The Word Alive

Today Pastor Mark delivers his last sermon as our Senior Pastor. Based in Philippians 1, Pastor Mark reflects upon these few verses within the context of his leading our congregation over the past many years. Mark shares, that like Paul, two main reasons for thanksgiving: the joy of the gospel partnership and the assurance of completion.

Today Pastor Mark delivers the last sermon from our study in Romans. Consider with us the essence of the gospel that make God worthy of glory and moves believers to praise. The gospel: strengthens believers; is about Jesus Christ; is revealed by God through the prophets; and is for all nations.

As we near the end of our study in Romans, today Pastor Mark leads us through his penultimate sermon of this series. Consider with us the idea of contending with evil in this section of chapter 16. Mark offers from this passage a word of warning, a word of advice, and a word of hope.

In our continuing study of Romans today Pastor Mark leads us through the rest of chapter 15. Consider with us four characteristics of gospel-driven disciples: responsive to God's gospel mission; God-glorifying in their kingdom work; eager to share the gospel with the unreached; and humbly reliant on the power of prayer.

In our continuing study of Romans today Pastor Mark leads us through the remaining portion of chapter 14 and the first half of chapter 15 in the continued theme of unity in the church despite disagreeing on "disputable matters". Consider with us four principles for how to live in unity: 1) not causing fellow believers to stumble; 2) maintaining proper Kingdom priorities; 3) discerning the disputable matters; and 4) following the selflessness of Christ.

In our continuing series in Romans Pastor Mark leads us through the first half of chapter 14. Consider with us in light of divisions and polarizing ideas that those in Christ are to accept (welcome into one's heart) those whose faith is weak (i.e., whose consciences are more restrictive) without quarreling (arguing, passing judgment) over disputable matters (adiaphora, ἀδιάφορα). The reasons for following this command include: 1) God has accepted those who are in Christ; 2) All live under the lordship of Christ; and 3) God alone is the true judge.

In our continuing study of Romans today Pastor Mark leads us through the first part of chapter 13. Consider with us three principles regarding how Christians should relate to the government: that governing (civil) authorities are established by God for our good; that we are to submit to the governing authorities; and that our submission is not absolute.

Today in our continuing study of Romans Pastor Mark leads us through the last part of chapter 12. Regarding contending with evil consider with us the tree main ways Paul urges to overcome evil with good: by loving one another; through zeal; and striving for peace.

In our continuing study of Romans, today Pastor Mark leads us through the second verse of chapter 2. Consider with us the two-part command, not to conform to the pattern of this world (age, era, zeitgeist) but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, which will result in being able to test and to approve what God's will is.

Today in our continuing study of Romans Pastor Mark leads us to consider the first verse of chapter 12. Consider with us the four truths about the life of sacrifice for Christians: it involves the body; it is a living sacrifice; it is holy and pleasing to God; and it is offered in response to God's mercy.

In our continuing study of the book of Romans today Pastor Mark brings us to the last part of chapter 11. Consider with us the mystery of God's salvation plan; what God's salvation plan reveals about his character; and the proper response of believers to God's salvation plan in humble worship and praise, bearing in mind that doxology without theology is idolatry and theology without doxology is religiosity.

Many Israelites reject the gospel message because of their disobedience and hardening, but God graciously preserves a remnant, chosen by grace, who are saved.

In our continuing series on Romans today Pastor Mark leads us through the last few verses of chapter 9. Consider with us how Christ is a rock that has caused some to stumble but is the firm foundation for others to stand upon. Are you standing or stumbling? Are you growing or regressing?

Today in our study of Romans Pastor Mark leads us through this longer portion of chapter 9. Consider with us Israel's unbelief; the questions raised of if God is unfaithful or unjust; and the three responses of humility, not worrying, and joining the mission.

Today in our continuing study of Romans we arrive at the summit: the last few verses of chapter 8. Pastor Mark would have us consider the question, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?"; the answer, "Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ;" and the implications for our lives to: 1) live boldly & radically for the Kingdom of Christ; 2) love others; and 3) live with deep comfort and hope.

Continuing our study of Romans today Pastor Mark brings us to the part consider to be the summit (these verses) of the Mt. Everest (chapter 8) of the book of Romans. Consider with us the four questions and answers provided in these verses: who can be against us since God is for us; how God will graciously give us all things proven as though the giving of his Son; who can bring a charge against those in Christ because it is God who justifies; and who can condemn those in Christ because Jesus in interceding for them.

In our continuing study of Romans today Pastor Mark leads us through the next couple of verses in Chapter 8. Consider with us the "5 links of the golden chain of salvation": God's foreknowledge or foreknowing, predestination, calling, justification, and glorification.

In our continuing study in Romans today Pastor Mark brings us to the next verse in Chapter 8. This week's focus on the groaning motif is that God is working good through/despite it. Consider with us that Paul does NOT mean that all things naturally tend toward good, that there is no bad thing in life, and that fewer bad things will happen to believers; but he DOES MEAN that God is the one who works for our good, that God is making ALL THINGS work together for the good of believers, that God works for the good of those who love him, and that God works for believers to be conformed to the image of Christ.

In our continuing study of Romans today Pastor Mark leads us through the next couple of verses in chapter 8. As with the past 2 weeks, the continuing theme involves groaning. Consider with us that the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness of not knowing what to pray by interceding with groans according to the will of the Father.

In our continuing study of Romans today Pastor Mark continues to focus our attention on the aspect of the present groaning and future glory, this week as it applies to believers (last week was creation). Consider with us that believers are groaning in suffering with creation and that there is hope of glory in the midst of groaning.