In Romans chapter 4, Paul points to Abraham as the clearest example of what it means to be justified by faith. Abraham was not counted righteous because of works, circumcision, or law-keeping—but because he believed God.

This lesson explores how grace and faith work together in salvation. Paul shows that salvation has never been about earning God’s favor through perfect performance, but about trusting in God’s promises and responding in faithful obedience.

Using Abraham and Sarah’s story in Genesis 17–21, we see that nothing is impossible with God. Abraham trusted God even when the promise seemed impossible, and that faith was counted to him as righteousness.

We also examine the relationship between Romans 4 and James 2—faith and works are not in conflict. Grace reaches down, faith reaches up, and works follow as the result of genuine trust in God.

If you've ever struggled with anxiety about salvation, wondered whether you're doing “enough,” or questioned how grace and obedience fit together, this study will help bring clarity and assurance.

📖 Main Text: Romans 4
 📖 Supporting Texts: Genesis 17–21, James 2, Psalm 32, John 10

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#Romans4 #JustifiedByFaith #Abraham #GraceAndFaith #FaithNotWorks #BibleSermon #RomansStudy #ChristianFaith #MilwaukeeAvenueChurchOfChrist #SalvationByGrace #BibleTeaching #Paul #AbrahamFaith #RomansSeries

Romans chapter 2 shifts the focus from obvious outward sin to something far more dangerous—religious hypocrisy.

After confronting the Gentiles in Romans 1, Paul turns to the Jews and warns that moral superiority, religious heritage, and outward obedience do not exempt anyone from God’s judgment. God shows no partiality. Whether Jew or Gentile, moral or immoral, religious or irreligious—everyone must stand before Him.

This lesson explores:
• Why judging others while practicing the same sins condemns us
• How God’s kindness is meant to lead us to repentance
• The danger of storing up wrath instead of treasure in heaven
• Why God judges the secrets of the heart through Christ Jesus
• The difference between outward religion and inward transformation
• What it means to have a true “circumcision of the heart”

Paul reminds us that baptism, church attendance, and religious identity are not enough if there is no real change within. God does not want performance—He wants transformation.

Christianity is not about looking righteous.
It is about becoming righteous through Christ.

God is kind, patient, impartial, righteous, and deeply personal. He wants more than appearances—He wants your heart.

Will we seek the praise of people… or the praise of God?

📖 Main Text: Romans 2
📖 Supporting Texts: Matthew 6, Matthew 7, Jeremiah 31, Colossians 2, Romans 1

#Romans2 #BibleStudy #ChristianLiving #JudgmentDay #Hypocrisy #Faith #Repentance #HeartChange #CircumcisionOfTheHeart #ChurchOfChrist #BibleSermon #JesusChrist #ChristianTeaching #SpiritualGrowth #GodsJudgment

Romans chapter 3 forces us to confront one of the hardest truths in Scripture: no one is righteous on their own.

Whether raised in faith like the Jews or far from God like the Gentiles, Paul makes it clear—everyone stands guilty before God because of sin. Religious background, good works, and moral effort cannot erase guilt or justify us before a holy God.

This lesson explores:
• The real advantage of being raised in God’s truth
• Why religious privilege is a blessing, not a burden
• God’s faithfulness even when people are unfaithful
• Why grace is never a license to continue in sin
• The truth that all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory
• Why salvation cannot come through “being good enough”

Paul reminds us that there is no cosmic scale where good works outweigh bad deeds. One sin breaks the relationship with God, and no amount of personal effort can fully repair it.

But the good news is this: God does not leave us in our darkness.

Like the Great Physician, He diagnoses the real problem—sin—and provides the only cure through Jesus Christ. Through grace, mercy, and the sacrifice of Christ, God offers complete forgiveness and new life.

We are not saved by religion. We are saved by grace.

📖 Main Text: Romans 3:1–20
📖 Supporting Texts: Romans 1–2, Psalm 51, Genesis, 1 Samuel 16, Hebrews 4

#Romans3 #GraceOfGod #BibleStudy #ChristianLiving #Faith #Salvation #NoOneIsRighteous #GospelTruth #ChurchOfChrist #BibleSermon #GodsGrace #JesusSaves #Repentance #ChristianTeaching #ScriptureStudy

In Romans chapter 2, Paul shifts from addressing the obvious sins of the Gentiles to confronting something even more dangerous—religious hypocrisy.

It’s easy to judge others while ignoring our own sin. Paul reminds us that God shows no partiality. Whether Jew or Gentile, religious or irreligious, moral or immoral—everyone will stand before God in judgment.

This lesson focuses on:
• God’s righteous and impartial judgment
• The danger of hypocrisy in the life of believers
• Why God’s kindness is meant to lead us to repentance
• The difference between outward religion and inward transformation
• What it means to have a “circumcision of the heart”

God does not want empty performance or artificial faith. He wants real transformation from the inside out. Baptism, religious identity, and outward appearances are not enough without a heart fully surrendered to Him.

Romans 2 reminds us that Christianity is not about looking righteous—it is about becoming righteous through Christ.

Are we storing up treasure in heaven… or storing up wrath?

📖 Main Text: Romans 2
📖 Supporting Texts: Matthew 7, Matthew 6, Jeremiah 31, Colossians 2

#Romans2 #BibleStudy #ChristianLiving #JudgmentDay #Hypocrisy #Faith #Repentance #HeartChange #CircumcisionOfTheHeart #ChurchOfChrist #BibleSermon #JesusChrist #ChristianTeaching #SpiritualGrowth #GodsJudgment

What does it mean when Paul says, “the wrath of God is revealed from heaven”? In this lesson from Romans 1, we explore a truth many avoid—God’s wrath is real, but it is not uncontrolled rage. It is His righteous and just response to persistent rebellion.

Paul shows that when people continually reject God, suppress truth, and refuse repentance, God’s wrath is often revealed through abandonment—allowing sin to take its natural course. From Samson to Proverbs to Romans 1, Scripture warns that continued rejection of God leads to darkness, idolatry, brokenness, and destruction.

Yet even in this warning, there is incredible hope. God has made Himself known through creation, through His Word, and ultimately through Jesus Christ. His desire is not condemnation, but salvation. Romans 5 reminds us that through Christ’s blood, we are saved from the wrath to come.

This sermon challenges us to ask:
• Am I honoring God with gratitude and obedience?
• Have I allowed truth to be suppressed in my life?
• Am I moving toward God—or away from Him?

God does not force our choice, but He does call us to choose. The good news is that no one has to remain under wrath—grace is available for all who turn to Him.

📖 Main Text: Romans 1:18–32
📖 Supporting Texts: Judges 16, Judges 10, Proverbs 1, Psalm 19, Romans 5

#Romans1 #WrathOfGod #BibleSermon #ChristianLiving #Faith #Repentance #GospelTruth #Salvation #ChurchOfChrist #BibleStudy #GodsGrace #TruthMatters #ChristianTeaching #ScriptureStudy #JesusSaves

What does it truly mean to be not ashamed of the gospel?

In this powerful introduction to the book of Romans, we step into the world of early Christians living under the Roman Empire—facing pressure, persecution, and uncertainty—yet holding firmly to a faith that transformed everything.

This message unpacks the opening of Romans and lays the foundation for the entire letter, focusing on:

The historical reality of life in Rome for early Christians
Paul’s identity as a servant, apostle, and ambassador for Christ
The true meaning of the gospel as good news about God
The importance of encouragement and unity within the church
Living with purpose, humility, and devotion like Paul
Why the gospel—not us—is the power that saves

At the heart of this lesson is Romans 1:16–17:
👉 The gospel is the power of God for salvation
👉 The righteousness of God is revealed
👉 The righteous shall live by faith

This is more than an introduction—it’s a call to live boldly, serve faithfully, and trust fully in the power of God.

📖 Scriptures referenced include: Romans 1; Acts 18; Acts 20; 2 Corinthians 11

👉 Join us as we begin a journey through Romans and discover how the gospel changes everything—both now and for eternity.

What do words like lost and alone stir in your heart? And how do they compare to words like saved and united?

In this powerful message, we walk through the emotional weight the disciples experienced during the crucifixion of Jesus—and the overwhelming hope that came through His resurrection. This lesson explores the reality of anxiety, the struggle to trust God’s plan in uncertain moments, and the undeniable truth that the resurrection changes everything.

Focusing on key passages from the book of Matthew and beyond, this sermon highlights:

The fear and confusion surrounding Jesus’ death
The repeated predictions of His resurrection
The proof and power of the empty tomb
The danger of rejecting truth for temporary gain
The life-changing hope found in Christ’s victory over death

The resurrection is not just a historical event—it is the foundation of our faith and the assurance of our future.

If Christ has not been raised, our faith is futile—but He has been raised, and that changes everything.

📖 Scriptures referenced include: Matthew 16, 17, 20, 27–28; 1 Corinthians 15; Acts 2; Acts 17; Romans 6

👉 Join us as we reflect on what it truly means to move from being lost and alone… to saved and united through Jesus.

We were grateful to have guest speaker Nate Anderson present this important lesson on pride and humility — what pride is, how it quietly enters our lives, and how we can overcome it through a heart devoted to God.

Throughout Scripture, we see powerful examples of how pride separates people from God and harms relationships with others. From the Tower of Babel to King Nebuchadnezzar and King Herod, the Bible consistently reminds us that pride leads to downfall, while humility leads to grace.

In this message, Nate encourages us to carefully examine our hearts and consider how pride can subtly grow through self-reliance, recognition, and comparison with others. He also shares practical, biblical guidance for developing humility and maintaining a Christ-centered mindset.

In this sermon, we explore:
• What pride is and why it can be spiritually dangerous
• How pride can quietly develop in everyday life
• The effects pride has on our relationship with God and others
• Biblical instruction for cultivating humility
• The importance of constant watchfulness and prayer

Scripture reminds us in 1 Peter 5:5 that “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” As followers of Christ, we are called to imitate Jesus, who demonstrated perfect humility and a servant’s heart.

This lesson challenges us to remain vigilant, prayerful, and focused on honoring God rather than elevating self.

📖 Key Scriptures:
Genesis 11
Daniel 4
Acts 12:21–23
Proverbs 16:18
Philippians 2:3–5
1 Peter 5:3–8

If this lesson encourages you, consider sharing it with someone who would benefit from studying what the Bible teaches about humility.

#GuestSpeaker #Pride #Humility #BibleStudy #ChristianLiving #Faith #Jesus #Sermon

We were honored to have guest speaker Marshall Rogers share a powerful message encouraging us to focus on what truly matters from an eternal perspective.

In a world filled with distractions, pressures, and temporary priorities, this lesson reminds us to evaluate our lives through the lens of eternity. Marshal challenges us to consider where we are investing our time, energy, and devotion, and calls us back to a Christ-centered life grounded in faith and purpose.

In this sermon, you will be encouraged to:
• Reflect on what has lasting spiritual value
• Realign priorities with God’s will
• Strengthen your commitment to faithful living
• Keep your eyes fixed on the eternal promises of God

This message is both encouraging and challenging, helping us remember that our lives are meant for more than temporary success — they are meant for eternal impact.

We are thankful for Marshal’s willingness to share wisdom from Scripture and encourage our church family.

#GuestSpeaker #Faith #ChristianLiving #Bible #Church #Eternity #Jesus

In the final message of our series through the book of Acts, we explore Acts 27–28 and the powerful theme of hope in the midst of life’s storms.

As Paul journeys to Rome in chains, he faces shipwreck, uncertainty, and hardship. Yet throughout every challenge, Paul demonstrates a confident trust in God's promises. His hope was not based on circumstances, but on faith in the God who keeps His word.

In this lesson, we examine:
• What biblical hope truly means
• How faith sustains us during life’s storms
• How Paul’s example encourages us to trust God even when situations seem hopeless
• Why the story of Acts continues today through the lives of believers

No matter how strong the storm may feel, God’s promises remain steady. Like Paul, we can live with courage, confidence, and hope anchored in the resurrection of Jesus.

📖 Scripture: Acts 27–28
⛪ Series: The Book of Acts

If you are seeking hope, encouragement, or a deeper understanding of God’s faithfulness, this message is for you.

#Bible #Acts #Hope #Faith #Jesus #Church #Sermon #ChristianEncouragement