A Radically Different Identity
We must willingly incur any and all costs of being identified with Christ and zealously living for him in a culture that is hostile to our values, standards and commitments.
Romans
Crystal Clear About Why We Serve
Because we are objects of God’s unmerited favor we ought to give ourselves fully to live for him completely in all we do, think and say.
Election and God’s Future for Israel
We should joyfully anticipate the faithful fulfillment of God’s covenant promises to Israel by gratefully worshipping the all-wise Architect of salvation history.
Looking to the End as a Humble Gentile
We must humbly respect the Jews for their place in salvation-history while we cling to grace, eschewing any self-confidence, as we consider God’s dealings with Israel
Modern Israel and Our Jewish Messiah
Knowing that God is using his relationship with us to provoke jealousy in Israel should be one of the many biblical motivations to pursue a vibrant spiritual life
Sacrificing for People We’ve Yet to Meet
Because it is God’s plan to use our evangelism to expand his kingdom, we must be prepared for growth & willingly sacrifice any personal interests that stand in the way.
Acquiring a Clear Picture of What We’re Praying For
As ambassadors of Christ we must clearly understand & fervently pray for the biblical effects of genuine repentance & faith in the lives of those we seek to win for Christ.
Taking On the Gospel’s Biggest Obstacle
Our most frustrating challenge (and fervent prayer) in evangelism is seeing people moved from trusting in their own efforts to resting in the finished work of Christ.
Getting Serious About God’s Priorities
To fulfill our calling as ambassadors of Christ we must be more passionate and prayerful about expanding the kingdom of God and extending the Lordship of Christ.
Extending the Gospel with Passion & Sincerity
God’s sovereignty over salvation does not in any way mitigate our responsibility to passionately & persuasively present the gospel message to all types of people.
Exploring the Riches of Unearned Forgiveness
It is critically important to always keep God’s amazingly gracious character in view when we consider the nature of his decision to save undeserving sinners like us.
Perspectives on Fairness, Justice & Grace
We should humbly affirm God’s right to do as he chooses regarding the dispensing of his justice toward some sinners and the demonstration of his mercy toward others.
Grappling with God’s Choices
Because God is working to collect his chosen people we can be expectant & confident in our evangelism knowing that those he’s appointed to eternal life will be saved.
Invariable Love in a Changing World
We must be mindful of the permanent & invariable love of Christ so that we live life with a grateful confidence and bold assurance regarding our relationship with God.
Reasons for Confidence No Matter What
If the ultimate danger of facing God’s wrath has been eliminated for us in Christ, then there is no place for fear, worry or anxiety regarding the problems we face in this life.
Looking for the Good When Things Go Bad
Life can be tough sometimes, but we trust in a God who is not ignorant of our suffering. Pastor Mike explores one response when life gets tough.
Praying Through the Pain
Though our prayers are imperfect & limited, we are greatly helped by prayer amid trials & prolonged difficulties because the Holy Spirit actively intercedes for our good.
Discovering the Patience of Christian hope
We must patiently work through the internal frustration inherent in the Christian life knowing that almost all the benefits God promised us are postponed until the next life.
A Biblical Perspective on a Fallen World
While the cosmos is now dying, Christians are called to eagerly anticipate a resurrected planet which will be perfectly sustained by God for our use and our good.
Why Being Heavenly-Minded Does a World of Good
We should not be surprised by all the suffering in the world, instead we should revel in God’s solution to the pain caused by sin and keep looking to our future home.
Our Daily Relationship with God's Holy Spirit
The evidence of regeneration is seen in the redirecting, refocusing and reassuring ministry of God’s Spirit which indwells every Christian.
How God's Spirit Can Overpower Our Temptation
We must engage in a battle with temptation throughout our Christian lives, seeing sin for what it is and relying on the power and provision of God’s Spirit.
Learning to "Live by the Spirit"
Biblical sanctification requires the active presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, and is advanced by a renewed mind yielded and set on his agenda for our lives.
The Foundation of Our Sanctification
We can only think and proceed rightly in our sanctification when we are absolutely clear about the finished work of Christ that secured our justification.
Why "Just Trying" Doesn't Work
Romans 7 presents a dramatic and frustrating internal conflict that illustrates that attempts to please God without the enablement of the Holy Spirit are always futile.
Thinking Rightly About Holiness & Sin
The law was given to expose our sin, make us see our need for grace, as well as giving us an objective expression of what holy conduct looks like.
Our Changed Relationship with God's Rules
We should see and understand God’s goal for our sanctification; and we should also know that “the rules” alone are inadequate to bring it about.
Looking to the Benefits of Obedience
Remember that the high toll that sin exacts in our lives should motivate us to pursue obedience with its short-term and long-term rewards.
But What About Grace?
The grace that makes us right with God by Christ’s work and not ours, does not liberate us to do whatever we want, but constrains us to obey our Lord Jesus Christ.
Confronting the Enemy Within
Though freed from the domain and penalty of sin, God calls us to rigorously deny our sinful impulses by actively pursuing God’s agenda not sin’s enticements.