There is a gap between what our head knows and what our body does. What is that gap? In a word—worship. The longing and loves in our hearts direct our actions, and so often not in a positive direction. In this passage, Paul begins exploring the desperate need for the Gospel by examining society as a whole. And he identifies the truth that, though the reality of God is evident in creation, people suppress that knowledge and go their own way.

This week’s message extends the introduction to Romans that began with our exploration of the first 7 verses last week. In this passage, Paul articulates the “thesis statement” that provides the focus for the whole book of Romans: the gospel is the power of God to bring about salvation for those who believe. This message explores three important perspectives that will characterize us when we root our lives in the gospel’s dynamic impact.

Romans has been called the “fullest, plainest and grandest statement of the gospel in the New Testament.” As we begin our 27-week journey through the book of Romans, the first seven verses beautifully introduce the Apostle Paul (author) and the gospel—the good news of Jesus Christ which Paul has been called to spread.

In a song celebrating the “plenty” of an abundant harvest, David digs deeper, challenging worshippers to recognize the God behind the provision. Expounding on both spiritual and physical blessings, David’s very first words, “Praise awaits you,” are directed not to the worshippers but to God, expressing David’s confidence that God’s people are ready to respond to God’s provision with gratitude and obedience.

Over the last two weeks, we have been investigating what it means to understand the Bible as God's Word to us. That raises the question of how to read and study Scripture in a way that enables us to catch its intended meaning. This message provides a practical framework for understanding and applying what the ancient text of Scripture says to us as followers of Jesus today.

Why do people think the Bible is the word of God? And, if it is, what would that mean for us? This message explores these questions and lands with practical ways to start reading the Bible effectively.

By leaps and bounds, the Bible is the most published, purchased, quoted and read book in all of history. Where did it come from and what impact has it had? This brief fly-over identifies ten significant points about the development of the Bible and a number of key ways that Christianity has influenced the world we live in today.

In this time where our world seems to be unravelling, we may wonder, “What is God up to?” The simple truth is that he’s working on the same plan that’s been unfolding since before time began. This plan is called the Gospel. This message explores facts, evidence and observations about God’s ancient plan to save the world.

This is the last in the series of parables in Matthew 13. It is very similar to the parable of the weeds where the main point is that each of us will face judgement on the day Jesus returns and we stand before God. This parable explains that the net was thrown out to catch all kinds of fish, and this is symbolic of God wanting everyone to be saved, there are no exclusions from the kingdom of heaven. The question is, will we choose to follow Jesus?

Jesus says that following God is a treasure- but a treasure that is hidden- shrouded and sometimes not immediately apparent. But it can be found by grace(!), and we can receive it if we pay all we have- because Jesus paid all he had. Also I will share a story from Hope Mission.