Sermon Podcast

Maybe God isn't answering us because we stopped asking or believing ... or because we have unconfessed sin ... or because we have unforgiveness ... or because we have selfish motives ... or because He has a better plan. When there are no answers, keep on seeking, remember God's faithfulness, and trust in God's grace.

Life is rarely lived in a straight line. Detours are part of God's divine plan to help us reach our destination. To reach your destination, rely on God's presence even when you're alone, choose integrity even when you're tempted to sin, use your gifts even when you're discouraged, and give forgiveness even when you're bitter.

It only takes one person, who finds favor with God, to change eternity. For us to find favor, we must listen to and obey God's commands, endure God's timing, share God's message, and celebrate God's faithfulness.

To pass the test, we must stand ready for whatever God asks of us, worship when we don't have all the answers, set the example for those who are watching us, surrender what we are tempted to hold onto. God's commitment to us is greater than our obedience to Him.

Genesis 3 begins with the question from the serpent: "Did God really say?" Genesis 3 causes us to ask ourselves two questions: "Where am I really?" and "What will I choose?"

For those who belong to Christ, there are bold declarations to cling to. Because God is so powerful, we have nothing to fear. Because God is so generous, we have nothing to worry about. Because God is so righteous, we have right standing with God. And because God is so loving, we have overwhelming victory.

What's the good news in bad times? God promises that suffering has an expiration date. God's presence helps us in our weakness. And God's purpose continues in spite of our circumstances.

To be adopted is to realize that you were made for another world and for another person. You were made for God. When the Spirit of God lives within you, you will be able to escape sin, you will walk a different path, you will leave fear in the past, you will have the assurance of love and salvation, and you will have a glorious inheritance.

A breakdown of Romans 8:1-11 -- For those who belong to Christ, we have been forgiven and set free from our sins. How can we live out what we've been given?

Just as the car will eventually stop when the gas tank is empty, our lives will eventually stop when we are empty. When we're feeling empty, our standards are lowered, our passions are gone, and our tempers are short. To get refueled, we need to rest our bodies, replenish our souls, readjust our priorities, remember our relationships, and rediscover our joy.