A renewed mind keeps God’s mercies central and takes delights in God’s will. But it not only makes true worship possible when it comes to our relationship to God, but it also makes humble service possible when it comes to our relationship to the church. In this sermon, pastor Matt teaches that a mind renewed […]
After unpacking the righteousness of God revealed in the gospel (chs. 1-4) and the blessings of salvation provided by the gospel (chs. 5-8) Paul begins to explain the plan of God vindicated in the gospel in chapters 9-11. Here he aims to show how God’s plan for Israel and the nations reveals his saving righteousness, […]
In this sermon, pastor Matt teaches that the people of God are those who respond to his promise of salvation with the obedience of faith. His church is comprised of those united to Christ by the work of the Spirit, who boast only in his cross.
When reading Paul’s letters, it’s easy to gloss over his greetings and introductory remarks. Yet when we look carefully at what Paul is saying, we find there is much we can learn about the Christian life in the local church. In this sermon, pastor Keith considers Paul’s introductory remarks to the Roman Christians, highlighting his […]
When it comes to the most full, direct, comprehensive, and majestic explanation of the gospel, there is no other book in all of Scripture quite like Romans. Yet, many tend to view Romans as simply a book on doctrine, like a theology textbook. But we must understand that Romans is first a letter, written to […]
Since 2014, our church has experienced a significant amount of change. Seven years ago, in faith, we began a revitalization effort in order to apply biblical priorities to our life and ministry. But why did we do all this? Was it just so our church looks good on paper, or so that we fit in […]
After two years, we have concluded our study through the book of Acts, the second part of Luke’s two-volume account of the gospel of Jesus Christ and its impact in the world. Our goal throughout this sermon series has been to keep the spotlight where it needs to be: on our sovereign, faithful, and gracious […]
One of the greatest difficulties that the early church faced was the sharp division that existed between Jews and non-Jews (Gentiles). When we read our Bibles, it’s often hard for us to grasp just how serious this separation was. We certainly know what division looks like and estrangement feels like, however; just consider the year […]
It’s safe to say that most of us are drawn to the more exciting and extraordinary parts of the Bible. If we’re honest, there are some parts of Scripture that seem rather ordinary, that don’t grab our attention. The final major section of Acts, from chapters 21-28, is often neglected for these reasons. But while […]
The church is described throughout Scripture with several images, such as the family of God, the body of Christ, and the temple of the Spirit. As Paul bids farewell to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20, he uses another familiar picture of the people of the triune God: we are his flock, “the sheep of […]
Luke’s account of the Acts of the risen Lord Jesus reveals much about the nature of church. Here, we discover how the church is to be joyfully devoted to doctrine, fellowship, and prayer; that it is a miraculous community confirming the truth of the gospel; and how it is built only by King Jesus through […]
The book of Acts is not just the story of how the risen Lord Jesus built and established his church, but also how he continued to build up and strengthen his church through his Word of grace. We see this especially in Paul’s ministry of encouragement as be would revisit the churches he had planted […]
Throughout the book of Acts, we see followers of Jesus both going and staying for the sake of the gospel. Some travel thousands of miles to preach Christ and establish churches; they go to give. Others remain in a local community of faith in order to encourage and equip the saints; they stay to strengthen. […]
Two thousand years ago, before Jesus ascended to the right hand of the Father, he promised his disciples: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Though the […]
Christians are those who believe that Jesus is the risen King. He was enthroned on a cross through the suffering of death yet was raised in victory three days later. Now, exalted as Lord and Savior, he grants forgiveness and eternal life to all who call on his name in faith; by grace, he welcomes […]
