Just Judgment — Romans, Part 2

In the beginning of his letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul says the message of Jesus is good news for all kinds of people. People who’ve done wrong would welcome forgiveness. But does everyone need forgiveness? What about people who do right? Pastor Luke teaches from Romans 2:1–11 in “Just Judgment,” part 2 of his 4-part series…

Overview — Romans, Part 1

Paul’s letter to the Romans is his most general purpose letter, and because of that, it is an introduction both to Paul and to the good news about Jesus. Not just for the people in Rome but for us too. Pastor Luke teaches from Romans 1:1–7,16–17 in “Overview,” the first message in a new series “Romans.”

Suffering and Glory

Even when we know what we want to do, or need to do, that’s only part of the problem. The really hard part might be doing it. Does God help us, or is making changes in our life up to us? Pastor Luke teaches from Romans 8:9–17 in “Suffering and Glory.”

Scuttlebutt—Loose Lips, Part 2

When is it okay to lie? Not in a courtroom, certainly, but how about outside? When is it acceptable to make false statements? Are there circumstances when it’s wrong to tell the truth? These questions can be tricky, but fortunately, there is a simple principle Christians can be guided by. Pastor Luke preaches from Romans 12:9–21 in “Scuttlebutt,”…

Newness of Life

Most people make New Year’s Resolutions, but most resolutions don’t produce the desired changes. What about people of faith? Does God help people produce change in their lives? For at least one category of activity, the answer is a resounding “yes!” Pastor Luke preaches from Romans 6:1–11 in “Newness of Life.”

Christians and Civil Authority — June 21, 2020

We continue our conversation about Christians and Society, and how we can show God’s love in a society that is hurting. This week we’re talking about the police power, and especially police violence. Pastor Luke preaches from Romans 12:18–13:7 in “Christians and Civil Authority,” part 2 of his 3-part series “Counter Culture.”

Open Secrets — Hope, Peace, and Joy, Part 3

The Apostle Paul said that Jesus initiated the new age, and that he made it possible for us to live in that coming age already, without waiting for it to come in its fullness. When we do, Paul said, we will experience the hope, peace, and joy that God provides. How can we start living…

Good News Long Ago — Hope, Peace, and Joy, Part 2

An earthquake is a lot like how the Apostle Paul described Jesus’ return. It’s certain to happen but we don’t know when. But Paul had more to say than, “Nobody knows when.” Pastor Luke teaches from Romans 1:1–7 in “Good News Long Ago,” part 2 of his 3-part series “Hope, Peace, and Joy: How Christmas Still Matters.” The…

How Christmas Still Matters—Hope, Peace, and Joy, Part 1

Advent is the season when we look back to look forward: back to Christ’s first coming, forward to his future coming in glory. But what purpose does it serve to look forward? According to the Apostle Paul, it’s like looking to the eastern sky before dawn. What did he mean by that? Pastor Luke teaches…

Antifragile — The Trinity, Part 2

Jesus described God as a loving heavenly Father, but sometimes people see God as a stern disciplinarian. If God were really loving, they ask, how could he sit idly by while his children suffer? Pastor Luke looks at Romans 5:1–8 in “Antifragile,” part 2 of his 3-part series “The Trinity.”