should seek to know about them and pray for them…and as we do, may we be impacted and challenged by their faith!

Advent Hope

In Romans 15:8-13 we see that Christ came into being as a servant to fulfill the promise of God and bring people from all nations into one redeemed family. Does it bring you substantive joy, peace and hope? It doesn’t always feel like it so Pastor Dustin looks to encourage, challenge and inspire you on this hope from Romans 15:12-13.

Christmas Hope

I would suggest that one of the main reasons why Christmas is a favorite holiday is because of the expressly Christian sub-themes that supply this particular season. A primary one being HOPE.

My friends, Christ was born into this world and came as a servant to bring HOPE. I think you would agree that this world needs hope…you might even say, “Dustin, I could use a shot of hope right now.” Permit me to invite you to prepare your heart to be encouraged by the Word of God with the ultimate HOPE that we have in Christ. It is a glorious hope indeed!

Unity

Unity not Unanimity

Our unity is based upon essential doctrine not preferential opinion. We’ll see that the gospel that transforms our lives, also forms the basis for our unity.

“I don’t understand how someone could really love Jesus and still go to the movies, drink wine, or approve of dancing. I mean, are they really serious about the Lord?” Comments like these reveal a reality that has existed from the beginning of the church. The reality that Christians have many differing opinions on issues that the Bible doesn’t explicitly speak to. And as the above quote reflects, sometimes these opinions are very strongly held.

So, how does the church handle things like this? Do we duke it out in the hallway? Do we fire pastors and stiff arm members with whom we disagree? Do we flaunt our freedoms and label everyone else as legalists? Do we start new churches around our preferred opinions? I mean, how can the church work when we bring together so many different opinions on lots of different issues? Well, that’s exactly what Romans 14 is about.

Dresses a New Way in Light of a New Day

Have you ever started your day and not checked the weather forecast?  You sprang out the door thinking it was going to be a beautiful day and soon discovered you were not appropriately dressed?  You found yourself caught between two seasons. You were more appropriately dress for the season behind than the season ahead.  Thinking of this illustration are you caught between two seasons (or ages/eras) spiritually?   Are you more appropriately dressed for the one behind you, than the one your heading toward?  Today in Romans 13:11-14 we will see in this text Paul is describing two ages or eras.

The Debt of Love

We understand that we owe love to those around us. Not just those in our family, church or those we like, but everyone that comes into our sphere of influence. Jesus removes all the debt we are responsible for as it pertains to our sin, but we puts the debt of loving others square on our shoulders.

Transformed Citizens

Sometimes people will seek to ban discussion about the topics of religion and politics at family gatherings or dinner parties. They make these topics off limits because they’re too inflammable…an argument might break out. Well, Romans 13:1-7 is a veritable mashup of religion and politics (or civil authority to be more exact.)As we continue to see how the true gospel transforms our lives, today we look at the change it makes in us with regard to our attitudes and actions toward governmental and law enforcement officials. We trust and pray that you will come prepared to subject your hearts and lives to this relevant Word from God.

Love in Reaction

It’s in our nature to respond to hurt and injustice with anger or vengeance, wishing those who make us suffer or do evil will “get there due”. However, the Gospel should lead us toward transformation that does the opposite and helps us shun our natural impulses and act supernaturally.