Pastor Brent wraps up the penultimate chapter in the Book of Romans by describing the Apostle Paul’s “Present Ministry Priorities” (vv. 14-16); “Overall Ministry Approach” (vv. 17-22); and “Future Ministry Plans” (vv. 23-33). All of this applies to us today in the worldwide church of Jesus Christ generally and New Life EFC specifically through three ministry keys: 1) shepherd the found; 2) reach the lost; 3) have a ministry vision. We ought to approach ministry by supporting frontier missions, sharing the gospel in word and deed, and seeking spiritual growth through a cultivation mentality. All this happens through Scripture, prayer, and using suffering as an inspiration for others and an invitation to join in one another’s struggles.
Renewing Priorities that Glorify God (Romans 15:1-13)
Pastor Brent asserts that in these first 13 verses of Romans 15, the text turns on one imperative in v. 7: “accept” (or “welcome”). He then outlines the passage: “Self-Giving (vv. 1-6)” and “Invitational (vv. 7-13)”. How we handle disputable matters is integral to our witness in the world. It will either undermine or underline the gospel. Jesus was always inviting people to come and see. We extend that same invitation, that same welcome, that same offer of forgiveness and newness of life.
Renewing a Kingdom Focus (Romans 14:1-23)
Romans 14 is extremely practical. The Church is a primary means by which a Christian is sanctified by the Lord. Pastor Brent offers insights into this chapter: “One Command (v. 1)”; Two Errors (vv. 2-21”); “Three Bits of Wisdom (vv. 22-23)”. The Bible is the self-revelation of God through human authors and human history intended to communicate truth, call people to salvation, and cultivate wisdom. Whereas faith involves what one believes to be the implications of salvation for one’s behavior, the weak struggle with rule-following tendencies. We need to stop passing judgment that destroys others and instead do what leads to peace and mutual edification. “To the strong: Don’t condemn yourself by what you approve (v. 22b). To the weak: Don’t condemn yourself by compromising your conscience (V. 23). Hold the center of what God has done in Christ, and still live in your convictions.”
Renewing Discipleship (Romans 13:8-14)
One advantage of living and worshipping in a smaller town is the more natural (yet intentional and purposeful) connection among churches and the departments of police, fire and sheriff, so Pastor Brent opens with an anecdote about a recent First Responders’ Appreciation lunch hosted by Calvary Church in Hastings. He then opens the rest of Romans 13: “Problem: Desires of the Flesh (v. 14)”; “Remedy #1: Love (vv. 8-10)”; and “Remedy #2: Light (vv. 11-14)”. We were made to worship, but if we pursue a self-salvation project, we will be incapable of truly loving others and living in the light. Only in the free gift of the gospel of Jesus Christ can we be free from our own self-salvation project. Pastor Brent’s illustrations include Luke 15 (the equal dangers of license vs. legalism) and three ways (tenses) to speak of our salvation: we have been saved from the penalty of sin (past); we are being saved from the power of sin (present); we will be saved from the presence of sin (future).
Renewing Civic Engagement (Romans 13:1-7)
Pastor Brent comments on research that exhaustion is one of the most common health complaints nationwide. Much of this can be attributed to anger, even contempt, surrounding political divisiveness. If one views politics as a savior, then it is an idol. By contrast, Pastor Brent brings us biblical perspective from Rom. 13: “Posture Toward Government” (vv. 1-2); “Power Delegated to Government” (vv. 3-4a); and “Purpose of Government” (vv. 4b-7). Submission is willingly putting oneself under authority, not blind obedience to unjust laws. Whereas the Family has “the power of the rod” and the Church has “the power of the keys,” the State has “the power of the sword” and enacts boundaries for peaceful and orderly living in civil society. Government is our servant, not our savior. Pastor Brent ends with “Tools for Your Toolbox,” including this key: “There is a difference between right and wrong values and good and bad policies.” He admonishes us how to engage in politics and highly recommends the book How the Nations Rage by Jonathan Leeman.
Renewing Relationships (Romans 12:9-21)
After an opening film illustration about rejoicing with those who rejoice as dramatized in the 1993 sports film Rudy, Pastor Paul overviews about two dozen exhortations in the last 13 verses of Romans 12: “Love Authentically” (vv. 9-13); “Bless Unconditionally” (vv. 14-16); “Overcome Continually” (vv. 17-21). While so many commands in one passage can be overwhelming, Pastor Paul’s encouragement is to focus on one or two at a time and perhaps consider writing a Life Mission Statement as he did using the book Half Time by Bob Buford. He also admonishes grieving well with others through all manner of loss (see A Grace Disguised by Jerry Sittser) and asserts that the only possible way to bless our persecutors and love our enemies (let alone loving fellow believers) is by the power of Jesus’ righteousness and the Holy Spirit living in us. Pastor Paul’s closing illustration is a testimony of loving authentically and modeling the love of God for the long haul so that those watching our lives will come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Renewing the Body of Christ (Romans 12:3-8)
Continuing in Romans 12, Pastor Brent opens with a quote commenting on the complex systems within a physical human body. This scientific perspective of “one body with many members” leads into his main points on the middle part of this chapter: “Proper Perspective on Ourselves” (v. 3); “Proper Perspective on the Church” (vv. 4-5); “Proper Perspective on Our Contribution” (vv. 6-8). These individual and corporate perspectives on the Body of Christ takes sober judgment, commitment, and relational discipline. Final challenge: “You’re not just here for you. Contribute to the whole.”
Gospel Renewal (Romans 12:1-2)
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!