Message: “Ignite Youth Takeover: Identity & Community” from Jacob Troughton

renewchurch

A message from the series “Romans.” On Sunday, March 24 our Ignite Youth took command of our Sunday service! Jacob Troughton, Youth Director at Renew Church, shares themes and lessons our youth have been learning in their weekly gatherings. Discover how our identities are intricately crafted by God, filled with unique emotions and characteristics that align with our spiritual journey. Jacob encourages the youth to see themselves through the lens of divine love and purpose, emphasizing the power of community in fostering personal growth and a deeper connection with God.

Message: “Does God Make Some People Just to Destroy Them?” from Pastor Bartley Sawatsky

renewchurch

A message from the series “Romans.” In Romans 9:19-10:4, Paul continues his discourse on God’s sovereignty, addressing a hypothetical question about whether God unjustly blames people for their disobedience when He Himself orchestrates their destinies. He reaffirms God’s sovereign right to show mercy or harden hearts, illustrating His patience and wrath through the vessels of mercy and vessels of wrath. Paul then transitions to discuss Israel’s current state, highlighting that despite God’s clear communication through the law and the prophets, Israel has not achieved righteousness because they pursued it through works, not faith. He contrasts this with the Gentiles, who attained righteousness through faith. In Romans 10:1-4, Paul expresses his heartfelt desire for Israel’s salvation, critiquing their misunderstanding of Christ’s role in fulfilling the law’s righteousness, underscoring that righteousness comes from believing in Christ, not from adherence to the law.

Message: “Does God’s Sovereignty Eliminate my Free Will?” from Pastor Nathan Bryant

renewchurch

A message from the series “Romans.” In Romans 9:1-18, Paul addresses the complex relationship between God’s sovereignty and human free will through the lens of God’s dealings with Israel. He emphasizes God’s sovereign choice in electing individuals or nations for His purposes, as seen in His preferential selection of Isaac over Ishmael and Jacob over Esau, based not on human actions but on His own will. This raises questions about the role of human free will, suggesting that while humans make choices, these occur within the framework of God’s overarching sovereign plan. Paul illustrates this with the metaphor of the potter and the clay, indicating that God has the authority to shape His creation according to His divine purpose. This passage highlights that God’s choices are paramount and are made for reasons beyond human understanding, suggesting that human free will operates under divine sovereignty.

Message: “Can I Be Hopeful About the Future?” from Pastor Bartley Sawatsky

renewchurch

A message from the series “Romans.” Romans 8:18-39 emphasizes the glory that awaits believers, contrasting current sufferings with future splendor. It highlights the Spirit’s role in aiding and interceding for believers, assures that all things work for the good of those who love God, and proclaims that nothing can separate believers from God’s love in Christ Jesus, affirming their ultimate victory over all challenges.

Message: “How Do I Live in Step With the Spirit?” from Pastor Bartley Sawatsky

renewchurch

A message from the series “Romans.” Romans 8:1-17 outlines that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, emphasizing the contrast between living according to the flesh and living according to the Spirit. Those who live by the Spirit are freed from sin and death, are led by the Spirit of God, and are considered children of God, heirs of His glory.

Message: “Why is doing the right thing so difficult?” from Pastor Bartley Sawatsky

renewchurch

A message from the series “Romans.” Romans 7:7-25 discusses the struggle with sin and the law. Paul explains that the law is not sinful, but it makes people aware of sin. He describes a personal struggle, wanting to do good but often doing what he hates because of sin’s power. Paul highlights the conflict between the desire to obey God’s law and the reality of human weakness, leading to a cry for deliverance from this condition, which sets the stage for the solution found in Jesus Christ.

Message: “Are Christians free from the Law or not?” from Pastor Bartley Sawatsky

renewchurch

A message from the series “Romans.” Romans 7:1-6 uses a marriage analogy to explain how believers are no longer bound by the law because of Christ’s death and resurrection. Just as a widow is not bound by the law to her deceased husband, Christians are not bound by the law but are free to serve God in a new way through the Spirit. This shift from living under the law to living under grace enables believers to bear fruit for God.

Message: “Is it true that we all serve somebody?” from Pastor Bartley Sawatsky

renewchurch

Pastor Bartley Sawatsky continues our series on Romans, finishing chapter 6, focusing on verses 15-23. Romans 6:15-23 highlights the concept that believers are no longer under the dominion of sin but are servants of righteousness through their faith in Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the gift of eternal life through Christ’s sacrifice, underscoring the importance of living a life dedicated to God and free from sin.

Message: “How is Jesus the second Adam?” from Pastor Bartley Sawatsky

renewchurch

A message from the series “Romans.” Romans 5:12-21 highlights the theological concept of sin and redemption through the comparison between the sin of Adam, which brought death and condemnation to humanity, and the righteousness of Jesus Christ, which brings justification and life to those who believe in him. The passage emphasizes the contrast between the consequences of Adam’s disobedience and the grace and righteousness extended to humanity through Christ’s obedience.