Verse By Verse with Christopher Piccirillo: Recent Episodes
Christopher Piccirillo
Have you ever wondered what the Bible really means? Through sermons on this podcast, we give an in-depth, verse-by-verse look at what God's Word is really saying to us. It is our prayer that these messages bring each of us closer to God in a way we have never experienced before.
Throughout his letters, Paul refers to the Christian life as a battle, a race, a living sacrifice. Through such analogies he shows us that the Christian life is one of trials and pressure; it is not easy, and unlike those classic Lone Ranger TV episodes back in the day, this mission cannot be done alone. We need brothers and sisters in Christ who can come along side us when we are weak and help us run the race God has called us to. Come join us as we wrap up Romans verse-by-verse ...
If my friends and I follow Christ, why is it that we often have different opinions on various controversial issues? If we have the same Spirit within us, why don't we all agree on all things? In these verses, Paul explains how the body of believers is made up of many different people with different opinions on secondary issues, but that what joins us together is not uniformity in all of our opinions, but a commitment to Jesus that is greater than our differences. Come join us as we go verse-by-verse ...
The question of how individuals should relate to the government has always been a hot-button topic, and in such a polarized political time, this question is just as relevant. How should we as Christ-followers relate to our government? How should we as Christ-followers relate to a government when it can be cruel and unjust? Join us, as we answer these questions verse-by-verse ...
"What is God's will for my life?" This is probably one of the most frequently asked questions of the Christian life. In Romans 12, Paul shows us that God's will is usually less of a mysterious road map of decisions to decipher and more of a person that we are being transformed into. Join us as we go verse by verse ...
*My thinking on this passage has been largely informed by Pastor JD Greear and his sermon series on Romans.
Why did many Jews of Jesus' day not follow Him? In Romans 11, Paul gives us a glimpse into the wonderful salvation plan of God, fueled by grace alone. Join us, as we go verse-by-verse ...
The testimony in this podcast is by Jonathan Bernis and is included here courtesy of One for Israel. Check out their website and YouTube channel for more inspiring testimonies.
In this chapter, Paul gives us an example of what a false, counterfeit faith looks like, and how tiring it can be. He then goes on to show us that a true, saving faith is not about what we can do. Instead, the follower of Christ can find true rest knowing that salvation is not about searching for Christ, it's about realizing He comes searching for each of us. And now we can join Him in His mission of meeting people where they are at.
Romans 9 is notorious for being a chapter of great controversy as it is undoubtedly confusing and difficult to understand. However, if we take it the way Paul intends, we will find it to be deeply humbling and profoundly hopeful. Come and see as we go verse-by-verse ...
Widely regarded as one of the most encouraging chapters in the whole Bible, Romans 8 gives us a spiritual road map for how a relationship with Christ can lead us from a place of fear and brokenness to a place of hope and acceptance. Come along for the journey as we go verse-by-verse.
The Christian life is difficult and messy. It is not the sanitized image of moral perfection that we might try to present. Again and again we fail to honor Jesus the way he deserves, yet despite our failures, he remains faithful. Just take it from Paul in Romans 7 as he finally gets into the raw personal struggles with sin he faces daily. Following Jesus is tough, but in the end, there's nothing more rewarding.
*Also, in case you are wondering, the movie referenced in the opening remarks is Gemini Man (2019).
Wouldn't it be strange and confusing to see a college student attending high school classes? Paul says, that if you are a Christian, it is just as confusing and inappropriate for you to embrace a lifestyle of sin. It goes against your new nature in Christ. To resist this back-sliding, Paul explains that we must actively present ourselves to Jesus in obedience, for Jesus is our new master, not sin.
The testimony shared on this podcast can be found here: http://daughterdisciple.blogspot.com/2014/10/half-committed.html
All of the Bible, every verse, is pointing to one thing - don't miss it! Check it out as we go verse by verse ...
We often hear the phrase "God doesn't give us more than we can bear" tossed around a lot during our difficult times. But is that really accurate? In his letter to the Romans, Paul shows us how the God of the universe often gives us more than we can bear so that we would grow, in both communion with, and conformity to, the One who did bear all things for us on the cross.
In Romans 4, Paul shows us that God's provision in the Old Testament was always a foreshadowing of God's ultimate provision of our greatest need: forgiveness. And because of this radical love which provides for us in the Gospel, we are encouraged to trust God with radical obedience.
In Chapter 2 of Romans, Paul addresses, head-on, the brokenness of religious people. He shows us that being more 'religious' or more moral cannot save us or change our hearts' desires - only surrendering to God can do that. The Gospel, not religion, is the power of God to save us and shape us.
In these final verses of Chapter 1, Paul shows us that no matter who we are or what we have accomplished, we all have corrupt desires as a result of our rejecting God as Lord of our lives. While the corrupt desires vary from person to person, the solution for forgiveness is the same for all of us: surrendering to Jesus as Lord and Savior.
*My thinking on this passage and illustrations used have been largely informed by Pastor JD Greear and his sermon series on Romans.
In this second installment on the Book of Romans, Paul shows us that all people, in all times and places, have an innate sense of who God is, and long for his mercy and justice. Yet all of us have swapped Him out for another object of worship.
*My thinking on this passage and illustrations used have been largely informed by Pastor JD Greear and his sermon series on Romans.
Romans is one of the most important books in the Bible because it is the most thorough explanation of the Gospel. This is the first sermon in a series on our verse-by-verse investigation into one of the greatest letters ever written.
*My thinking on this passage and illustrations used have been largely informed by Pastor JD Greear and his sermon series on Romans.
Jesus' commands to his disciples seem difficult - and they are! But when we dive into the Scriptures verse-by-verse, we will see that only Jesus can change our hearts to make us live like him in ways we never thought possible.
Most of us are probably familiar with the story of Jesus and the Rich Young Man. But what is Jesus really trying to teach us through this conversation? Let's find out as we go verse-by-verse ...