We’re back for the final section in our year-long sermon series in the beloved Book of Romans! Pastor Brent begins by reviewing the structure of this theological masterpiece by the Apostle Paul: chs. 1-4 reveals our sin and God’s righteousness; chs. 5-8 transforms us into a new humanity; chs. 9-11 fulfills the OT promises to Israel; and chs. 12-16 unifies the church under Christ. In the first two verses that head our final section, Pastor Brent outlines the “Purpose for Your Life” (v. 1); the “Battle for Your Mind” (v. 2a); and “Resulting Transformation” (v. 2b). Salvation is something God achieved for us, but it requires a response from us, including the rational response of worshiping and following the Person of Jesus. The world tempts us to conform; the Lord calls us to transform! Evidence of the renewal of our minds in Christ includes being empowered by God, directed by God, and glorifying to God. Pastor Brent uses an illustration from professional baseball about the need to develop tacit knowledge as we follow Christ through constant devotion and discipleship.
A New Heaven and a New Earth (Revelation 21:1-22:5)
In this final sermon in our summer series and the second week directly addressing eternity, Pastor Brent opens with a question: “As a Christian, what are you saved for?” Yes, we’re saved FROM sin, self, Satan, and the corruption of the world, but we’re saved FOR Heaven and God! Our ultimate destiny as Christ-followers is to join God’s people, live in God’s place, and rest in God’s presence. Pastor Brent expounds on “Reunited Creation” (Rev. 21:1-8); “Rebuilt City” (Rev. 21:9-27); and “Renewed Garden” (Rev. 22:1-5). The dimensions and materials of the New Jerusalem symbolize a perfect creation inhabited by all of God’s people and the very presence of God. These symbols are always less, not more, than we can imagine! Living the Christian life merely to avoid judgment is no way to live. Live FOR Christ and the hope of glory! Redeemed relationships follow the ministry of reconciliation. One day soon, we will know God face-to-face!
Heaven and Hell (Luke 16:19-31)
Pastor Brent wraps up our summer series “What Does the Bible Say?” with two messages on eternity. In Jesus’ graphic parable of the rich man and Lazarus from Luke 16, he exposits “One Fate” (v. 22); “Two Outcomes” (vv. 19-23); and “Three Demands” (vv. 24-31). We all come to the same earthly fate, death, yet our choices in life have radically different eternal consequences. Even in torment, the rich man shows no signs of repentance, but rather continues trying to boss around Lazarus. By contrast, Lazarus (“the one whom God helps”) is silent in this parable, needing neither rationalizing nor defending. The witness of Scripture gives us all the reason we need to hear God’s call unto salvation (2 Cor. 6:2; Heb. 3:7-8; 4:7). D.A. Carson: “There is not a single passage in Scripture that says there is repentance in Hell.” Who do we know who are in danger of Hell? Are you? Call upon the name of the Lord Jesus and be saved!
Discerning False Teaching (1 John 4:1-6)
Terry Szymanski from our Elder Team returns to preach on one of his favorite Christian disciplines, apologetics. His introduction covers several humorous illustrations designed to encourage critical thinking skills and discernment: a series of AI-modified photos of himself ranging from the mundane to the ridiculous; a quick round of “Two Truths and a Lie”: and misunderstood lyrics to a pop song from when he was a child. Terry then dives into his sermon on 1 John 4:1-6: “Recognizing That There is a Battle of Ideas (Truth & Lies)” (v. 1); “Spotting False Teaching” (vv. 2-4); and “Practicing Discernment and Living in Truth” (vv. 5-6). From describing various assaults on truths; definitions and iterations of antichrists; basic truth theories; and subjective vs. objective truth, Terry challenges the listener to have hearts that burn with desire for the truth of Jesus and His Word (see Luke 24:32) and to live out truth today.
Government and Politics (Luke 20:20-26)
Pastor Brent previews our final three Sundays in our summer series, “What Does the Bible Say?” Although he didn’t plan it, today’s message lands just two days before the primaries in Minnesota and Wisconsin! Two mistakes Christians make regarding political involvement range from total disengagement to idolatry of party or politicians. Rather, keying off of Luke 20, Pastor Brent reviews the “Motivation of the Jewish Leaders” (vv. 20-22) and focuses on “The Proper Approach Toward Government” (vv. 23-26). He then gives close attention to “Why Human Government Exists” (creation mandate; protect life; just laws; human welfare) and “Our Relationship with Government” (pray for them; seek goodness and justice; submit to government; embody God’s kingdom values in the public square). All things belong to God; therefore government is subordinate to Him. A highlighted resource is How the Nations Rage: Rethinking Faith and Politics in a Divided Age by Jonathan Leeman.
Biblical Justice (Matthew 12:1-21)
The word “justice” is mentioned 400 times in the O.T. alone. Justice starts with knowing the heart of God (see Micah 6:8). In contrasting modern-day social justice with the Bible’s teaching, Pastor Brent opens Matt. 12:1-21 emphasizes “The Desire for Justice” (vv. 1-8); “The Heart of Justice” (vv. 9-14); and “The Fulfillment of Justice” (vv. 15-21). After detailing Jesus’ examples from 1 Sam. 21 and Hos. 6:6, Pastor Brent asserts that loving people should always be put ahead of rule-following and we need to make and abide by laws that reflect God’s good design and doing good toward His image-bearers. In today’s society, justice is equated with fairness, retribution, and expressing one’s authentic self. However, biblical justice has to do with our evil, sinful human hearts and ultimately recognizing who Jesus is and responding rightly. We respond through repentance and faith for salvation and through kingdom living that glories God through us! Recommended resource: Confronting Injustice Without Compromising Truth by Thaddeus Williams.
Spiritual Warfare (Ephesians 6:10-20)
We’re more than halfway through our summer sermon series, “What Does the Bible Say?”, and Pastor Brent’s message refutes the materialism and humanism so rampant in our culture. Accepting the spiritual realm is to live in reality, and we as Christians currently live in enemy-occupied territory. Opening the powerful passage in Eph. 6, Pastor Brent preaches that Christians are “Commissioned” (vv. 10-13), “Equipped” (vv. 14-17) and “Empowered” (vv. 18-20). Our strength is in the Lord; we fight against the Devil’s schemes; and all six aspects of the full armor of God have specific purposes. We are to pray with the Spirit’s power on all occasions both generally and specifically with perseverance for all the Lord’s people! As an immediate application, Pastor Brent invites prayer huddles to pray for individuals, marriages, ministries, age groups, missionaries, Bible studies, and issues in our world. Fight the good fight of faith side-by-side with the people of God by the power of God for the glory of God!
Embodiment and Resurrection Bodies (1 Corinthians 15:35-58)
Pastor Brent is back from vacation with anecdotes about his family’s costumed appearance in an Independence Day Parade and his two recent injuries which set the stage for his sermon. After quoting theologian Gregg Allison from his book Embodied: Living as Whole People in a Fractured World, Pastor Brent asserts that a biblical view of embodiment is that the promise of a resurrection body is integral to the glorious gospel! His outline of the last half of the great resurrection chapter (1 Cor. 15) focuses on “What Kind of Bodies Will We Have?” (vv. 35-49); “When Will I Get My New Body?” (vv. 50-57); and “How Shall I Live While I Wait?” (v. 58). Redeemed embodiment is part of the good news of the gospel, and we wait with godly posture (standing firm), purpose (given fully to the Lord’s work), and trusting in the promise that our labor in the Lord is not in vain!
Spiritual Gifts in the Church (1 Corinthians 12:1-31)
Scott McCall of our Elder Team preaches out of 1 Cor. 12 in this 6th message of our summer series, “What Does the Bible Say?” After an opening illustration about the true story of Band of Brothers (book and miniseries) and the men of Easy Company unified with diverse gifts of skill yet with a common mission, purpose, and bond, Scott admonishes us to fight the good fight of faith in the spiritual war faced by the Church. He breaks down this longer passage as follows: “Spiritual gifts are a result of the Holy Spirit’s work” (vv. 1-6); “Each Believer has a role to play in the Body of Christ and has at least one gift to share” (vv. 7-26); and “Spiritual gifts are given to each believer to build up the Body of Christ in unity, wholeness, and to glorify God” (vv. 27-31). Scott’s closing application is to make sure each listener has received Christ as your personal Savior; know your spiritual gifts through the Holy Spirit’s presence in your life; and serve the Body of Christ for God’s glory!
The Great Commission: Authority to Disciple with Jesus (Matthew 28:16-20)
Pastor Paul opens this Independence Day Weekend sermon by sharing his love of country, admonishing listeners to cherish and defend our nation’s ideals while “longing for a better country—a heavenly one” (Heb. 11:15). Apply America’s Freedom of Religion by making disciples for Jesus Christ! He then breaks down this familiar passage from Matt. 28 in three parts: “Believe the Authority of Jesus” (vv. 16-18); “Obey the Commands of Jesus” (vv. 19-20a); and “Trust the Presence of Jesus” (v. 20b). Pastor Paul highlights four “alls” (authority, nations, commands, days) and Jesus’ four-fold assertion to Godhood. Many cross-references undergird this passage, which William Hendriksen describes as Jesus’ Great Claim, Great Commission, and Great Comfort. Illustrations include the life of 18th century preacher-evangelist George Whitefield (heard in person by some 80% of the colonial populace through 1770) and Pastor Paul’s efforts to plant and water seeds for the gospel by leading Bible studies, Bible camps, and personal relationships through his former tentmaker ministry, Jugheads Youth Juggling Company.
Are We In The End Times? (Matthew 24:1-51)
Week 4 of “What Does the Bible Say?” focuses on eschatology. Using an opening analogy of the unknown timing of earthquakes, Pastor Brent encourages the congregation that despite the unknown timing of the definitive “last day,” God’s people will be faithful to the end! He then outlines Matthew 24: “A Revealing Conversation” (vv. 1-3); “Signs of the End” (vv. 4-35); and “Our Job in the Meantime” (vv. 36-51). Regardless of a Christ-follower’s place on the timeline of the end times (right now or any time since the Ascension), we are to be ready with vigilance (vv. 42-44) and be faithful with integrity (vv. 45-51)! Today is the day to take seriously following Christ, walking in God’s ways till the end and matching our words to our lives every day.
The Church (1 Peter 2:4-10)
It’s part 3 in our 13-week summer sermon series, “What Does the Bible Say?”. After an opening example of childhood building sets and the necessity of a good cornerstone, Pastor Brent preaches a “1-2-3” sermon about the Church in 1 Peter 2: “One Cornerstone” (vv. 4-6); “Two Responses” (vv. 7-8); and “Three Results” (vv. 9-10). The Church is built on the Cornerstone of Jesus, the Living Stone and Person where Heaven and Earth meet! Jesus is either our salvation or our judgment. Those who receive Him in saving faith experience renewed relationships (in covenant with Him and each other as His temple); renewed purpose (declaring His praises); and renewed identity (saved)!
Stewardship and Vocation (Genesis 2)
In our second week of our summer series “What Does the Bible Say?”, Ernest Stellingwerff from our Elder Team brings us a message from Genesis 2 with four key words from the whole counsel of God: “Creation: You Were Created to Work”; “Fall: The Curse Affected Our Job Description”; “Redemption: The Gospel Redeems Work”; and “Restoration: Work in Eternity”. Work is not a curse; it’s part of God’s original design. Therefore, remember: 1) you were created for work (Gen. 1:28; Eph. 4:28; 2 Thes. 3:10-13); 2) your talents, passions and skills are intentional (Eph. 2:10); 3) work for God’s glory, expressing His image (Col. 3:17); and 4) serve others through your work. Christ is returning to make all things new—including our work!
In His Image: Male and Female (Genesis 1:26-31)
Taking a break before Romans 12-16 this fall, Pastor Brent kicks off a topical summer sermon series entitled “What Does the Bible Say?” This week focuses on Genesis 1: “God is Creator”; “Humanity as Image Bearers” (not an ability, but the gift to be living representatives of God); “Effects of Sin” (alienated relationship with God; foolish rationality; self-centered role); and “Through Christ” (we are restored to right relationship with God, created in Christ Jesus to do good works). God designed creation as complementary from the beginning (e.g., light and darkness, sea and land, sun and moon), and Day 6 culminated with complementary image bearers: male and female. “Image-bearing is expressed in humanity together, male and female (vv. 26-27), making fruitful God’s creation (v. 28) through cultivation and protection (2:15) for the glory of God and the multiplying of His goodness, beauty, and majesty across the earth!”
Mercy For Sinners (Romans 11:25-36)
Concluding Romans 11 before a topical summer series, Pastor Brent opens with an example of an elaborate mystery devised in 1861 to thwart an assassination attempt on newly elected President Lincoln. The word “mystery” is used 28 times in the NT (21 by Paul) meaning “unclear things become clear.” He then opens Rom. 11 and unfolds the “Mystery” (vv. 25-27); “Reversal” (vv. 28-32); and “Doxology” (vv. 33-36). Keys to remember: 1) Humility, gratitude, and joy should mark all believers, whether natural branches or ingrafted branches; 2) the Jewish rejection of Jesus was the catalyst by which the nations are now hearing the gospel and are invited (ingrafted) into the family of God! Paul himself went from a hardened zealot of the law to a humble recipient of God’s grace, resulting in the doxology we read in vv. 33-36.
God's Kindness to the Ingrafted Branches (Romans 11:11-24)
Continuing our three-part series in Romans 11, Pastor Paul opens by tying in Pentecost Sunday with Christianity’s roots in Judaism. He uses an illustration from the art and science of tree grafting to reflect the spiritual truths of this chapter: “Gentile Salvation Should Lead to Jewish Salvation” (vv. 11-16); “Faith is Always Humble, Never Arrogant” (vv. 17-21); and “Consider God’s Kindness, Severity, and Ability” (vv. 22-24). In addition to his penchant for many biblical cross-references, Pastor Paul offers several personal illustrations such as learning from Messianic Jewish Singer Marty Goetz; working with many Jewish families in the Twin Cities since 1992; and the 140-year legacy of four generations of the ten Boom family in Holland whose faith as Christian Gentiles led them to pray for, serve, hide, and suffer for Jews for the glory of God.
A Remnant Chosen By Grace (Romans 11:1-10)
The word “remnant” occurs 60 times in the Bible. In mid-20th century Germany, Hitler expelled Christians from “The Reich Church” but pastors such as Dietrich Bonhoeffer helped to keep true Christianity alive, and today Germany has a flourishing movement of Evangelical churches. In this first of three sermons on Romans 11, Pastor Brent brings us both “Encouragement” (vv. 1-6) and “Warning” (vv. 7-10) about the remnant of believers among ethnic Israel and grafted-in Gentiles. He asserts that both religious and irreligious people need saving from their self-salvation projects, and he explains the difference between a “general call” (invitation to trust Christ through evangelism and missions) and an “effectual call” (the special prompting of the Holy Spirit in a person’s heart that leads to responding in repentance and faith).
Salvation Only Through Christ (Romans 9:30-10:21)
We’ve come to the great Chapter 10 in the great book of Romans. Whereas the theme of Ch. 9 is God’s sovereignty in salvation, the theme of Ch. 10 is the call to trust in Jesus. Pastor Brent unfolds this by explaining “What Do We Receive?” (9:30-10:4); “How Do We Receive It?” (10:5-10); and “Who Can Receive It?” (10:11-21). We must avoid the grave error of substituting zeal for the law of God for soft-hearted love of God. We must believe in the Person and in the work of Jesus Christ, a surprising reversal from false religions of works righteousness. Those who are saved respond by hearing the gospel. We then go and speak in order that more may listen and accept the eternal truths of salvation in Christ alone through faith alone.
God's Sovereignty In Election (Romans 9:1-29)
Pastor Brent tackles one of the most challenging chapters in the Bible, Romans 9. He directly faces an age-old question: “Why doesn’t God save everyone?” The Apostle Paul himself expressed his anguish and sorrow for unbelievers among his fellow kinsmen according to the flesh (vv. 2-5). Pastor Brent first examines this passage with “Zoom In: What to Do with Israel?” He outlines “God’s Promise” (vv. 6-13); “God’s Prerogative” (vv. 14-18); and “God’s Purpose” (vv. 19-29). He then applies the passage with “Zoom Out: What Does This Say About God and Our Response?” The answer for the redeemed in Christ is our Heart (it should break for people who are lost), our Head (we should truly believe that God is good), and our Hands (call people to Christ!).
Who Can Be Against Us? (Romans 8:31-39
Pastor Brent opens with a timely thank-you to the dozens who showed up for our April 25 Work Day and a save-the-date for a May 17 Groundbreaking Ceremony in advance of our new classroom wing construction. In this 4th and final sermon on Romans 8 in our year-long series in this Pauline masterpiece, Pastor Brent outlined “The Work of God For Us” (vv. 31-34) and “The Love of God For Us” (vv. 35-39). Paul’s three legal challenges in the first section lead to five loving conclusions in the second section. For you who are in Christ Jesus (v. 1), the last verses of Rom. 8 teach that God lovingly: knew you; made a plan for you; called you unto salvation; justified you in Christ; and will usher you into His glory! This means we conquer (lit. “super-triumph”) over the trials of this life. “God is FOR you; He has SAVED you; He will PRESERVE you!”