Cornerstone Community Church: Recent Episodes
Pastor Calvin Robinson
Join us for our weekly sermons from the Cornerstone Community Church of the C&MA in Chicago, IL. Give online at https://cornerstonechurchchicago.org/giving/ or visit us on the web at https://cornerstonechurchchicago.org/
Exodus 3:16-22
After God shared His plan with Moses, and called him to the great work, Moses finds himself having difficulty trusting God’s plan.
God accommodates Moses’ weaknesses by providing additional assurances.
It is encouraging to know that He works with each of us according to our measure of faith. We should also consider that God’s will for us is that our faith would grow to full maturity.
Exodus 3:13-14
God Is:
Self-AwareSelf-ContainedSelf-Sufficientand Self-Governed
He has no need outside Himself. He answers to no one. Yet, God has chosen to also be:
Self-Revealing
Exodus 3:10-12
The fear of the Lord is wisdomSelf-doubt is not humilityCertainty sometimes follows obedience
Exodus 2:23-3:6
Moses has settled down and settled in to the mundane routines of daily living. He is neither dismayed nor dejected about the plight of his people any longer.And now, after 40 years, he is ready for an encounter with the Living God.
There is nothing a believer can do to prepare for such a Holy encounter. Though our disposition may set the stage. As we wait on God, we should follow Moses’ example learning to:
Be Content (Accepting what is)Be Present (Alert)Be Open and Responsive to God’s call
Remember, we serve God at His behest. His vision is our vision. His will, our will. And our plan of action is based solely upon His strategic goals for the world.
Exodus 2:15-221) Take time to reflect2) Don’t let disillusion make you jaded3) Be willing to be tempered
Exodus 2:11-14
Moses has grown into an idealist. He believes he knows how the world should be, and he is determined to force reality to yield to his demands.But, as it always does, his idealism:
Leads to violenceDoes not appreciate God’s timingUndermines justiceClouds his judgementBreeds discontentResults in cynicism Instead of being idealists, believers should practice being content, accepting the world as it is, assured that God has a plan for the restoration of all things, in His time.
God works all things together for good to those who love Him. When you are going through the storm, let this be the hope that propels you forward. And by this hope, you will be able to:Let Go and Trust GodTake Necessary RiskPut Your Faith To WorkOvercome Your InsecuritiesNo matter how difficult your situation, trust and believe that Things Can Work Out. If you follow this prescription, things may work out far better than you could have imagined!
Exodus 1:22
Israel has been in a difficult season. Their world has been turned upside through oppression. But even through their dark days, the people of God have continued to prosper and multiply. They have remained victorious. It appears they have overcome. But instead of accepting defeat, their adversary digs in deeper, and their plight quickly turns from bad to worse.
In this Christian walk, sometimes God allows our adversary to turn up the heat. And how should we respond?
Be PrincipledStay PositiveCommit to Prayer
Exodus 1:1-14
How did Israel come to be enslaved and persecuted in Egypt? How did God’s miraculous deliverance from practical famine, morph into a famine of freedom? And how can you and I avoid falling into a similar situation as we experience experience the blessings and burdens of life in this world?
Luke 17:20-21
If we consider God and his character, and the person of Jesus as recorded in the Bible, what do you imagine when you hear the phrase “Kingdom of Heaven” or “Kingdom of God”?
Matthew 14:28-31 Luke 22:60-62 1 Peter 1:6-7
What should we expect from the process of sanctification? We take a look at Peter’s development from fresh disciple of Jesus to his restoration after having denied Jesus three times.
Philippians 3:7-11
Our brother Robert shares with us on the transforming power of Jesus in us.
Joshua 1:16-18
What did wandering in the desert do for the Israelites? Join us as we explore what the Israelites went through in the desert, and how it prepared them to enter the Promised Land.
Genesis 1:1-31
God is Creator (Designer, Project Manager, Worker, Inspector/Quality Control, Executor)God is Father (Meticulous Provider)God is Love (OT/NT)
Ephesians 2:20-22
Jesus Christ is our Cornerstone! He is the foundation and only basis of our faith. Our only point of reference.
Matthew 3:17
Jesus Christ is fully loved by His Heavenly Father.Lets explore what it feels like to be fully and completely loved.
Revelation 22:16
Jesus self-description as the “Bright and Morning Star” is full of astronomical significance. The meaning of this title goes far beyond what John could have imagined during his day.
Let’s explore what it means for Jesus Christ to be the Bright and Morning Star!
1 Kings 19:10
One of the lessons we learn from the life of Elijah, is that believers should foster close human bonds with one another. so that when difficult days visit us, we can find compassion and understanding through the Body of Christ.
Matthew 25:14-30
We pause our series on the person of Christ for a guest message on the parable of the talents, understanding faithfulness, and a challenging heart-check.
Revelations 3:14
Jesus Christ is the truth, His words are faithful, and His victory is certain.
He is the consummation of every precious promise of God.
1 Corinthians 15:45
The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in every believe. So how will we be raised? What will that be like? How should that change us now?
Hebrews 2:10
Jesus is the perfect representation for God and for mankind, leading the way to God’s glory for us.
Matthew 22:41-45
Jesus Christ is fully man and fully God. But how can this be? Its a great question. One that stymied the Pharisees, and a question that still cannot be adequately answered to this day.
Even though the Lordship of Christ is mysterious, yet it is the most sacred, beautiful truth in all of scripture. By His Humanity He is able to lead us out from under the law, and through HIs deity He has the power to make us righteous.
As we study these sacred truths, let us be humbled by the wisdom of God. Let us stand in awe of His wondrous work, sending His Son into the world on our behalf.
Jesus Christ is Lord!
Hebrews 4:15
Last week we discovered by the Word, that Jesus Christ is fully human. He is human in all aspects just like us, except Jesus did not sin.
Why is this? How could Jesus Christ be fully human without sin? Is sin a natural part of the human experience? Can Jesus Christ be the savior of humanity if He did not participate in the sin nature?
The truth is that sin was never supposed to be a part of the human condition. Therefore, the fact that sin reigns over humanity, but did not have power of Jesus, indicates that Jesus Christ was more fully human than you and I.
Jesus Christ represents God’s vision for what humanity should be. He is the archetype, the firstborn among all of humanity!
1 John 1:1-3
Who is Jesus Christ? Today it seems this question can be answered a myriad of ways, depending on one’s most strongly held values and interests.
But Jesus Christ is not merely a concept or a worldview. Neither is He a symbolic, fictional figure whose life only conveys a moral code.
Jesus Christ is a historical person, who lived, walked, breathed and died. There is only one Christ. He is the Christ of the Bible.
In this series we will consider the person of Christ. His character, life and distinct nature.
Truly there is none like our Lord!
Romans 6:8-10
He is Risen indeed! And Christ is risen for all time. Death has no more power over Him.
And we who are in Christ, who have partaken of His resurrection power, we need no longer need fear death. For just as Jesus Christ has risen from the dead, so will we!
Mark 15:6-21
As Good Friday and Easter approach, we revisit and recall the suffering of Jesus and His significant work done for us on the cross.
Ruth 4:16-22
The choices we make, whether good, bad, or indifferent, all lead to God’s ultimate purpose no matter what. Live in the confidence that our God is sovereign, and able to accomplish His purposes in any circumstance.
Ruth 4:9-12
Without commitment you cannot have depth in anything, especially the things of God.
Both Ruth and Boaz are committed to doing whatever it takes to fulfill their obligations before God and to one another.
We should be committed to fulfill our obligations toward God and toward each other in the spirit of humility, self-discipline and integrity.
Ruth 3:18
Without commitment you cannot have depth in anything, especially the things of God.
Both Ruth and Boaz are committed to doing whatever it takes to fulfill their obligations before God and to one another.
We should be committed to fulfill our obligations toward God and toward each other in the spirit of humility, self-discipline and integrity.
Ruth 2:19-23
Boaz stands as a type of Jesus in that he, like Jesus recognized his responsibility to act on behalf of a relative who was in trouble, danger, and in need.
Jesus Christ is the redeemer of humanity and of all creations.
As Christ’s ministers of reconciliation to the world, we serve Him in accomplishing His redemptive role to a world that is in trouble, in danger, and in need.
Ruth 2:10-18
When God shows us favor, we should:
Be GratefulBe HumbleBe DiligentBe Generous
Ruth 2:1-9
A good name is better than gold. The believer who has integrity will find favor both with God and with people.
In our text we are introduced to Boaz, a man of reputation among his peers, as well as his servants. He is a man of integrity.
He desires the best for his friendsHe is diligent in his businessHe is kind to strangersHe is honorableHe loves what is goodHe respects integrity in others
Ruth is also an honorable woman.
She works hard.She does not feel entitled to what does not belong to her.As much as possible, she is self-sufficient.
Believers should practice being people of integrity. To say what we mean. To be faithful to our commitmentsTo recognize and reward the integrity of others as often as we can.
May we be as whole-hearted in our daily lives as these two excellent examples!
Ruth 1:19-22
Naomi means pleasant. And there was a time when her demeanor aligned with her name. It is plausible that her life had not been easy since the birth of her sons. Yet joy and contentment marked her walk despite her hardships.
Naomi allowed herself to become bitter. She chose to embrace sadness, regret, and fierce rage because of her losses.
Naomi did not know how to maintain her joy or her sense of well-being in the face of her disappointments. She thought she had no choice but to be sad.
But even sorrow is a choice. The disciplined believer can learn to manage her sorrow so that bitterness never settles into her spirit.
This is one of the benefits of suffering. By suffering God teaches us how to choose and secure joy and contentment even when life gets hard.
Choose to be pleasant.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Filling in for Pastor Calvin, our fellow brother and elder Steve challenges us with God’s purpose and intent of marriage.
Ruth 1:14-18
Though the situation seems dim, Ruth will not be dissuaded.
She is dismissed by her mother-in-law, but Ruth will not turn back.
Ruth has chosen her course, and she is all in!
All in with Naomi. All in with God. All in with whatever may befall them.
This is not ordinary commitment. It is God-fueled, unrelenting faith. The more the world seems to be against her, the more she presses in to God.
This is the kind of faith that endures until the very end. The kind of faith we need today.
Ruth 1:6-13
When life gets hard and life seems to make no sense, it is easy for us to interpret our situation as judgment from God.
In our text, Naomi is struggling to make good choices from a guilty conscience. She has decided she is guilty and deserving of punishment. She believes that God has turned against her.
Believers, God is never against you. Though He may chastise you, His anger is but for a moment, and always for your good. Sometimes He may cause hurt, but God never causes harm.
Guilt does not come from God. Guilt comes from self. It is self-punishment that bears no godly fruit. The only relief for guilt is more self-inflicted pain. Guilt causes harm to the self.
Conviction comes from God. Conviction exposes your sin to you and pricks the heart. If you are humble and open to Holy Spirit correction, conviction will bear spiritual fruit, healing your wounded heart, and reconciling you to God. The only relief for conviction is repentance.
If you know that you are not walking according to God’s will, repent. But if you feel guilty, but there is no evidence of sin in your life, ignore it. Never choose to be guilty within. Never seek retribution against your own self.
Every day brings new choices. Every choice reflects your hopes or fears.
It is within human agency to make decisions great and small. But the providence of God always determines the outcomes.
As we explore the Book of Ruth, we will consider the choices of the main characters, to examine their choices and glean lessons from their lives.
The story of Ruth is a true account, inspired by the Holy Spirit to be an inspiration to the first hearers, as well as an example for us as to how we can make God-honoring choices that best reflect our faith in God.
Hebrews 12:12-17
Let us not be caught unrepentant, blaming everyone else but ourselves for our sins, and not having taken up our own crosses to follow Jesus when He returns.
2 Peter 3:3-9
Don’t let the normalcy of life lull you into believing that Jesus is not coming again. He has promised to come soon! As we begin this Advent season, we remind ourselves of his promise to return, as we celebrate His first coming.
Romans 15:13
God has a plan for each of His children. He has an expected end in mind for us all.
God’s aim is for us to live carefree in this world. And we cast our cares aside when we believe He is willing and able to do all that He has promised.
Because He is our hope, we have joy and peace in believing. We are not flustered by the woes of life. Nor are we shaken when times are bad.
We have hope that God has accepted us and called us His own. We have hope that through Him we are more than conquerors.
Our future is in His hands. Because of this truth we have hope that our eternal destiny is secure!
Romans 15:7-12
Jesus Christ has accepted us and we should accept one another. But why is that so hard to do?
1) Because we are uncomfortable with those who do not comport without perception of what is good.
2) Because we view our way of thing as normative
3) Because we lack patience
4) Because we value our opinions more than we value relationship
5) We find it hard to accept one another because we mistake acceptance for approval.
Jesus did not approve of the circumcision yet He laid down His life for them. He did not approve of the gentiles who did not know God, but He served them in the same way.
WE may never agree with one another on every subjective point, but we don’t need to agree. Yet our love for one another should afford each of us sufficient grace to stay in relationship despite our differences of opinion.
Romans 15:1-6
Maturity in Christ has its benefits, but to whom much is given much is required.
The spiritually mature believer must have a high tolerance for those who are weaker in faith.
The less mature are often more religious than spiritual. The mature believer must exercise patience as the weaker taunts, criticizes, and sometimes falsely accuses him/her, without breaking relationship.
To be strong in faith in God is to rest in full assurance of His acceptance, to the point where no amount of taunting can cause us to distance ourselves from the weaker accuser.
To be strong in faith is to be free from the need of human approval.
To be strong in faith is to be able to stand beneath the vitriol of man and not open the mouth in self defense.
Romans 14:10-23
Our greatest hope for one another should be that each of our walk with Christ would be easy. Not only should we hope this, but we should put forth every effort to make one another’s journey with Christ as convenient as possible. We are careful to create a safe and peaceful environment where each of us can grow without interruption.
We foster such an environment of peace by withholding final judgement upon one another.
We contribute to peace by being cognizant of the weaknesses and opinions of one another, and by accommodating one another’s weaknesses as best we can.
We maintain communal peace by restricting our own liberties if it will help our brother or sister feel more at ease.
Love suffers all things. When we love one another we become willing to give up everything for each other. Even things that are benign. It requires maturity and humility to become this kind of believer.
All of us should strive become the kind of person who holds the world so loosely that we can give up whatever is necessary to make the Way easier for our fellow travelers.
Romans 14:1-9
The believer who is weak in faith is slave to his/her personal principles and preferences. He submits himself to extra-Biblical rules, and judges anyone who does not ascribe to his subjective standard of holiness.
We are not to quarrel with such saints. Instead, each of us is to should be keen to discern the difference between our subjective opinions, and God’s true standards which are found only in the Word.
To judge, as Paul uses the term in our text, and the way Jesus uses it in Matthew 7:1, is to evaluate the holiness of another based on subjective standards.
We need not question the salvation of the weaker brother/sister just because the one exhibits greater freedom and the other is restricted from enjoying their lives. Instead we are to accept one another because God has accepted each of us.
The one who is strong in faith does not adhere to superstition and does not bow to the opinions of men. He/she is submitted to the Word of God. And in things where God has not promoted or prohibited, she feels to free to approach those things without concern of heaven’s recourse.
Strong faith in God tends to freedom. Weak faith leaves room for fear. But whether weak or strong, God loves and accepts those who desire to honor Him. He shows grace and patience to those who are not yet able to trust Him more fully.
Romans 13:11-14
Let’s get serious about our walk with Jesus Christ because the time of His return is near.
To be serious is to:
Be vigilantBe HolyBe disciplined
Romans 13:8-10Humanity is indebted to one another. We owe each other love.
It is both humbling and amazing to know that God’s greatest desire for us is that we would care for and nurture one another. Not for His sake, but for our own.
Love is the debt every person owes the other. Unfortunately, it is the debt least often paid.
And how must we repay?
1) By exercising patience with one another2) BY being kind to one another3) By being humble toward one another4) By looking out for one another’s best interest5) By exercising restraint when we are wronged by another6) By forgiving one another7)By being honest with one another8) By not speaking ill of one another
This is the debt we owe one another. If we pay this debt we will have fulfilled the whole law.
We will not be saved by fulfilling the law. But as we love others, we ourselves will find greater freedom. God is Love, and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom!
Romans 13:1-8
How does God want us to interact with government?
We are to:
Obey government
Because Government is established by God
Because They are servants of God
Because Government can punish you
For the sake of your own conscience
Pay our taxes
Romans 12:16-20
To Be of the same mind toward one anotherTo be humbleTo not claim to be wiseTo follow PEACE.
This is the Christian way!
Romans 12:13-18
To Pursue HospitalityTo Bless those who curse youTo Rejoice with the joyfulTo Weep with those who weepTo be humble and to prefer the company of the lowlyTo commit to life-long learningTo never seek revengeTo respect the general consensus as much as possible, for the sake of peace.
Romans 12:9-18
To Love without ulterior motive.To hate what is evil. To Love what is good.To be kind to one another.To prefer one another.Vigilant in business.Passionate in service to God.Hopeful – Patient – PrayerfulTo be generous and hospitable.
This is the Christian Way!
Romans 12:3-8 The spiritual gift(s) God has given to each of us is to be employed in service of one another, not in service to our ego. The person who measures his/her value by his/her giftedness may be lifted up with pride, Seeing himself as different (read superior), this person may become abusive and condescending to others within the Body, improperly using…
Romans 12:1-2
Even though sin dwells in our bodies, in this text, Paul instructs us to present our bodies to God as though it is holy and acceptable. This is an act of faith. We trust that because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on our behalf, the Father will have mercy.
Yet we are to present our bodies as a sacrifice. To give ourselves over to be crucified. This is our spiritual service to God.
And our willing crucifixion accomplishes two things: 1) It sanctifies us so that we are no longer conformed to this world 2) It transforms us into newness of life in Jesus Christ.
And so we begin upon our journey toward perfection, which is to be like the One who voluntarily laid down His life for us. It is only because of the mercies of God that we are being made complete.
Pastor Calvin Robinson shares a message about the depths of the wisdom of God from Romans 11:33-36.
Romans 10:6-9 Confess Jesus as LordBelieve that God raised Jesus from the deadEveryone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved!
Romans 9:30-33 Only a small remnant of humanity will be saved. Only a few will inherit eternal life, though the majority are convinced they will make it in. A great majority believe that their faith will save them. While the other half believe they will be saved because of their works. Somewhere between faith and works there is a Rock. And while…
Romans 9:14-16 God – The Supreme and Almighty One. We agree with this term, but do we truly understand what it means to be God? To be God is to be just in all that He does. To be God is to enjoy every conceivable right to do all that He desires to do, without constraint. God is unrestrained. He has no…
Romans 9:6-13 Paul had difficulty reconciling the promise God made to Abraham, with the then present reality of Abraham’s descendants. He felt a closeness to the Jews because he himself was a Jew. Paul had a few theological options he could have employed to explain away God’s decision, or to dilute its meaning. But Paul knew it would have done no good.…
Romans 8:31-39 If God is for us:Though enemies rise against us, We will not be defeatedWe will not know lackWe will not be condemnedJesus Christ intercedes for usNothing will be able to separate us from the love of God the Father, or the love of Christ, His Son!
If you are a child of God your life does not consist of a series of random events and experiences. But everything you experience, whether good or bad, is designed for your growth into the image of Jesus Christ.
Sometimes our longing for glory exceeds human language or expression. We cannot find words to fully express our yearning for freedom. But The Holy Spirit knows what our hearts are trying to express, and He speaks for us and through us to the Father. He pleads for the saints. He pleads for our freedom and for our final transformation to come to…
Romanse 8:18-25 The debasement of humanity in the garden has resulted in the corruption of all of creation. At some level, creation herself is aware of its corruption. Creation recognizes that its fate and freedom is directly tied to the fate of the glorified children of God. Therefore creation longs for humanity’s renewal. Both man and creation have been brought low against…
Romans 8:12-17 Through Christ our carnal nature (flesh) has been put to death. Therefore the flesh no longer has power over us. If the flesh is not dead, we are yet in our sins and we will undergo the second death. But if we are led by God’s Spirit, we subdue our flesh, and we will inherit eternal life. Those who are…
Romans 8:9-11 The Spirit of God is in the believer, and the believer is in the Spirit of God. Those who have the Spirit of Christ belong to Christ. By the indwelling of the Holy Spirit the believer overcomes the penalty of sin, which is death.
Romans 8:1-8
Those who are in Christ Jesus will not be condemned.To be in Christ Jesus is to:Be led (walk) according to the SpiritTo set our minds on the things of the SpiritTo walk in the Spirit is to live beyond the law, having fulfilled all of it’s requirements in Christ Jesus.To walk in the Spirit is to live beyond the flesh. To live on offense, not defense.To walk in the Spirit is to please God. It is to fellowship with God unobstructed by the flesh. To be free from the cares of this fallen world, though not from it’s consequences.These are the ones for whom these are the ones for whom there is no condemnation. These are the kinds of people we hope to be and become.
1 Samuel 15
There are tests and choices in our lives that we cannot undo. Our answers in these moments forever set the trajectory of our lives. In these moments, our hearts are revealed before God.
Romans 7:14-25
We are fleshlyWe are bound to sinWe are conflictedWe are Undisciplined and UnrulyWe are overpowered by sinTherefore we cannot do as we wishWe are infected with sinSin is not our fault, but it is our problemThe law of sin has bound s to our flesh and we have become wretched
Jesus Christ sets us free from sin and by sanctification we see the fruit of righteousness manifest in our bodies over time.
Romans 7:7-13
The law informs us of our sinfulnessThe law agitates dormant sin within usThe law punishes sin
Sin deceives usSin destroys us
The law forces sin to show itself for what it is, giving us the will, the desire, and the opportunity to change.
Romans 7:1-6
Because the believer has died with Christ, the law has no more authority over him. Now we no longer belong to the law, but to Christ. The law Z (the written code) arouses sin in the flesh. But now since our flesh has died we are free from the written code, and we may now serve God in the new way of the Spirit.
Romans 6:1-14
As believers we have followed Jesus to the cross, and we have been crucified with Him.
As believers we have followed Jesus to the grave and we have been buried with Him.
As believers we have followed Jesus out of the grave and into new life!
As we are reminded of this truth and believe, we are strengthened with power to overcome sin.
Ephesians 1:3-10
Join us today as our brother Steve shares with us a discussion of what it means to be adopted into God’s family, to call Him Father, and how it deeply enriches the much more familiar concepts of justification and salvation.
2 Timothy 1:8-10
The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead serves a sign for us, that we too can be delivered from the power of death, into abundance of life without limits!
Pastor Calvin Robinson continues in our series in Romans, discussing “The Last Adam” from Romans 5:15-21.
Continuing in our series in Romans, this week Pastor Calvin Robinson discusses reconciliation between man and God.
1 John 1:1-7
Fellowship with God and each other
Fellowship is an integral part of the Christian life. It is a privilege, an encouragement, and a responsibility.
Romans 5:3-5
It is reasonable for us to celebrate as we wait patiently for the day when we will be glorified. It will be the day that God will wipe every tear from our eyes. A day when we will be healed of all our infirmities and pain.But until that glory appears, we will sometimes experience trouble.
What are we to do with our troubles? How should we perceive them? Paul says that we should celebrate them!
We should celebrate our troubles because trouble teaches us how to persevere. And if we persevere, we prove our character. When we look back and see how God has brought us through, our hope is all the more strengthened as we wonder at the deep love the Father has for us!
Romans 5:1-2
“If any two men desire the same thing, which nevertheless they cannot both enjoy, they become enemies” — Thomas HobbesGod and man have been at enmity since the Garden of Eden, when our first parents usurped the glory that belongs to God alone.Since Old Testament times God, through nature and circumstance has emphasized His displeasure with sinful humanity. While sinful humanity, through sin and rebellion blasphemes God continually. God and carnal man are at war. It is a war God could have won by force at any moment.But by grace, God “blinked” and sent His Son, Jesus Christ into the world to represent God to man, and man to God. Christ has reintroduced us. He has clarified God’s position and demonstrated a profound grasp of our needs.By faith in the message Christ has shown us by His words and actions on behalf of God the Father, we are inducted into the grace of God that leads to eternal life.We have concluded that the glory belongs to God alone. And the glory He has given us is the privilege of being His sons and daughters.Now we have peace with God!
Romans 5:1
Because Justification is one of the “heart-words” of our of the Christian faith, it is important for us to have a Biblical understanding of this central theme.
Do you know what the Bible teaches concerning justification? The Bible teaches us that justification comes:
From GodBy GraceBy the Blood of ChristBy Christ’s resurrectionBy FaithBy Your Words, andBy Your Works
Romans 4:16-25
The faith of Abraham is described as “Hope against Hope”.Hope against hope believes that God can give life to the dead.Hope against hope believes that God can call things into being that do not exist.Hope against hope does not waver at the seeming impossibility of what God has promised.Hope against hope praises God in advance!Hope against hope is certain that God is ableWe hope against hope in the substitutionary death and resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord!
Romans 3:27-31
We have been justified according to the law of faith. Our faith is a gift from God and therefore we have no right or reason to boast because of it.
Our faith is apart from the law. Yet, though we are justified by faith, we do not abandon God’s law. Paul says we establish it instead.
Romans 3:21-26
God is good. His goodness exceeds the standard of His law inasmuch as He Himself cannot be compelled to be as He is.God is good to mankind apart from the law. He Himself is not bound by the law, and by His sovereign will He can choose to consider our worthiness aside from the law. He does this through Jesus Christ.Jesus Christ is the revelation of the goodness of God.Because of the goodness of God we are justified by His grace.Because God is good we are redeemed.Because He is good, God exercises merciful restraint and declines to punish us for our sins.For us who are under the law, it would be unjust to call bad men Good. But the goodness of God is unfettered by the law. Thus His merciful determinations are just.He justifies all who put their faith in Jesus Christ His Son!We have every reason to praise the boundless goodness of our God!
Romans 3:9-20
The purpose of the law is to:
Humble usMake us accountable to GodHelp us to deeply sense our sinfulness It does this very well! The law unveils more truth about us than we care to see. It reads our thoughts and weighs our every motive. The law knows and exposes the truth that we are wretched indeed!
And sometimes that is just what we need to hear.
Romans 3:1-8
Can good exist without bad?Can right thrive without wrong?Can light shine in the absence of darkness?Is the grace of God necessary without the sins of men?
YES!While God’s plan of salvation takes sin into account, His plan would be just as effective even if mankind never sinned.
Romans 2:17-29
Circumcision is an outward mark upon the body as a sign of being a Jew, as baptism is the outward sign of the one who follows Jesus. But neither have value if the inner life of a person is unchanged. Paul describes to us the problem of the hyper-religious that has mastered the law, but the law has not mastered their hearts.
Romans 2:12-16
When we stand before God we will be judged by our outward obedience to the law of God, and by our inward adherence to the law.
If by chance one were to be found without fault in these two areas, all will be found out in the third. Because God will lastly judge the secrets of each person’s heart.
What will God find when He searches your heart? YOU DO NOT KNOW. Because the secrets of a person’s heart are a mystery even to himself.
Only God knows the true thoughts of the heart. This is why we dare not place our trust in our outward obedience or inward adherence to God’s law. We dare not let hubris cause us to overestimate our righteousness.
This is the argument Paul is setting up in the verses before us: To help us understand that we do not measure up, and even if we did we would have no way of knowing.
Thus every person should depend on the grace of God alone, whether apart from the law or under the law.
Joshua 10:12-14
52% of vehicle accidents occur within 5 miles from home. The last leg before victory is always the most grueling and difficult. This natural fact is also a spiritual reality.
When we feel like we have used up all our energy, that last mile can seem quite distant, and we can despair we do not have the stamina to make it to the finish.
But victory is still within our reach! By the grace of God, and persistence of faith we can still win the race. Even if it’s an ugly win!
To win ugly is to achieve victory after putting in a lot of effort and unglamorous technique and enduring many hardships or overcoming many obstacles.
The elements of an ugly win are:
1) Tenacity2) Simplicity (Keep first thing first)3) Discernment4) Focus
May 2023 be our year of Ugly Wins!
Romans 2:1-8
In the previous verses paul described in vivid terms and elaborate detail the sorts of depravity which comes upon all those who suppress the truth of God.
Paul anticipates that the believer who peruses his list of depravities will assume to themselves that he is talking about the plight of the unbeliever. But Paul makes it clear that the sinful practices of the previous chapter do not apply solely to unbelievers, but to every human. For this reason no one has cause to pass judgement upon his neighbor because all of humanity is guilty of suppressing the truth of God and thus subject to like sinful passions as every other human. The consequences our first parent’s rejection of God have been imputed to every human soul since.
Therefore we are not to make distinctions between ourselves and unbelievers. Though we are expected to make distinction between righteousness and sin. We are not to consider our neighbor as unworthy or more unworthy than ourselves. The person who does so will be condemned by God, the only righteous judge of men.
Romans 1:16-24
The righteous live by faith in the message of the gospel, but the unrighteous die by suppressing the truth of God’s word. This resistance:1) Evokes God’s wrath2) Seeks to eradicate the signature of God within, which is the very foundation of its existence3) Darkens perception and emotion4) Is not thankful4) Seeks God in the created world or senseless philosophies, anywhere but within itself5) Prefers the lie over the truthThe unrighteous have given up on God. If they persist, in time God may give up on them.
Romans 1:16-17
The Gospel is the good tidings of the finished work of Jesus Christ.
The Gospel is the power by which God saves us.
We access the power of God when we renounce power over our lives and entrust our lives, our future and eternal destiny to the Gospel. When we do this we are declared righteous by God.
In God’s providence, faith is righteousness.
This is the way salvation has always come. It is the only way to salvation and to peace with God. Whether Old Testament Jew, or ancient Gentile. all who have believed God have been declared righteous by Him.
This is the thesis Paul seeks to demonstrate throughout this Book of Romans.
That Righteousness is granted to us by faith from first to last!
Romans 1:8-15 As leader of most of the world, Rome set the standard in nearly every sphere (social, political, and religious). News of the faith taking root in this world center reverberated around the globe. Conventional wisdom would dictate that if one wanted to build big, he would build in Rome! But what we learn from this text is that man’s thoughts…
Rev. Jim Halstead joins us from Go and Tell Ministries, sharing a message from Galatians 5:6b on the importance and methods of evangelism. You can find his YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@goandtellministries2020 for more videos from him and his ministry.
Pastor Calvin Robinson begins a new series from the book of Romans. “If I was stranded on an island and could only have one book of the Bible, it would be the Book of Matthew. If I could have two, the second one would be Romans!Theologically rich. Spiritually deep. Settling to the soul. Romans is a book about God, His Gospel, and…
Pastor Calvin Robinson concludes in Ezekiel 2:1-10 on God’s Calling of His ministers. When God calls a minister what does He expect from her? While His calling varies from one believer to another, His expectation of every member is the same. God requires His ministers to:1) Be comfortable in their own skin2) Listen to Him3) Go where He sends4) Reflect His heart…
Pastor Calvin Robinson continues from Ezekiel 2:-10 in part 2 of “God’s Calling.” When God calls a minister what does He expect from her? While His calling varies from one believer to another, His expectation of every member is the same. God requires His ministers to:1) Be comfortable in their own skin2) Listen to Him3) Go where He sends4) Reflect His heart…
Continuing in Pastor Calvin Robinson’s series in Ezekiel, this week we look at Ezekiel 2:1-10. When God calls a minister what does He expect from him or her? While His calling varies from one believer to another, His expectation of every member is the same. God requires His ministers to:1) Be comfortable in their own skin2) Listen to Him3) Go where He…
Pastor Calvin Robinson continues in our Ezekiel series on The Making of the Minister. Ministry is much more about who you are than about what you do, or how well you may do it. The ministers of Christ must never equate successful ministry to victorious living. The minister and his work will be evaluated separately by God. Therefore while we desire to…
We continue in Ezekiel on Part 3 of the Ministry Example Ezekiel sees in chapter 1:1-15. In preparation for ministry the minister should have had a faithful ministry example. The cherubim serve this purpose for Ezekiel. By their appearance and by their actions they exemplify the minister’s disposition, and those qualities of character that every minister should aspire to. Continuing from last…
In preparation for ministry the minister should have had a faithful ministry example. The cherubim serve this purpose for Ezekiel. By their appearance and by their actions they exemplify the minister’s disposition, and those qualities of character that every minister should aspire to. Continuing from last week, some of these qualities include: 1) Relatability2) Readiness and mobility3) Steadfastness and stability4) Awareness of…
In preparation for ministry the minister should have had a faithful ministry example. The cherubim serve this purpose for Ezekiel. By their appearance and by their actions they exemplify the minister’s disposition, and those qualities of character that every minister should aspire to. Some of these qualities include: 1) Relatability2) Readiness and mobility3) Steadfastness and stability4) Awareness of limitations As you look…
In preparation for ministry the minister should have had a faithful ministry example. The cherubim serve this purpose for Ezekiel. By their appearance and by their actions they exemplify the minister’s disposition, and those qualities of character that every minister should aspire to. Some of these qualities include: 1) Relatability2) Readiness and mobility3) Steadfastness and stability4) Awareness of limitations As you look…
The spiritual experience differs for each individual based on a number of factors surrounding:The scope of ones ministryThe depth of one’s woundednessand one’s resistance to spiritual things. As we explore the call of Ezekiel (1:1-4), and consider the context of his calling, we can understand why his call was so unique. Though each call is unique, God’s calling in Ezekiel’s life and…
The spiritual experience differs for each individual based on a number of factors surrounding:The scope of ones ministryThe depth of one’s woundednessand one’s resistance to spiritual things. As we explore the call of Ezekiel (1:1-4), and consider the context of his calling, we can understand why his call was so unique. Though each call is unique, God’s calling in Ezekiel’s life and…
Pastor Calvin Robinson begins a new series from Ezekiel, describing how God prepares and calls ministers of the Gospel message. This first in the series comes from Ezekiel 1:1-3.
Pastor Calvin Robinson begins a new series from Ezekiel, describing how God prepares and calls ministers of the Gospel message. This first in the series comes from Ezekiel 1:1-3.
Pastor Calvin Robinson finishes our series on The Finer Things from Philippians 4:10-19, discussing how Paul advises how the believer should be content in all things.
Pastor Calvin Robinson finishes our series on The Finer Things from Philippians 4:10-19, discussing how Paul advises how the believer should be content in all things.
Continuing in our Philippians series, Pastor Calvin Robinson describes to us what Christians should be focusing on in our lives, so as to focus on the finer things of faith, from Philippians 4:6-9.
Pastor Calvin Robinson describes what being of one mind and one Spirit in harmony looks like for the believer from Philippians 4:1-5.
The main idea: All those who follow Jesus should be yearning for spiritual transformation of the heart, its desires, and conforming it to Christlikeness. This transformation is available to us here and now. The challenge: It is not an easy, nor obvious path to true transformation of the heart. Our heads are full, we think one thing, but we do another. It…
Pastor Calvin Robinson continues in Philippians 3:17-21, describing how the Christ-follower should be careful not to pursue heaven on earth, but instead pursue Jesus Christ in all things.
Pastor Calvin Robinson’s sermon series continues in Philippians 3:10-16 describing what every believer’s life-long pursuit should be: To Know Jesus!
In Philippians 3:4-9, Paul teaches the Christian that letting go of all worldly positions, values, and worth is the path to finer things in Jesus Christ.
As followers of Christ we are called to be peaceful neighbors, while at the same time we are called to live holy lives. What do we do when these two concepts collide? Which should we prioritize and what extent must we go to in order to maintain peace while living in holiness? These are all complicated questions that we will explore, as…
Jeremiah 17:9 “The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it? This week we discuss gender identity in our short series on what the Bible does (and does not) teach about sex and sexuality. Please note: The YouTube video link for this sermon is not complete. Please listen to the full audio of the sermon via the audio…
Jeremiah 17:9 “The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it? This week we discuss genders in our short series on what the Bible does (and does not) teach about sex and sexuality.
Matthew 19:12 “For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother’s womb; and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men; and there are also eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. He who is able to accept this, let him accept it.” We continue in a short series on what the…
Genesis 5:2 He created them male and female, and He blessed them and named them Man in the day when they were created. This week, we begin a short series on what the Bible does (and does not) teach about sex and sexuality.
Pastor Calvin Robinson discusses the role of mentoring relationships in the Christian life as one of the Finer Things described in Philippians 2:19-24. (Apologies, it appears that the very end of the sermon was clipped off for some reason)
Pastor Calvin Robinson discusses the middle stage of the our faith–the process in which we are being sanctified, and the part that we play in that process. Join us in Philippians 2:12-18!
Pastor Calvin Robinson continues from Philippians 2:5-11 on what humility is, and Jesus represents it in Himself and the Kingdom of God.
Pastor Calvin Robinson continues in Philippians 2:1-4 on the topic of unity, and being unified in spirit, while not thinking in exactly the same way. In this way, where Jesus-followers are, we are all consistently reflecting God’s Kingdom!
Pastor Calvin Robinson continues in Philippians 1:27-30 as Paul considers for us the finer things in suffering, and how suffering brings about spiritual development and growth.
Pastor Calvin continues in Philippians on the topic of the tension between doing the kingdom work of Jesus in this world, or being with Jesus in the next. If you ever despair in your life, or feel hopeless or directionless, this message is for you!
As we grow more and more in Christ, we develop a deeper knowledge that enhances our ability to discern between what is good and what is best. Our values become more refined and we develop a more refined taste for spiritual things. In the Book of Philippians, Paul introduces us to the finer things of the Spirit in order to whet our…
Our Lord led a life of simplicity. After His resurrection He continued in the same vein feeding, comforting, instructing, caring. Though He has undergone the pains of death and struggle. And though He has firsthand experience of raising from the dead, Jesus appears surprisingly ordinary as He resumes His role as provider for His disciples. He makes them breakfast! Such a mundane…
Our own brother Taylor Baird reminds us of the sacrifice and love that Jesus had for us on the cross.
Jesus calls us to deny the self, but what does that entail? Let’s take a closer look at the implications of self-denial to discover it’s many manifestations in our own lives, so we can be conscious to fulfill Christ’s command. The Self is the part of the mind in which natural instinctive impulses and primary thought processes manifest themselves. The fundamental human…
Pastor Calvin Robinson shares a message from Nehemiah 1 and his thoughts on the character and attributes of the prophet Nehemiah.
David’s wonderful depiction of shepherd/sheep motif serves as an excellent reminder of God’s providence and our dependence upon Him. The Shepherd rules – The Sheep ObeyThe Shepherd Guides – The sheep followThe Shepherd protects – The sheep trustsThe Shepherd provides – The sheep is content We rejoice because the Ruler is our Shepherd. And if we trust Him completely, He will lead…
I Corinthians 16: 1-24 I Corinthians 16 summarizes the first 15 chapters of I Cor. and sets practical ways for the Corinthian church to live out their lives in a God-honoring way. Paul ends I Corinthians with a list of to-dos that are meant for the church’s edification and growth in spiritual maturity. Three areas we can glean from the text for…
When Jesus Christ returns for us, we will be changed.From perishable to ImperishableFrom mortal to ImmortalDefeated to Victorious This faith causes us to be steadfast in our walk, and in our labor of love. Because we are assured that our labor is not in vain!
Pastor Calvin Robinson continues in 1 Corinthians 15:12-23 on the facts of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the implications of what that means for all believers.
The gospel of Jesus Christ is simply this. That Christ: Died for our sins Was buried Raised from the dead Appeared to many It is a simple message, but the most powerful message ever delivered to the world. This message is the very power of God!
Nothing in this world will last forever. Every flower that blooms will eventually fade away. Nothing in this world will last forever. Neither treasure nor triumph, not talent, and not even time! These are all temporal things. The spiritual gifts Paul had been discussing in chapter 12, they are all temporal things as well. So inferior are they to the realities of…
Jesus Christ has invested His church with self-sustaining spiritual gifts for the purpose of growth, edification, and the common good of all it’s members, and for the good of the world. Jesus has also assigned these spiritual gifts to specific parts or functions within and without the Body, in order to accomplish His purposes in an orderly manner. God equips each part…
Jesus Christ has invested His church with self-sustaining spiritual gifts for the purpose of growth, edification, and the common good of all it’s members, and for the good of the world. Jesus has also assigned these spiritual gifts to specific parts or functions within and without the Body, in order to accomplish His purposes in an orderly manner. God equips each part…
Our Lord Jesus centered His entire life around the glory of God. He lived to make God known to us as He truly is. There is nothing Christ desires more than for all of humanity to get to know and develop a relationship with our Father. God is GOOD! As many as have tasted and come to know this truth, we too…
Jesus Christ has invested His church with self-sustaining spiritual gifts for the purpose of growth, edification, and the common good of all it’s members, and for the good of the world. Jesus has also assigned these spiritual gifts to specific parts or functions within and without the Body, in order to accomplish His purposes in an orderly manner. God equips each part…
According to Jesus, the path to glory is through the grave.The believer who desires glory (eternal life) must follow the Jesus Christ in an act of self-abandonment. It is the paradox of kingdom living. Those who desire to be great in the kingdom should leave off all ambition of being great in this world. Take up our crosses and follow Him to…
1 Corinthians 12:4-10 Jesus Christ has invested His church with self-sustaining spiritual gifts for the purpose of growth, edification, and the common good of all it’s members, and for the good of the world.Each of these gifts is ordained in Christ’s church to provide a particular service to the Body. And every one of these Spirit ordained services produces God’s desired effects…
Pastor Calvin Robinson shares a message from John 12:12-19 Only God has power of life and death. Jesus Christ, in demonstrating this authority has sealed His place in the hearts of the masses that He is indeed the Son of God Almighty! The whole world is in need of such a savior.The whole world is searching for someone or something greater than…
1 Corinthians 12:4-10b Jesus Christ has invested His church with self-sustaining spiritual gifts for the purpose of growth, edification, and the common good of all it’s members, and for the good of the world. Each of these gifts is ordained in Christ’s church to provide a particular service to the Body. And every one of these Spirit ordained services produces God’s desired…
John 12:1-7Jesus Christ is worthy of our very best. He wants to be our top priority. One person cannot tell another when she is giving her best. Sacrifice is always personal.Therefore each of us must determine what is the thing about ourselves, our lives or our situations we value most, and then to always ready and willing to lay it down should…
Pastor Calvin Robinson continues from 1 Corinthians 12:4-10b, on the spiritual gift of prophecy. Jesus Christ has invested His church with self-sustaining spiritual gifts for the purpose of growth, edification, and the common good of all it’s members, and for the good of the world. Each of these gifts is ordained in Christ’s church to provide a particular service to the Body.…
Scapegoat – A person who is blamed for the wrongdoings, mistakes, or faults of others, especially for reasons of expediency. From John 11:45-57. The greatest intrigue surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus Christ lies in the fact that the religious leaders and Jesus shared a similar vision for Israel and the world, but the religious leaders were not willing to pay the price…
Pastor Calvin Robinson continues on the topic of spiritual gifts from 1 Corinthians. Jesus Christ has invested His church with self-sustaining spiritual gifts for the purpose of growth, edification, and the common good of all it’s members, and for the good of the world.Each of these gifts is ordained in Christ’s church to provide a particular service to the Body. And every…
Pastor Calvin Robinson continues the Lazarus story in John 11:27-44, and how Mary and Martha’s approach to Jesus and their grief relates to our own barriers and stones that need to be rolled away so that the glory of God may be seen.
Pastor Calvin Robinson continues our series on spiritual gifts with the gifts of healing, from 1 Corinthians 12:4-9. Come hear why this gift is the only gift described in the plural!
Pastor Calvin Robinson shares the word of Jesus’ Life and Resurrection through the story of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus found in John 11:21-26.
Pastor Calvin Robinson continues in the spiritual gifts and describes the gift of faith: The ability to call out of the spiritual realm into the physical realm. 1 Corinthians 12:1-11
Pastor Calvin Robinson shares the first part a message from John 10:22-39 on Jesus and the Father, ambiguity in the Christian walk, and Jesus’ response to His critics.
Pastor Calvin Robinson shares with us a description and vision for the spiritual gift of knowledge and how it may be used with other gifts in the well-rounded church from 1 Corinthians 12:1-11. (Apologies, the mic pack ran out of battery about halfway in, so there is a blip in the middle where you miss a few sentences of audio.)
Our brother Michael Set continues our John series in John 10:1-19 on Jesus as the Good Shepherd, and some application for us as His sheep.
Pastor Calvin Robinson describes to us the usage of the spiritual gifts, particularly of the gift of wisdom from 1 Corinthians 12:1-11.
Pastor Calvin Robinson shares a message about the nature of infirmities, sin, and the goodness of God from John 9:1-12.
Pastor Calvin Robinson shares a message from 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 on spiritual gifts versus earned talents and abilities.
Pastor Calvin Robinson shares a message from John 8:48-59 on the lessons and application we can take from Jesus’ dialog when teaching in the temple.
Pastor Calvin Robinson shares a message from 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 on the importance and significance of communion, and what it means to take it seriously.
Pastor Calvin Robinson shares a message from John 8:34-38 on hearing from the Father and being a child of the Truth.
Pastor Calvin Robinson shares a message about Jesus and the Light He brings from John 8:12-20
Pastor Calvin Robinson shares a message from 1 Corinthians 10:31-33 on appealing to all people for the cause of Christ.
Pastor Calvin Robinson shares a message from John 8:1-11 on Jesus’ pity and compassion for us.
Pastor Calvin Robinson describes to us from a few passage of the Bible what the purpose and vision of the Church should be. What Is The Church?Hebrews 12:22-24 What Is The Ministry of the Church?Ephesians 4 Christian CommunityEphesians 4 :1-4 So How Are We Doing?So What Next?
Pastor Calvin Robinson shares a message and a warning from 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 to be careful, and not assume anything we know about God is total and complete.
Pastor Calvin Robinson shares a message from John 7:37-39 about breathing in the Living Spirit of God, in a message entitled “Living Water”.
Pastor Calvin Robinson shares a message from 1 Peter 4:7-11 on having sound judgement of what we involve ourselves in, and a warning to all of us as believers to ensure that we have a healthy prayer life in line with God’s kingdom, not for our own comfort and for our enemies’ discomfort.
Pastor Calvin Robinson shares a message from 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 on disciplining our flesh to be ready for God’s purpose.
Pastor Calvin Robinson cautions us to follow Jesus’ mission, not our own with a message from John 7:1-18.
Pastor Calvin Robinson shares a message from Paul’s writings in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 about how we win souls, not arguments.
Pastor Calvin Robinson shares a message from John 6:60-69 and the trials of this world.
Pastor Calvin Robinson shares a message from 1 Corinthians 9:1-18 on the true reward of preaching the Gospel.
Pastor Calvin Robinson shares a message on spiritual food versus physical food from John 6:26-40.
Pastor Calvin Robinson shares a message from 1 Corinthians 8, where the church at Corinth were struggling with being knowledgeable, but missing the most important thing.
Pastor Calvin Robinson shares a message from John 6:15-25 on the choices in life, and following God.
Pastor Calvin Robinson shares a message from 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 and how it relates to marriage, singleness, and how you open canned foods.
Pastor Calvin shares a message about the bountifulness that is already present in God’s kingdom from John 6:1-14.
Pastor Calvin Robinson shares a message about the holiness and mastery of our bodies from 1 Corinthians 6:12-20.
Pastor Calvin Robinson continues his series in the book of John on Jesus’s calling and identity from John 5:33-47.
Pastor Calvin Robinson shares a Resurrection Sunday message from John 20:1-19. He is risen!
Our brother Steve Li shares a message from John 4:6-26 (The Samaritan Woman at the Well), and how Jesus is for all people, everywhere!
Our brother Joe Straw shares a message about the kind of faith we have, from Exodus 32:7-14.
Our own brother, Taylor Baird, shares a message from Romans 8:16-30 on hope in what is not yet, but to come.
Pastor Calvin Robinson shares a message from 1 Corinthians 5 on dealing with sin in the church.
Pastor Calvin Robinson shares a message from John 5:17-24 on Jesus’ claim to be equal with God.