It’s a hard thing to find — in our individual lives and in any organization. But without it, we can veer into dangerous extremes. This sermon concludes our study of the book of Romans by looking at how to balance healthy boundaries with openness and flexibility. Today’s scripture: Romans 15:1-7; 16:17-20 Watch the webcast. Use […]
Category Archives: Book of Romans
Just a Bunch of Names
For several weeks we’ve been studying the book of Romans. As we come to the last chapter, it would be tempting to skip forward to whatever is next. After all, chapter 16 is just a bunch of names of people Paul acknowledges. But buried within this dry list are stunning spiritual insights. This sermon will […]
What’s Next?
In this sermon, we take a look at our past and dream about our future, as we celebrate our 19th Anniversary. You’ll learn a lot about who we are and what we’re called to do. Pastor Jeff also shares some surprising history (known to few) that gives a big clue about God’s dream for the […]
Live And Let Live
The only problem with people is. . . well, people. God makes each of us unique, then throws us all together and expects us to get along. How’s that supposed to work? Romans 14 provides profound guidelines for living together in healthy community — in our families, at church, and at work. Today’s scripture: Romans […]
The Essence of Spiritual Living
Religion can get really complicated, with all its rules, rituals, and doctrines. Sometimes it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters. In this sermon, our study of the book of Romans brings us face-to-face with to two simple verses that capture the essence of what it means to be a spiritual person. Today’s scripture: […]
Theology 101
As we continue our study of Romans, this sermon tackles one of the harshest, most objectionable passages in the New Testament — only to realize that, when understood in context, it is one of the most gracious and hopeful. In the process, we learn a lot about how to think about God. Correction: In this […]
The Gap
No, we’re not talking about the clothing store. We’re talking about the gap between what everybody says the spiritual life can be (in theory) and what we actually experience from day to day (in real life). How can we close this gap? The Apostle Paul has a powerful, practical suggestion. Today’s scripture: Romans 7:15-25; 8:1-11 […]
What’s Jesus Got To Do With It?
We often hear people say that Jesus’ death on the cross was necessary — that without it, we would be in big trouble. What does that mean? Why is the cross important? This Sunday, we’ll cut through the buzz words to examine how Jesus’ death fits into the big picture. Today’s scripture: Romans 5 Watch […]
Religionless Christianity
We’ve all seen it. Sometimes religion actually makes people worse. Sometimes religious people are downright mean and unloving. Clearly religion is not the answer. So what is? What does God really want from me? This sermon looks at the surprising answer found in the New Testament book of Romans. Today’s scripture: Romans 3:21-24; 4:3-5, 13, […]
The Dilemma
Picture someone you know who is wild and uninhibited, given to all kinds of riotous excess. Now picture someone who is super-religious, given to strict observance and quick to criticize. Who is closer to God? Who is more likely to enter Heaven? If religion is not the answer, then what is? Today’s scripture: Romans 1:19-20, […]