Pastor Brent brings us the third of five Advent sermons in the book of Ruth. He opens with an illustration of the life of Susanna Wesley, who through may hardships and trials committed herself to daily Bible reading, prayer and journaling and raised two giants of the Christian faith, John and Charles. Similarly, the hardships of Ruth 1 have led to “God’s Providence” in Ruth 2:1-7; “God’s Favor” (vv. 8-16); and “God’s Kindness” (vv. 16-23). Boaz is introduced not only as a central figure in Ruth, but he points ahead to Christ in several ways! His worthiness to serve, protect, provide, and redeem all reflect Jesus (see in order Mark 10:45; John 10:11; 4:14; 6:51; Gal. 4:4-7). Celebrate Jesus, our great Redeemer-King, as seen through the book of Ruth and in the line of her great-grandson David!
Faithfulness in Pain (Ruth 1:6-22)
We continue our Advent series in Ruth. Pastor Brent’s opening illustration focuses on a family from within our congregation, the Killams, who are faithfully enduring painful trials. This leads into Ruth 1:6-22, where the word “return” is repeated 12 times, reflected in this sermon’s outline: “Returning Home” (vv. 6-7); “Returning or Turning?” (vv. 8-18); and “Returning Empty” (vv. 19-22). Key lessons in this passage are: 1) Walk toward God; 2) Be willing to give up everything; and 3) Let God be sovereign. As the same root word in Hebrew for “return” is “repent,” the Redeemer welcomes all who will return (or turn) to Him! NOTE: For further commentary on this Ruth sermon series, you may listen to our Roots & Branches podcast Episodes 130 and 133.
Hope in Tragedy (Ruth 1:1-5)
On this pre-Thanksgiving Sunday, Pastor Brent begins our 2025 Advent sermon series in the book of Ruth. Key theological themes in Ruth include Suffering and Pain; Trust and Commitment; Redemption and Restoration; and Unworthy and Worthy. In this opening passage, Pastor Brent sets the stage with “Troubles” (vv. 1-2) and “Tragedy” (v. 3-5). A key to this passage is that “God’s lovingkindness, his wisdom, and his gracious forgiveness enter into the story in the midst of our foolishness and lack of faith!” He concludes by addressing head-on a few of the troubles of our current day (assassinations, wars, personal tragedies) and asserts that rather than quick takes and social commentary, what we need most as a church family is maturity in Christ, contending for the faith, and resting not in human wisdom but in God’s power. As we talk about Ruth and the Redeemer over the next few weeks, we need to recommit ourselves to “the centrality of the gospel, the sacred teaching of God’s Word, the allegiance to God’s kingdom above all, and glorifying risen Lord Jesus.”
Righteousness Given Through Faith (Romans 3:21-31)
It’s time for some good news! After investing seven weeks focusing on the bad news of human sin in Rom. 1:18-3:20, Pastor Brent shifts gears to the glorious GOOD NEWS—the gospel—in Rom. 3:21-31. This foundational passage for the Christian faith defines “Righteousness Given” (vv. 21-26) and “Boasting Taken Away” (vv. 27-31). In addition to reviewing common objections to Christianity and the two dangers of becoming Rebels or Pharisees, Pastor Brent challenges us with three questions about God’s justification of sinners: 1) How is it received?; 2) Who can receive it?; 3) What do we receive? Justification (the same Greek word as righteousness) is received by faith; available to anyone who admits to being an unworthy sinner; and provides atonement for our sin! Faith is the MEANS of our salvation; Christ is the SOURCE of our salvation!
No One is Declared Righteous By Works (Romans 3:9-20)
Pastor Paul tackles the last in a series of “bad news” passages which began with Romans 1:18 and continues through 3:9-20. We are all sinners, whether unrighteous or self-righteous. The hard truth in this text is that we are all under “The Power of Sin” (v. 9); we all experience “The Pervasiveness of Sin” (vv. 10-18); and we all know the clear verdict of our condition through “The Perspective of Sin” (vv. 19-20). We are all guilty before God. To emphasize the cliffhanger of this bad news, Pastor Paul uses a literary reference to The Lord of the Rings; a cinematic-historical reference to the 2017 film Darkest Hour; and biblical references to Isa. 53:6, John 11:38-44, and the lives of Old Testament saints Isaiah and Job. Christianity offers a clear diagnosis, but also the remedy—the Redeemer—in Christ. Pastor Paul ends with two encouraging texts from Heb. 3:12-13 and Phil. 2:3-5.
God is Faithful and Just (Romans 3:1-8)
Pastor Brent opens this week’s sermon by quoting Matt. 5:17-20. This sets the stage for his examination of Rom. 3:1-8: “Is God’s Promise of Salvation Conditional or Unconditional?” (vv. 1-4); “How is This Fair?” (vv. 5-6); and “Why Does It Matter How I Live?” (vv. 7-8). The gospel destroys both legalism and license, as both the conditional and unconditional are fulfilled in Christ! Because Jesus perfectly kept the law, He gives us His righteousness; because Jesus went to the cross, He takes away our sin. Because He fulfills both, only He gets the glory!
God Looks at the Heart (Romans 2:17-29)
Rounding out our 3rd week in Rom. 2, Pastor Brent opens with Matt. 23:25-28 and a convicting illustration that salvation precedes true moral and behavioral change. He then preaches on “Self-Righteousness of Moralism” (vv. 17-24); “Self-Deception of Moralism” (vv. 25-27); and “Solution to Moralism” (vv. 28-29). Within his three main sections, Pastor Brent also outlines “Symptoms of Moralism” (false humility; over-sensitive; judgmental; anxious; anger) and the errors of righteousness and superiority as often seen through legalistic churches, experiential churches, and sacramental churches. A key to this passage and this entire chapter is the Apostle Paul’s assertion that the gospel requires a “circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit” (v. 29).
Divine Justice (Romans 2:5-16)
Pastor Brent continues in “The Glorious Gospel,” our year-long sermon series in the Book of Romans. Ch. 2 continues unfolding the bad news—and the good news—of the judgment of God. After Pastor Brent sets up this passage with v. 5, we see “Criteria for Judgment” (vv. 6 -11); “Conditions for Judgment” (vv. 12-15); and “Cure for Judgment” (v. 16). God is just in His judgment because all people are culpable for knowing right and wrong. For those in Christ Jesus, we rest in the truth that the criteria for judgment has been met and the conditions have been satisfied! Believers’ names are written in the Book of Life, and Judgment Day for Christians is good news, as we’ll be vindicated in Christ!
The Danger of Self-Righteousness (Romans 2:1-4)
On the same morning as his commissioning, Associate Pastor Paul Arneberg preaches from Romans 2:1-4. After his introduction glorifying the Lord for His guidance and will in bringing him and Wendy to this area, church, and role, Pastor Paul outlines this passage as follows: “No Excuse” (v. 1); “Inescapable Truth” (vv. 2-3); and “Contempt or Repentance?” (v. 4). Using the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14) as a main supportive text, Pastor Paul warns against comparing oneself with others since we’ll all be judged by God’s standard of perfect righteousness. The solution to both unrighteousness (Rom. 1:18-32) and self-righteousness (2:1-29)? Repent and trust CHRIST ALONE for forgiveness and HIS righteousness (2 Cor. 5:21).
Commissioning of Paul Arneberg - October 12, 2025
Pastor Brent Kompelien leads the commissioning of Paul Arneberg as Associate Pastor at New Life EFC. Comments by elders Ernest Stellingwerff, Glenn Olson, Scott McCall and Terry Szymanski are included. The Elders and other ministry leaders gathered around Paul and his wife, Wendy, to commission him to this new role which, as written in the Elders’ letter, “…will bring greater intentionality to Paul’s shepherding, especially as he will now be expected to support the Senior Pastor and share the load of pastoring the congregation”.
Consequences of Sin (Romans 1:21-32)
Continuing in our 2025-2026 series, Pastor Brent reminds us that the Book of Romans is all about the gospel, which includes the bad news. Building off of the thesis statement of 1:16-17, this week’s passage focuses on unrighteousness, and the next three messages will focus on self-righteousness (2:1-29). Pastor Brent’s opening illustration from The Prodigal Son (Luke 15) reminds us that both unrighteousness and self-righteousness are equally sinful in the sight of our holy God. This week’s outline features “Defining Unrighteousness” (1:21-23); “Descending Into Unrighteousness” (vv. 24-31); and “Defeating Unrighteousness” (v. 32). Referring to his “Master List of Cultural Idols” he’s been working on since 2020, Pastor Brent admonishes us to confess our personal idols, including a self-examination: “What makes me angry, sad/depressed, worried, prideful? What do I strive to achieve every day? To what do I turn for comfort? What makes me fearful of failure?” We need to stop moralizing, rationalizing, and to turn from idols, looking only to Christ for our salvation and joy!
Without Excuse (Romans 1:18-20)
Having covered the thesis statement of Romans last week (1:16-17), Pastor Brent now focuses on three powerful verses that serve to introduce Rom. 1:21-2:29. In 1:18-20, we see “God’s Wrath” (v. 18); “God’s Revelation” (vv. 19-20a); and “God’s Righteousness” (v. 20b). All are sinners, whether through rebellious unrighteousness (1:21-32) or pharisaical self-righteousness (2:1-29). We are dead in our sins; God gave us His own righteousness through Christ to save and give life to all who believe. That’s why the gospel is so GOOD!
A Righteousness That Is By Faith (Romans 1:16-17)
In the third week of our Romans series scheduled through late 2026, we’ve arrived at the letter’s thesis statement. Pastor Brent explains “What the Gospel Does” (v. 16); “What the Gospel Is” (v. 17a); and “How the Gospel is Received” (v. 17b). Among his key lessons, he asserts that this short passage is intensely practical, driving us to trust in the power of God much like an ice skater (regardless of skill) trusts in the security of solid ice. He also defines “righteous” as both an attribute of and an action by God, and he points to Heb. 11 as a chapter which debunks the myth that salvation in the O.T. was by works. The righteousness of God is found in His Person (justice), His promises (faithfulness), and His power (justice and faithfulness applied to us).
Mutual Encouragement (Romans 1:8-15)
Pastor Brent continues our new series by reminding us of the overview of the gospel as seen through the entire Book of Romans. The gospel: REVEALS our sin and God’s righteousness (ch. 1-4); TRANSFORMS us into a new humanity (ch. 5-8); FULFILLS the OT promises to Israel (ch. 9-11); and UNIFIES the church under Christ (ch. 12-16). After defining what faith is and what faith is not, Pastor Brent outlines Rom. 1:8-15: “Faith is Visible” (vv. 8-10); “Faith is Encouraging” (vv. 11-12); and “Faith is Sharable” (vv. 13-15). Both “the wise” and “the foolish” come on level footing to the foot of the cross of Jesus Christ to receive saving faith. We, as the church, have a treasure that has been entrusted to us in the gospel. Share it with all ages, from nursery to nursing homes!
The Gospel of Promise (Romans 1:1-7)
Pastor Brent launches a sermon series on The Letter of Paul to the Romans. With breaks for Advent 2025 and Summer 2026, this series will last 15 months and focus on “the gospel of God" (Rom. 1:1). After overviewing this masterpiece written by the Apostle Paul through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Pastor Brent walks through the first seven verses: “Gospel Call” (v. 1); “Gospel Message” (vv. 2-4); and “Gospel Task” (vv. 5-7). Pastor Brent asserts a key of this opening passage: “Paul has encountered the risen Jesus, been commissioned by the risen Jesus, and has a message of good news about the risen Jesus.” Just as this letter was pivotal in the lives of church history figures such as Augustine, Martin Luther, John Wesley, and John Bunyan, we are challenged to trust, relate to, speak to, marvel at, submit to, encounter, and KNOW Jesus.
Most Worthy of Praise (Psalm 145)
Pastor Brent wraps up our 17-week Summer in the Psalms series with Psalm 145. Old Testament scholar James Mays describes this psalm as “the overture to the final movement of the Psalter,” and Psalms 145-150 are symphony of praise to the LORD! The theme of Psalm 145 is testimony: testifying to God’s work, who He is, and what He has done. This acrostic poem of the entire Hebrew alphabet is a “Guide for Testimonies” (vv. 1-7) and an “Example of a Testimony” (vv. 8-21). There is a missional purpose of testimonies, and Pastor Brent offers one chapter of his own testimony from the difficulties of church planting as a young pastor in San Francisco. His lesson learned and offered is to be restful in one’s identity in Christ as the Father’s beloved child in whom He is well pleased (see Matt. 3:17).
Unity of God's People (Psalm 133)
Back in the pulpit for the first time in 15 weeks, Pastor Brent brings the penultimate message in our Summer in the Psalms series. After recapping his sabbatical with a few examples of adventures with his family, he opens Psalm 133 and describes “What Unity is Not” (neither harmony nor uniformity), “What Unity Is” (founded, focused, and fixing our eyes on Christ), and “Why Unity is Important”. Pastor Brent asserts, “Unity comes when each of us are growing closer to the Lord Christ and to His throne” (Rev. 4-5). He also shares a powerful anecdote of advice given to someone praying for peace with an estranged loved one: “Don’t necessarily pray for peace, but pray that he or she will grow closer to Christ.” In tying together vv. 1 and 3 of this psalm, Pastor Brent reminds us that when we dwell in unity together, it is there we see the Lord bestow His blessing.
Will God Forgive Me? (Psalm 51)
The last in a series of 11 different preachers spanning 14 weeks through Pastor Brent’s sabbatical, New Life welcomes Carlton Harris, acting president of the EFCA. Drawing on his 46 years as a husband, father, grandfather, and church leader, Carlton offers fatherly wisdom from a shepherd’s heart through Psalm 51. After a personal introduction, Carlton welcomes back Pastor Brent and admonishes the congregation to give the Kompeliens space to ramp back up into the inevitable stresses of church ministry. As he opens Psalm 51, Carlton asks a very personal question: “What is the most terrible thing you have ever done?” He then encourages listeners to read 2 Sam. 11-12 for historical background on this psalm. Written in four stanzas, Ps. 51 features multiple words for sin; multiple pleas for mercy; and a reminder that all sin is ultimately rebellion against God. The end result of all repentance is restoration, and Carlton offers a key statement: “No one is so holy that he or she can’t fall, nor so fallen that he or she can’t be forgiven.” God’s heart is for the repentant believer, and Carlton ends by leading a responsive reading with excerpts from Ps. 32.
My Help Comes from God Alone (Psalm 121)
Psalm 121 is precious to many people who love the Lord and love Psalms, which preacher Paul Arneberg prays applies to all who are listening. Paul shares personal stories from his recent and distant past of how the Lord has powerfully used Psalm 121 in his own life and through three women who died in faith in Christ. The second in a series of 15 “songs of ascent” sang by ancient Jewish pilgrims journeying up to Jerusalem for three annual feasts, Psalm 121 features include “The LORD is our Helper” (vv. 1-2); “The LORD is our Protector” (vv. 3-8); and “The LORD is our Preserver” (vv. 7-8). Rather than looking to creation, worthless idols, or even our loved ones for our ultimate help, protection and preservation, we are challenged to more and more to the Lord our God both now and forevermore.
Loving the Word of God (Psalm 119:33-48)
Frank Lanier is the Director of Leadership Development for the North Central District of the EFCA. In this message, Frank begins with his family background and a personal announcement that he and his family are soon leaving the NCD for a church planting call in his home state of North Carolina. After overviewing Psalm 119 as an acrostic of the entire Hebrew alphabet and highlighting several terms representing God’s Word, Frank preaches on “The Blessing of Hunger” (vv. 33-35); “The Blessing of Perspective” (vv. 36-37); “The Blessing of Fear” (vv. 38-40); “The Blessing of Promise” (vv. 41-43); “The Blessing of Perseverance” (vv. 44-45); and “The Blessing of Joy and Worship” (vv. 46-48). Frank concludes by extolling Jesus, the Word of God (John 1:1-5, 14-18). “The hinge point of all reality is Jesus Christ.”