Pastor John Lovell
Pastor John Lovell is the weekly sermon podcast of Grace City Church in Rome, Georgia. The church teaches the Word of God directly and applies the truths of the gospel to everyday life. It emphasizes authentic relationships through community and calls men to lead their families with intentionality. Listeners can find the church's weekly sermons on this channel.
Episodes
Gender, RACE, & Jesus | Mark 7:24-30
The religious elite of the New Testament had some serious misunderstandings of the promised Messiah foretold in Genesis for the descendants of Abraham. While the Jewish leaders were waiting for some majestic, robe- clad King with mighty, authoritative characteristics, our humble Jesus was busy casting out the Gentile's demons and teaching the Samaritans of love and service. Grace City Rome ce
Take the Pharisee Test | Mark 7:1-23
Jesus Christ was confronted and questioned by the religious elite for allowing His Disciples to eat with dirty hands. He frankly and boldly called out the hypocritical religious sect, offering His scathing rebuke of their ceremonial cleansing processes and endless traditions. Listen this week as Pastor John warns that religiosity will destroy a church and how to recognize the difference between th
Should we FEAR Jesus? | Mark 6:45-52
A.W.Tozer wrote in The Knowledge of the Holy that "what comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us". Our mental image of God will influence every aspect of our lives as it shapes our views of worship, serving, and loving others. Listen this week as Pastor John presents a tension-inducing question of whether or not we should fear Jesus, showing how t
The Only Miracle in all 4 Gospels | Mark 6:30-44
The only miracle that is mentioned in all four gospels is when Jesus called His disciples into His ministry to perform an impossible task - feed the crowd. Glory to God for His power to multiply the provisions and to bless those who are faithful in giving what they have, as thousands were fed that day. Listen this week as Pastor John celebrates great news for Grace City Rome, praising God for the
Obey God. Defy Tyrants. | Mark 6:14-29
When you stand strong for Christ, you will be rejected by man, as Christianity is the most persecuted religion on earth. As evidenced in ancient biblical times as well as today, only the cowards will retreat from the fight for truth and God's Kingdom, eventually surrendering to the pressures and depravity of society. Listen this week as Pastor John implores strong men to ready themselves for
Gaining A Brother
Since the fall of man in the garden of Eden, sin has caused broken relationships and ego-driven chaos in all humans. Those first scenes in Genesis depict a history of mankind's long-standing coercion of others for its own benefit, displaying selfishness in its desire to always be the main character. Listen this week as Brother Brett Gossett challenges believers to evaluate our relationship wi
Here Are Two Swords | Mark 6:7-13
When Jesus commissioned His disciples to spread the gospel, He never sent them out alone. He sent them out in pairs, knowing that this early evangelism model demonstrated by a loyal few would be the foundational elements of His church. Listen this week as Pastor John encourages believers to get plugged into the body of Christ, adding your strength, skills, and gifts to the local congregation, and
Getting IN the wheelbarrow: Believing IN Jesus
Our Almighty God has the power to redeem lost and hurting souls. In His infinite power, He can take a tortured, terrorized life of abuse and neglect and turn it into a glorious restoration story that draws people closer to the gospel. Listen this week as Grace City Rome welcomes contemporary American evangelist, Tony Nolan to the pulpit to share his powerful testimony. He speaks boldly about this
REJECTED By Hometown Friends & Family | Mark 6:1-6
The only perfect human ever to walk this earth was rejected by those who knew Him, those who lived in His town, and those He called family. Time and time again, Jesus proclaimed the truth of the gospel that most certainly offends those with a sinful nature problem. Listen this week as Pastor John highlights the painful division many of us are experiencing among friends and family, leaving us to po
FAITH to Heal | Mark 5:21-43
The Apostle Paul reminds us in the New Testament that we are to view our physical ailments as divine blessings, because when we are weak in body, we gain strength in spirit. A heavenly mindset is required to have such faith that heals and restores. Listen today as Pastor John tells the story of Jesus bestowing the gift of healing upon His followers, commanding us to use this gift in His name. Past
Worthy of The Call
A total disregard for moral standards was displayed in a recent disheartening survey of Christian believers, resulting in catastrophic numbers that revealed the sins they are willing to accept in today's cultural chaos. The world, as well as some pew-warming Christians, are guilty of not holding themselves to the Holiness standard that God demonstrates for us in His Word. Listen this week as
JESUS vs. A Demonic Army | Mark 5:1-20
Many modern-day Christians are dangerously unaware of the spiritual warfare that is being waged against the children of God. Jesus demonstrated in the Old Testament that He had power over the demons who grovelled immediately at His feet and begged for forgiveness, yet the people still wanted Him to leave their region, showing fear of such unknown and disruptive encounters. Listen this week as Past
the Treasure of GOD
Jesus spoke in parables in the New Testament knowing that ordinary man would not understand the magnitude of His messages. His own family and neighbors could not fully grasp that Jesus came to expose the truth of God and that He actually had knowledge of the foundations of the earth. Listen this week as Pastor Andy proclaims the dangers of assuming that you fully know who Jesus is just because He
The Unapproachable God
In the Old Testament, Moses brought the people of Israel to the foot of Mount Sinai so they could meet God, but all they witnessed was the smoke. God always covers His glory in the darkness due to His unapproachable light - and it was only Moses that was chosen for that monumental task.Listen this week as Pastor Andy preaches some harsh truths that none of us are worthy to see God and that there i
Commanding Fear | Mark 4:35-41
The disciples thought death was surely imminent as the boat was rocked by massive and angry waves. While Jesus took a well-deserved nap during the storm, they exclaimed their fear and boldly questioned His compassion and loyalty. After calming the winds and the stilling the sea, Jesus noted their fears and immediately admonished them for their lack of faith. Listen this week as Pastor John outline
How To Take Over the World | Mark 4:26-32
For centuries the world has experienced conquering kings and emperors who have used their military might, clever politics, and technological intellect to advance their earthly kingdoms. Historical greats such as Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar ruled empires, oftentimes through bloody wars and violent endeavors. The Kingdom of God is remarkably different from this cultural view of conquering
2026 FREEDOM Conference | Pastor John Lovell
In this powerful sermon, Pastor John Lovell (former Army Ranger and founder of the Warrior Poet Society) challenges men to break free from passive living and embrace a massive, kingdom-sized mission. Drawing inspiration from the life of the Apostle Paul, John breaks down what it truly means to be an effective missionary and statesman for Christ in today's world.Satan wants nothing more than t
The LORD will Provide | Gen 22
Our earthly fathers who are believers in Jesus are directed to discipline and love their children through difficult times and uncomfortable situations, knowing that strength is built through adversity. This fatherly love is a reflection of God, the Father, who loves yet admonishes His children on the paths to righteousness, building character and integrity along this challenging journey. Listen to
Stewards of Light | Mark 4:21-25
God's Word clearly informs believers that they are to be a light to the world, just as Jesus was the Light to our dark and lost souls. One of Satan's priorities is to extinguish that light of Christians, spreading worldly lies regarding religion and the church. Listen this week as Pastor John proclaims the truth of the gospel that cuts through the darkness and draws people to fellowship,
Why Jesus Used Parables | Mark 4: 1-20
Time and time again during His ministry on earth, Jesus spoke to the massive crowds in parables, sometimes leaving them hanging with His engaging stories packed with veiled and coded meanings. Only the eyes and ears that had been prepared for the gospel news were ready to discern the wisdom and power of His Holy Words. Listen this week as Pastor John preaches about the raw and infinite holiness of
Family Troubles? Mark 3:31-35
Jesus Christ was the exemplary model for living a life focused on the gospel mission, displaying true Christian discipleship that sometimes separated Him from His biological family. The spiritual family that is created when believers join other believers may divide us from our worldly family and traditions, yet it is where the gospel message thrives and grows. Listen this week as Pastor John opens
The One Great War | Mark 3:22-29
The New Testament contains the most intense spiritual warfare passages in the Bible and clearly reveals that Commander Jesus came to invade and overthrow the kingdom of darkness. Human hearts, like those of the Pharisees, can sadly become so hardened that they are blinded to the truth, giving Satan undue credit and power instead of where the honor truly lies, which is in God. Listen this week as P
Grab A Shovel
ll Christians are missionaries, called by God to join King Jesus to spread the gospel message. Jesus lived the perfect example of seeking and saving the lost souls of the world, while suffering greatly for this holy work. The Bible is very clear about believers' commitments to that exact same mission. Listen this week as Pastor Andy assures believers that a crown of righteousness awaits those
FANS or FOLLOWERS? | Mark 3:7-21
The New Testament engages readers with story after story of the disciples of Christ being beaten and broken, yet they always considered it worthy to suffer dishonor for the glory of our Holy God and His gospel message. They were the ones handpicked by Jesus, the true followers and not just the fans who benefited from His noble and generous actions. Listen this week as Pastor John asks believers so
Why Sabbath is so Crucial | Mark 2:23 - 3:6
The Bible clearly commands that God's children keep the Sabbath holy, taking time to rest and enjoy the presence of God. Yet the modern-day hustle culture, as well as the legalistic, religious elite of the New Testament, distorts this spiritual discipline of honoring God on the Sabbath. One of Satan's favorite tactics is distraction, so he loves when our calendars are full of activities
The Best Party in Town | Mark 2:18-22
Jesus always throws the best party in town, and true to their hypocritical character, the religious elite called Him out for it. The stoic, "holy on demand" Pharisee crowd couldn't grasp the concept of freedom from the Old Testament Laws, and they held tightly to their restrictive performance pressures to be holy. Listen this week as Pastor John encourages the hearts of the believer
Matthew & the Call of the Unworthy | Mark 2:13-17
When Jesus Christ stepped into His earthly ministry, creating the most powerful religion on the planet, He didn't qualify His disciples through a resume filled with worldly accolades. The clever, hard-working, skilled leaders with excellent management and fund-raising skills were not the priority for Him, as He chose the unwanted, the poor, and the broken. God does not choose His teams like p
Wisdom | Who is wise and understanding among you?
Our modern culture is on information and knowledge overload, yet who is wise and understanding among them? Charles Spurgeon was a highly influential English preacher from the 19th century who spoke with biblical authority when he wrote: "Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise; many men know a great deal and are all the greater fools for it." Listen this week as B
HE IS RISEN | Easter Sunday 2026
The gospel message starts out with some really bad news that our hearts are deceitful and that none of us can compare to the infinite goodness of God. What a miraculous act indeed to pitch this Christianity truth as Jesus did, and yet still become the largest religion in the world, boasting billions of followers to date. The Bible tells us about the sinfulness of mankind and offers a sobering rem
Tear Open The Roof | Mark 2:1-12
The best of friends are the loyal, faithful, and hard-charging kind who will tear the roof off someone's house to get you to Jesus. By not allowing obstacles or inconveniences to stop them, these loving and selfless friends demonstrate how they are ALL IN for Jesus, seeking to do the highest good for their brothers in need. Listen this week as Pastor John brings to life a biblical story from
Principles for Kingdom Mission
In the New Testament, Jesus Christ intentionally equips and deploys His disciples and other teams as foot soldiers for the gospel message, sending them out with spiritual authority and purpose. This kingdom mission was fueled by divine empowerment granted by God the Father, as they possessed ALL AUTHORITY now to heal the sick, to restore the lost and broken lives, and to deliver people from demoni
A Ministry of Destruction | Mark 1:40-45
Without godly wisdom, even the grandest intentions performed in love can accidentally lead to destruction. The miraculously healed leper in the book of Mark had a passionate zeal for Jesus Christ, showed immense gratitude toward Him while in His presence, and then immediately acted disobediently upon leaving Jesus. The consequences of his actions affected the future ministry of Jesus, creating obs
What you Find in Desolate Places | Mark 1:35-39
*Apologies for the audio difficulties in the first 8 minutesIn the Gospel of Mark, scripture reveals Jesus waking very early in the morning to seek a desolate place to pray and spend time with His Heavenly Father. Though the crowds sought His teaching and His fellowship, Jesus Christ did not seek the earthly opportunity to grow His ministry or to focus on productivity and accomplishment. He did no
All Authority | Mark 1:21-34
Jesus speaks with absolute authority as He began teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum and astonishes those who hear Him for the first time. The Son of God steps forward in unmistakable command, boldly and directly proclaiming His divinity while immediately silencing the voices of the demons in His presence. He heals the sick with compassion and rebukes the unclean spirits with all spiritual powe
the FOUR | Mark 1:16-20
When Jesus was ready to assemble His core team of disciples, the world never expected that He would ordain a ragtag bunch of ordinary people with no social status or formal religious training. He didn't call the rich, the religious sect, or the kings and princes. He called those with a heart for Him and whose life was ALL IN for the gospel message. Listen this week as Pastor John calls us to
our 5 Word Battleplan | 2 Chronicles 20:12
God's holy fingerprints are evident in the movement of His people and His church during this season of worship, prayer, and fasting. As the broken world feels unending pain and uncertainty about their present and future plans, Christians are being called to the mission field by Commander Jesus to advance the banner of His love and truth. Ancient biblical texts reveal story after story of batt
CALLED and CONSECRATED
The Holy Spirit is stirring in His people, inviting the church to be called out and consecrated for His purpose. Just as Jesus was called to the wilderness to commune with His Father God before His ministry ever began, we are being called to seek His holy presence through prayer and fasting.Listen as Pastor John passionately reminds us today to seek God's nearness, to commit to the disciplin
the Mission Begins | Mark 1:14-15
John the Baptizer was arrested for calling out the kings, the emperors, and the religious elite, all who believed that their lofty positions of power and prestige could shield them from the truth of the gospel. As Jesus begins His ministry during this time, He proclaims that God's time has been fulfilled and that the kingdom of God is at hand, confirming John as a prophetic witness to the com
I Will Be With You | Joshua 1:1-6 & Exodus 33:7-11
Faithful leaders are held accountable to God's holiness and His commands. While Moses was divinely rescued by God and then anointed to lead millions of Israelites to the promised land, his disobedience left a void in the leadership mission he was appointed. Moses witnessed the burning bush, stood in the very presence of God, and was designated to carry the holy tablets written with the 10 Com
Overcoming Temptation | Mark 1:12-13
The New Testament clearly indicates a period of time that Jesus was directly tempted by Satan, the Tempter who questioned the identity and the will of God the Father. Jesus, in human flesh, was alone, hungry, and exhausted from His fasting time in the wilderness, yet never allowed the external or internal temptations of Satan to sway Him from His mission here on earth. Listen this week as Pastor
Greatness in the Wilderness | Mark 1:1-8
The prophets of the Old Testament foretold his coming, all four Gospels mention his name, and even the words of Jesus Himself declared that no man was greater than John the Baptist. This remarkable hero of the Christian faith didn't step into ministry with the outward display of holiness like the Pharisees with their fancy hats and robes, but instead, boldly proclaimed Jesus as Messiah wearin
CHRISTMAS Invitation
The birth of Jesus Christ on that very first Christmas Day was the perfect gift from God the Father, and was undoubtedly the most important day in the history of the whole universe. This cosmic event included supernatural angels and watchers, together with the prophets of old to declare that a Savior is born to us. After 400 years of silence from God and waiting for the Messiah, an angelic proces
Healing from Anger, Betrayal & Rejection
The world holds on tightly to their countless stories of rejection and betrayal, marked by repeated let-downs and disappointments from family and friends. This continuous trauma cycle of bitterness and unforgiveness causes poisoned hearts, isolated souls, and broken relationships. Listen this week as Pastor John directs our hearts to see Jesus as the perfect biblical model of forgiveness, the One
get RICHES | Philippians 4:17-20
The Book of Philippians opens and closes with scripture regarding finances and money matters, therefore highlighting the deep spiritual relevance of the topic. The Apostle Paul is urging the Church of Philippi to view their riches according to their eternal rewards in following Christ, not in the monetary value of their assets. Listen this week as Pastor John concludes Philippians with a powerful
E$caping the MONEY TRAP | Philippians 4:14-19
In the New Testament, Jesus talked more times about money than He did about heaven and hell combined. Shouldn't believers follow this same model while escaping culture's money trap? The world distorts the dynamics of money, creating an idol that destroys families and relationships, while boasting that all money matters should be kept private and away from the church. The Apostle Paul adm
the SECRET of CONTENTMENT | Philippians 4:10-13
Be very discerning when listening to casual Christians try to comfort or guide you with their favorite out-of-context Bible verses. While the lost world often seeks answers to their earthly woes in their next big promotions, fancy neighborhoods, or the biggest bank accounts, believers are walking in the truth of God's Word and finding contentment in Jesus. The Apostle Paul writes to the churc
Take your MIND BACK | Philippians 4:8-9
The Apostle Paul's quest to exhort encouragement to the early church at Philippi reminded believers to recalibrate their minds to walk in the way of Christ, in virtue and goodness. The modern world is full of doom and gloom, and humans feel the weighty pressure of such negativity and anxiety. The believer's mind, however, has become new and should intentionally focus on whatever is true,
The Soul that Sings | Psalm 84 by Andy Middleton
In ancient biblical times, God's presence was centered around a holy temple and the old testament saints would journey to this dwelling place in eager anticipation of His glory. While this pilgrimage would often encounter human suffering and trial, the joy of being in the presence of our Holy God was more rewarding than any earthly comfort. Their souls longed for His courts and their hearts s
Enemies or Allies? | Philippians 4:1-3
While some believers embrace their divisive and prideful intellect during a church conflict, the Apostle Paul models the proper church discipline with two faithful workers, free of judgement and always focused on the goal of unity in Christ and relationship reconciliation. "Unity" that abandons spiritual growth and ignores a biblical conviction of the heart cannot rightfully be called pe
FIGHTING Anxiety & FEAR | Philippians 4:4-7
Regardless of worldly circumstances, believers who are rooted in the Lord can live a continual life filled with peace and joy. The Apostle Paul encourages us to rejoice in all things brought on by our broken and sinful world, as we belong to an unchanging sovereign God whose standard of living is totally unrelated to the circumstances of this world. Listen as Pastor John reminds us this week that
Mentors Abandoned | Philippians 3:17-21
Quality mentorship is imperative for the spiritual growth of believers, as your age and the number of years professing your Christianity does not dictate the wisdom of a person. Surrounding yourself with godly people in a world full of chaos requires discernment, discipline, and a desire to grow in Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul calls for believers to live as citizens of heaven here on earth, imi
Holy Ambition | Philippians 3:12-16
Christians are not perfect people, we are just forgiven people who recognize that mankind is fatally flawed and that we need a Savior. Believers have heard the liberating call of Jesus Christ to be gloriously authentic, pressing toward the mark of spiritual maturity, always reaching for holy ambition. Listen this week as Pastor John takes us to the Apostle Paul's letter to the church at Phil
Religious RUBBISH | Phil 3:1-11
The Apostle Paul performs a savage take-down of the inadequate and corrupt religious crowd in the early church era. He proudly proclaimed in the book of Philippians that all his former religious accolades and laws were rubbish compared to the joy of his new heart and his new life in Jesus Christ. Listen as Pastor John urges us to understand the distinction between religion and faith-based relatio
The Houses of Mirth and Mourning | Phil 2:25-30
The world is mourning the loss of some very influential, kingdom-building Christian leaders at this current time, those who unapologetically shared the Word of God. Carrying this burden of such devastating and heart-breaking loss brings believers closer to Jesus, and in the depth of our collective grief, His eternal promises bring much needed hope. Listen as Pastor John upholds Epaphroditus, a lo
No one like Timothy | Philippians 2:19-24
What would it be like to be part of a genuine dream team for your church? The Apostle Paul singles out a brother in Christ, Timothy, as a model for the kind of leader the church should value - those who put Christ and others first in all they do. The struggle to locate purely selfless men was as evident in the early church as it is in modern times. While sinful humans revel in their desire for sta
A LIGHT in the Darkness | Philippians 2:14-18
This vile and broken world that we inhabit is full of warped and wicked displays of behavior, and the disgusting evidence from our current news cycles show a continuous downward spiral of moral decay. We have witnessed the evil of lost souls who celebrate the death of a Christian martyr, who harbor bitterness and anger in their hearts, and who stand boldly against any responsibility or accountabil
Are you Saved? Take the Test | Philippians 2:12-13
To be saved through God's salvation plan is when you give your whole heart and life to Jesus Christ. It may begin with a beautiful, eternal moment at an earthly altar, but then the lifelong quest of His holiness and righteousness comes from our desire to serve Him and His people. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians that the believers responsibility is the active pursuit of obedience in
the Lowly Exalted | Philippians 2:1-11
Love God and love others. This profound and simple foundation of Christian principle is boldly exclaimed by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the church at Philippi, as he calls the church to unity through humility. Listen as Pastor John passionately proclaims that the gifts of mercy and love that Christ has provided for believers in turn commissions us to extend this same humility and grace to ot
Live Worthy | Philippians 1:27-30
The road to victory often goes through pain and suffering, as the Bible does not endorse the current worldview of happiness - that temporary, shallow emotional state based on external circumstances. The Apostle Paul calls for a genuine unity of believer's hearts and minds at the church of Philippi, reminding them that Jesus offers holiness, eternal joy, and a purpose-driven fulfillment that n
Death Wish | Philippians 1:19-26
A unique form of radical extremism is demonstrated through the Apostle Paul's letter to the Philippians, as he wrestles with the tension of his soul's deep desire to be with Jesus and his heart's desire to strengthen the spiritual walk of the new believers. This significantly personal and theological reflection views death as a personal gain and a deeper doorway to fellowship with
Gospel Envy & Church Discipline | Philippians 1:15-18
The seeds of destruction are sown in churches across America when envy, rivalry, and selfish ambition enter in, sometimes disguised as a true ministry of the gospel. In his letter to the Philippians, the Apostle Paul acknowledges that people can sometimes do the right thing (preach the gospel) for the wrong reasons (approval of man, influence, power). Pastor John warns us today that if hearts are
From Suffering to Courage | Philippians 1:12-14
Being imprisoned typically denotes disgrace and punishment upon the outcast who experiences social shame and failure. The Apostle Paul's message to the Philippians, however, completely flips the script on this prisoner stereotype, as he defied the worldly expectations of his confinement in a Roman prison. He boldly proclaimed that his chains and his suffering were golden opportunities to lea
The Secret Society of the Happy Few | Philippians 1:7-11
The loneliness epidemic is sweeping across our nation at statistically alarming rates, and this modern day trend is in incredible contrast to the divine, biblical design that calls us to vibrant fellowship and love for our fellow man. The Apostle Paul demonstrates in Philippians that Christians are called to be radically different, yearning to be with each other, having affection toward your broth
An Unstoppable Victory Procession | Philippians 1:1-6
An unrivaled passion for Jesus and the gospel message is fully demonstrated by the Apostle Paul, as he pens a letter to the church of Philippi while imprisoned in a Roman jail. His message of the completed work of Jesus Christ offers believers a new perspective on some old beliefs, reiterating the promise of eternal security for those new Christians. Pastor John opens up a series on the book of P
The Blood Cries Out | Brett Gossett
Just outside the Garden of Eden Cain was the first man born into a world of sin, and through him, the ancient texts of the Bible show mankind's first demonstration of refusal to fight against one's own sinful nature. God pronounces His sovereign and righteous judgement on those who let arrogance and pride rule over their heart, yet in His infinite mercy, He offers grace to those who hum
Hello, Worthy Women | Romans 16:1-16
Highly valued women are viewed as essential to the early Christian church and are honored in the Bible for their obedience to their faith. In the Apostle Paul's heartfelt conclusion in his letter to the Romans, he commends the worthy efforts of the community of like-minded believers, who have shared their faith and their services while on a focused mission for the gospel. In stark contrast to
Your Mission Should You Choose To Accept It | Romans 15:14 - 33
One of the most influential preachers and theologians of the 19th Century, Charles Spurgeon, once asserted that "every Christian is either a missionary or an imposter". Seemingly impossible missions, whose cause is Jesus Christ, have created some unlikely heroes in our Christian past. Pastor John's message this week celebrates these past champions of the Christian faith. He guides
A Return to GRITTY Christianity| Romans 15:1-7
Strong Christian believers are called to act in love and to follow the example of Jesus Christ, whose ultimate sacrifice led to the rescue of others. Spiritual strength and robust faith equip believers to prioritize the needs of weaker Christians and to sacrificially bear the failings of those who fall behind. Against all cultural beliefs regarding strength and masculinity, the church has a bibli
The Cross That Was Given To You | Pastor Hank Stanley
Imagine your response to being plucked from the crowded streets of Jerusalem by Roman soldiers and commanded to carry the cross of Jesus. The New Testament recounts the story of Simon of Cyrene, who was compelled to carry this heavy, splintered, blood-stained cross and bear the burden of following Jesus. Grace City Rome welcomes Guest Pastor Hank Stanley from Roatan, Honduras to the pulpit this we
Made to Stumble | Romans 14:1-23
The Bible is quite clear in how Christians are directed to handle their differences in personal convictions, particularly regarding the matters of our faith that are not essential to salvation. While civil discourse is welcome concerning a variety of opinions, we are to accept these differences among believers without judging and division. The Apostle Paul encourages believers in Romans 14 to live
Armor of Light | Romans 13:8-14
Believers in Jesus Christ would wholeheartedly agree that the laws of the Old Testament were oppressive and unattainable, so the life-altering advice offered in Romans this week provides the life and freedom we all desire. God's great love for His children is witnessed in the life of Jesus Christ and all of His commandments can be summarized into one eternal directive: Love One Another. It wa
The 3 Most Important Words In History | Easter Service 2025
One key moment in time changed the whole trajectory for all of mankind on earth. While the enemy believed that the final blow was struck at the death of Jesus on the cross, Jesus was accomplishing His mission by holding all the sins of the world between His nail-scarred hands. Cover to cover, the Bible reveals the majestic story of Jesus Christ, and all of history revolves around a singular moment
Civil Disobedience | Romans 13:1-7
Government officials are tasked with upholding justice, punishing evil, and promoting societal good, and since their authority is derived from God, it implies a divine purpose in their role. Submission to this worldly authority is both practical and moral, as long as it aligns with God's divine will. When challenged with the burdensome weight of an unrighteous government authority, believers
Vengeance is Mine | Romans 12:14-21
The world often promotes a misinformed mindset of "getting even" or "settling the score", a dangerous revenge story they rely on when someone wrongs them. This self-centered attitude will consume one's life and steal what joy they may have. The Apostle Paul presents a contrasting challenge to the believers in Rome when he proclaims a wildly heroic command of Jesus to bles
RADICALS Only | Romans 12:11-13
In the Apostle Paul's letter to the Romans, he offers some practical exhortations for a fulfilling Christian life. He encourages us through God's Word to become the right kind of radical Christian, by passionately loving people and inviting others into our homes and our lives. Listen as Pastor John encourages us to allow the Holy Spirit to summon our true passion for Jesus and to display
Hate Evil | Romans 12:9-10
True love rejoices in what is morally good and the scriptures are loaded with the biblical standards of this love. While Hollywood and the secular culture distort real love with their worship of feelings and self-gratification, God reminds us that the very vehicle He used for salvation was His Love for us, His own son Jesus. In Romans, the Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of sincere love and
Spiritual Gifts | Romans 12:3-8
How has God gifted you and why did He choose you for these unique gifts? The church is THE PLAN of God for a lost and dying world, and the spiritual gifts that you bring to the table are imperative in the growth of the body of Christ. Listen this week as Pastor John throws a curveball into the worldview of special gifts that we may possess. In Paul's letters to the Romans we learn that your G
Renewing Your Mind | Romans 12:1-2
Spiritual growth for Christian believers can be dangerously sabotaged by gnosticism, an infusion of ancient ideas and religions that help create a delusional dualistic worldview. The true Word of God openly challenges today's worldly standards and its wildly out-of-touch culture, whose default position is clearly viewed as hostility toward God. The Apostle Paul provides his Roman audience som
The Remnant | Romans 11
How does our sovereign, all-powerful God handle the Jewish nation of Israel's rejection of Jesus Christ? He allows their stumbling, sinful decisions to extend the gift of salvation to the Gentiles, fulfilling a biblical plan to provoke them to jealousy, so that some Jews may ultimately be saved. The Apostle Paul in Romans 11 reveals the mystery of this divine plan that emphasizes God's f
Sharing the Gospel | Romans 10:1-21
The Apostle Paul opens up a bold indictment against the Jewish nation in Romans this week, as he speaks to the hard-nosed, stiff-necked elites of the religious sector. When your moral structure is built on the belief that man is basically good, you will completely miss opportunities to reconcile with God through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Contrary to worldly opinions, your fancy suits, your luxur
