Hope for the Distressed

In Romans 1:16–17, Paul boldly declares he is “not ashamed of the gospel” because it is the very power of God to save. This message exposes our sin, confronts our pride, and reveals that we cannot earn righteousness. We must receive it by faith in Christ. When we do, God takes our righteousness which is filthy rags and clothes us with the perfect righteousness of Christ. We are called to believe it, live it, and proclaim it without shame.

In Romans 1:8–15, Paul opens his heart and reveals the soul of a true pastor—one who begins with gratitude, is burdened in prayer for God’s people, and burns to strengthen and be strengthened by the church. This message explores Paul’s deep love for believers, his passion to reach all people with the gospel, and how his pastoral heart ultimately reflects the heart of Jesus for us today.

In this message from Romans 1:1-7, we explore how Paul introduces the gospel as God’s eternal promise fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The good news didn’t begin in the New Testament—it was promised long ago and revealed in Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. This gospel transforms who we are, calls us to obedience through faith, and commissions us to share God’s grace with all nations.

The book of Romans has sparked revival for centuries—awakening Augustine’s heart, igniting Luther’s Reformation, and setting Wesley’s faith on fire. In this opening message of Romans: Not Ashamed of the Gospel, we discover why this letter still transforms lives today. Romans confronts our sin, reveals God’s grace, and awakens our mission to impact the nations, our neighbors, and the next generation through the unashamed power of the Gospel.

In Matthew 18, Jesus tells of a servant forgiven a massive debt who refuses to forgive a small one. It’s a reminder that unforgiveness traps us in bitterness, while grace frees us. We forgive not because others deserve it, but because we have been forgiven far more by Christ. Forgiven people forgive people — releasing the offense, healing the heart, and reflecting the One who canceled every debt at the cross.

In this message from Genesis 27:30–41 and Hebrews 12:14–17, we unpack the story of Esau and Jacob to show how the root of bitterness can spring up in our life and keep us from experiencing God's grace. Bitterness turns mirrors into windows and keeps us distracted by outward "robbers" rather than inwardly dealing with the poison that is spreading in our lives. We must remember God’s grace, and refuse to let bitterness rob us of the joy and freedom found in Christ.

In a world that celebrates busyness, Jesus calls us to something better. From Luke 10:38–42, this message explores the story of Mary and Martha to show how busyness can distract us from what matters most—being with Jesus. Learn how to slow down, embrace Sabbath rest, and serve from intimacy rather than exhaustion. Discover the freedom and peace that come from resting in Christ’s finished work.

In 1 Peter 3:15, Peter calls believers to set apart Christ as Lord, always ready to give a defense for the hope within us. Sharing our faith begins with worship, flows from preparation, and is carried out with gentleness. Evangelism isn’t about winning arguments but pointing people to Jesus through words and transformed lives. We proclaim His death until He comes.

In Mark 10:42–45, Jesus redefines greatness—not as power over others but as service to others. While the world defines greatness by authority and status, Christ calls His followers to humility, sacrifice, and service. He points to Himself as the ultimate example, the Son of Man who came not to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom. True biblical greatness is found in serving like Jesus.

In a world that is unraveling at the seams, the church should be the one place where Jesus is weaving people back together. In this message on the need for the community, we see the command for community, the requirements of community, and the results of community on the world and on us.