Rooftop Church Sermons: Recent Episodes
Rooftop Church
What does it really mean to follow Jesus? Find out here. Listen to past sermons from Rooftop Church in St. Louis, MO. Rooftop is a place where you can bring your doubts and questions. We'll work through them with you.
If you've ever been in a choir, you know that singing in unison can be difficult. Singing in harmony can be even harder! But the Bible tells us to "live in harmony with one another." Only by doing so can we worship God in one voice. Metaphors aside, how do we do that in real life? How do we LIVE in harmony with each other?
In a world full of information and gurus how can we make out way in life? Join us as we look at what it means for a community to Teach and Admonish one another. Our hope is that you are blessed by our time together!
"Don't Look Up" is a movie about the end of the world, and how people choose to spend their last night on earth. Christians also believe the world will someday end. How do we want to spend our last days? Regardless of how we might want to, the Bible tells us how we should: by serving one another in love, as Jesus serves us.
In a world that appears less and less interested in forgiveness, what would it look like to be a people marked by forgiveness? Join us as we continue in our series "The One Anothers" and find out what it means to be a church of forgiveness.
The Bible says we must accept one another. But does that mean everybody? What if we disagree with each other? Is there a difference between accepting people and affirming who they are? Listen in as Pastor Matt talks about what it really means to accept each other in the same way Jesus accepts us.
What is confession, and what is God up to in it? Join us as we continue on in our series, "the One Anothers" as we explore confession and what I means for our lives.
What does it mean to Honor someone? What would be different about us if we became men and women of honor. Join us as we walk through Romans 12:10 as we continue on in our series "The One Anothers".
The Bible says that Christians must encourage one another. To encourage someone literally means to put courage in them. But how do we do that? God tells us how, in His word. And he gives us many profiles in courage to inspire us to become the encouraging people our friends and fellow believers need us to be.
When Jesus saves us from sin, he also calls us into a new community of relationships with God's people. And he gives us some instructions on how to BLANK one another. The Bible fills in the "blank" with all kinds of words: serve one another, submit to one another, pray for one another. We cannot exist as Christians without one another. Join us as we kick off the series with the most important one another command.
What does the Bible really say about calling? Today we learn that we are simply called just to be Christians and God will lay out everything else in His timing.
Christmas a an apocalypse? What is God up to on Christmas and what does it mean for a tried world. Join us this week and find out!
There are lots of Christmas movies that aren't really Christmas movies: Die Hard, Gremlins. But what about the 1982 Disney classic, Tron? Doesn't it tell the story of a Creator entering a world of his own making to save the world from evil? And isn't that the story of Christmas?
Join us as we take a look at Matthew 7:21-23. We will look at Jesus’ final warning to those listening as we wind down the Sermon on the Mount. Have you ever wondered what “The Will of God is?” We will dive into that and a few other topics as we explore Religion Redefined.
In the final section of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus issues a start warning about Christian leaders who are bad for us. And what's worse, it can be hard to tell who they are. But he gives us a simple rule to know how to identify them--that is, if we care to. Because if we're honest, we have to admit that sometimes we prefer wolves over shepherds.
We are programmed to look for shortcuts. This serves us well, most of the time. But when it comes to following Jesus, there is no shortcut. There is no escalator. There is only the stairs.
We all want wisdom and understanding from God. But how do we go about acquiring it? Pastor Jeremy gives us insight in his latest message. from our "Religion Redefined" series.
"One author says that 9 out of 10 young people think that Christians are judgmental hypocrites. Is that true? Is so, how did followers of Jesus get such a terrible reputation? And what can we do about it?"
Scientists say that the average human being might spend as much as 2 hours per day experiencing anxiety. There is a lot to worry about in the world. But worry impedes our peace of mind, shortens our lives, and undermines our witness as God's children. How do we stop worrying? Jesus' answer is simple: "Look at the birds."
People can either store treasures in two places here on earth or in heaven. Storing up treasures in heaven is hard but one of the most rewarding things we can do. God blesses those who bless others.
Doctors know that fasting can be good for your body. But the BIble teaches that fasting can be good for your soul. In fact, Jesus assumes that we're already doing it. Who knew that fasting from food could be one of the best things we could do to follow Jesus more closely?
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells us we shouldn't pray like the Pharisees. And then he gives us the Lord's Prayer as a model of how we should. There's lots of great stuff in the Lord's prayer--and even some stuff we miss, because we're so familiar with it.
Jesus did the dirty jobs nobody else wanted to do, because he knew that "somebody's gotta do it." And he calls us to be servants, like him. Listen in as Pastor Matt leads us through a study of Philippians 2, and challenges us to live up to our calling as lowly servants of Christ.
"Join us this week as we talk about taking steps in prayer. How can prayer help us become the men and women god is calling us to be."
"In Jesus' day, some people thought it was okay to love their friends and hate their enemies. Why would they have thought that? More importantly, why do we? And what does Jesus have to say to us about the hatred in our own hearts?"
Rooftop Church celebrated Global Outreach Sunday on Sept. 11 as a time to focus on worldwide missions. Jerret Henley, a missionary who serves in Japan with his family, gave us five practical tips for joining the global effort - pray, go, send, welcome and mobilize. Check it out.
"Join us this Sunday as we continue in our series religion redefined. How does Jesus call us to respond to violence and injustice?"
"Jesus says not to make oaths or vows. So, like, should we not make wedding vows? Sign contracts? Swear on our grandma's grave? Why not? What's Jesus saying, and what does it have to do with following him?"
Join us as we dive into Matthew 5:27-30 in our series "Religion Redefined." This week we look at what Jesus has to say about our hearts and how we can find healing in the area of sexual brokenness. What practical steps can we take to find wholeness in this area? Tune in to find out!
"In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says that angry people might be judged in hell. If he's serious, we're in trouble. What's he getting at?"
"In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said he came to fulfill the law. But he also occasionally broke it. And he also says we won't get into heaven unless we obey even the smallest law. What law? And why should we obey laws that even sometimes Jesus breaks?"
Do you ever struggle with sharing and reflecting Jesus? Join us as we continue our sermon series "Religion Redefined" This week we look how to be the salt and light on earth. Jesus calls his followers to be different. Today we learn how to be distinctive and illuminating in a way that only Jesus can provide.
"In his introduction to the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus blesses the poor, the hungry, and the persecuted. But how are they blessed? What does it mean to be blessed? And how can we be a blessing to the people God blesses?"
"The Sermon on the Mount is oftentimes forgotten among history's greatest speeches. But no other speech is as well known or has been as influential. What's the sermon all about? Why is it important? And why are we spending six months studying it?"
Join us as we explore the topic of encouragement. Is it a nice thing we should do from time to time, or it essential to what it means to be a Christian.
Rooftop Deacon Ariel Stephens shares with us a message on God's name and why it's so important for us to remember it.
Our world needs laws. Our society depends on the "rule of law." There are consequences for breaking these laws. We need divine laws, too. Our souls and community require them. What happens when we break them? And how can we become people who not only obey God's laws, but want to?
Who's your favorite wicked witch? Elphaba? Ursula? What about...you? The BIble says that we although we might not have green skin and broomsticks, we're all wicked. To be a sinner is to be wicked. But by the Holy Spirit Jesus can remove our wickedness, and make us good.
Does God feel distant? Do relationships seem to be overly difficult? Join us as we continue in our series, Sin what is it really. This we take a look at sin as alienation. As we explore the questions about the distance we feel from God and others, we will be surprised to find out God’s answers and the calling he has for us.
We all hope the coronavirus goes away soon. But even if it does, the real contagion won't. The Bible says sin is a disease--a disease that makes us sick, and infects our lives and communities. But Jesus has a cure. What is it?
Pastor Schuyler addresses the problem of sin polluting our lives and making us impure. But God has a solution for the pollution in Jesus!
Nobody likes dirty politicians. "Throw the bums out!" we say. But what if we're just as corrupt as the politicians we elect? The Bible says we just might be, but that there is hope for corrupt people like ourselves.
Most of us don't think of ourselves as rebels. But according to the Bible, we all are. There are consequences for our rebellion. But there can also be forgiveness. Join us as we continue our series on sin.
This week Pastor Schuyler examines sin as debt and looks at the final word of Jesus on the cross and reveals how Jesus paid it all.
What does it mean to be foolish? Is it just childish immaturity or is it something deeper. Perhaps foolishness is keeping us from experiencing the calling and life of God. More importantly how does Jesus show us a better way? A way that the world sees as foolishness but God sees as life.
On Easter we celebrate Jesus as the "firstborn from among the dead." Sounds cool! But what does it mean? And if Jesus is first, are we second? Third? Where are we in the birth order, or does it even work like that?
Pastor Schuyler discusses sin as bondage. Are you struggling to find purpose? Are you having trouble maintaining relationships? Do you feel weighed down by sin? Perhaps you are in chains. But ‘if the Son sets you free you are free indeed.’
We all have desires for all kinds of things. Some of these desires are good, some bad. Some carnal, some spiritual. How do we know which of our desires are sinful? And how do we deal with desires that might lead us away from God? Listen in to week 2 of our series, "Sin: What Is It, Really?" as we talk about Sin as Desire.
Join us as we start our new series “Sin: What Is It Really?” We begin our series with the idea of wandering. What do we do when we find ourselves in places we didn’t expect.
Pastor Schuyler wraps up our Six Reasons series talking about the resurrection. Are there more plausible explanations for the empty tomb or do we have evidence to believe Jesus raised from the dead? And if he did, what does that mean for humanity?
According to a study, half of all Americans say they have had a 'religious experience.' Are these experiences evidence that God is real? Or is there a more likely explanation? And what about those of us who have never experienced God? Are we missing out on something? And if so, how can we experience God in the way that other people say they have?
Do right and wrong exist? And if they do, where do they come from? Listen in as Matt Herndon discusses whether or not objective morality is real and if God is the best explanation.
Is the church a force for good? Join us as we investigate some of the unique contributions the people of God have given the world.
"The Big Bang Theory" TV show didn't just create itself. It had an origin and an originator. The universe didn't just create itself, either. It had an origin, and an Originator. Or did it? Does the beginning of the universe have anything to tell us about the reality of God? And what does this mean for us? Join us as we continue our series, "Six Reasons I Might Lose My Faith, and Six Reasons I Won't." Learn if the big bang theory gives us any reason to believe that God is real, or not.
Our universe is fined tuned to support life. From physics, to elements, to DNA it all appears to be custom made to sustain life. Is this by chance? Or is there a better answer to the universe we inhabit?
With all the suffering and evil in the world, how can anyone believe in a loving God? Pastor Schuyler looks at the problem of evil and shows us how we can acknowledge the depth of suffering and still uphold the Christian view of the character of God.
Christians preach the gospel, that Jesus died for our sins so we can go to heaven and not to hell. There is hope and power in that message. But does the gospel even make sense? Skeptics say it doesn't. Listen to their arguments and how a Christian might respond.
Does God answer prayer like His Word says He will? Are unanswered prayers evidence of that God doesn’t exist? Join us as we humble walk through these objects to the faith and more.
The Old Testament describes a God who orders his people to kill entire people groups, including children, and animals, because they worshiped different gods. Then Jesus comes along and says we should love our enemies, instead. How do we reconcile these two portraits of God?
Are all world religions the same? It has been said by some that “all paths lead to the same destination” and “all streams lead to the same ocean.” If that’s the case what is so special about Christianity? Why should we follow Jesus and not the Buddha or Muhammad? Is Christianity just another world religion? Pastor Schuyler tackles this question in the latest installment of our series, "Six Reasons I Might Lose My Faith, and Six Reasons I Won't."
Does science offer a better explanation for the world than God? Lots of people think it does, and many Christians have left the faith because of science. But has science killed God? Listen in to week one as we start our series, "Six Reasons I Might Lose My Faith, and Six Reasons I Won't."
Join us as we wrap up our series on James. Here at the end James talks to us about the importance of being in community with each other as we walk the way of wisdom.
Behind the pageantry of Christmas is the indescribable generosity of God. How should we respond to the gift of Jesus Christ? Pastor Matt tells us how.
Prayer is like driving. Everybody does it, but few people do it well. How should we pray, though? And does God always answer our prayers? James talks about all these questions and more in his letter. Join us as he gives us "A Primer on Prayer."
Sometimes our Christmas plans don't turn out like we planned. Sometimes life doesn't, either. Have we accepted that reality, yet? And how can we live well in light of that fact? When you don't know if things are going to work out, how should you live your life? Join us in our study of James as we learn about the limitations of planning how we hope our lives may go.
Gandhi once said, "I like your Christ. I don’t like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ." Today 87% of non-Christians view Christians as judgmental. James, the brother of Jesus, speaks directly to judgements Christians in our latest installment of our series through the letter of James.
Today we look at God’s grace towards those in conflict with others and a new way to look at the conflicts around and within us
The tongue is a group of eight muscles that work together to help us speak. But this small muscle group can also ruin our lives. Learn how to talk like Jesus does in part 9 of “Wise Guy: Divine Wisdom from the Book of James.”
As followers of Jesus we are called to not just talk to the talk, but walk the walk. We are called to “be ‘bout that action.”
Parents never admit to having favorite children, even though we know our parents do. But we all practice favoritism, and won’t admit it. James says that Christians must not practice favoritism, but we all do. How do we avoid it? How do we become people who love everybody equally regardless of what they can do for us?
In Week 6 of our James series Pastor Schuyler talks about the importance of not just hearing the Word but doing the Word!
God’s righteousness is produced within us as we weed our hearts of evil and receive the life-saving word of Jesus. But how do we weed out evil and receive the life-saving word?
We are tempted every day and it can get pretty exhausting. So who or what is responsible for the temptations we face and often submit too? What is really going on and what do we do about it. Ariel Stephens explores these questions in our continuing series on the Book of James.
As the great theologian, Biggie Smalls once said, "Mo' money mo' problems." Is money the root of all evil or does it just reveal the evil in us? James, echoes the words of his big brother Jesus and proceeds the words of the notorious B.I.G and warns us of the dangers of wealth.
The book of James contains a lot of wisdom on a lot of topics. But if there's a primary theme to the book, it's the topic of perseverance. LIfe and faith are hard. It's easy to give up. We know we have to keep going. But persevering is hard. How do we do it? And does it always pay off?
God designed the Church to work together in community. Listen as Pastor Matt encourages us to discover what God has uniquely equipped us for and serve like Jesus served.
The movie Wall-E was called by some the best movie of the decade in 2010. What's the hype all about? And the movie is filled with Biblical imagery about the story of creation and our destiny as a species. But what does it get right, and what does it get wrong?
Fear. It grips all of us. Whether it is public speaking, sharks, elevators, the dark, or something much more serious. We are all scared of something. Fear is a powerful human emotion and this week Pastor Schuyler examines God's Word and reveals through Scripture that there is something that is much more powerful than fear. Tune in and found out how "perfect love casts out fear.
A Bug's LIfe is Pastor Matt's favorite Pixar movie. Why? Because he likes bugs? Nope. He doesn't. Because it's really funny and has some great characters and dialogue. And also, because the message of the movie is deeply consistent with what it means to follow Jesus. Listen and watch to learn more.
"Soul" is a beautiful and entertaining movie. It is also deeply philosophical, introducing ideas about the soul and afterlife. It's just fiction, of course. But does it get anything right about life after earth, or life before? What does the Bible say about the soul? What is it, and what does it mean to have one?
Grief is a reality of life that is unavoidable. You cannot control the pain and hurt you experience but you can control how you respond to it. This week Pastor Schuyler examines the biblical themes of grief, and hope and explains what we can learn from Carl Fredrickson in the movie UP and King David.
The movie "Inside Out" explores the inner life of a young girl as she learns to understand and express her emotions. This is something many Christians aren't good at. But emotions are God-given, and the Bible has a lot of wisdom on how to understand and express what we're feeling. Listen to Rooftopper Ariel Stephens as she discusses how Christians should--and should not--understand all the emotions God gives us to feel.
Cars tells the story of a proud and arrogant race car named Lightning McQueen who needs to win. We all want to win, and succeed in life. But what is success, really? What does a successful life look like? The Bible has a different definition of success than the world. Lightning McQueen, and you and I, have a lot to learn from it.
Pastor Schuyler continues our series The Gospel According to Pixar with the award-winning animated film Coco. Coco, tells the story of Miguel Riveria on his quest back to the land of the living after accidentally stumbling into the realm of the dead on dia de Los Muertos. Drawing from the film Schuyler unpacks death, the afterlife, and the biblical concept of remembrance.
Finding Nemo is not, actually, a movie about fish. Or short-term memory loss. It's a movie about parenting, and the difficulty we all have knowing how to love our children without smothering them. As the perfect Father, God understands the challenge. He gives us far more freedom that we're comfortable with, but he's also willing to cross the ocean of heaven and earth to save our scales when we get stuck in nets from which we can't escape.
Does Pixar's breakout movie Toy Story have anything important to think about when it comes to faith? Of course it does. It's about a group of toys created to serve their owner. The movie taps into our own search for purpose in life: what were we created on earth to do? The Bible has a lot to say about that. And don't forget about Forky, the most theological character in the entire Toy Story franchise...
We kick off our series this week with The Incredibles. Although not explicitly a Christian movie, The Incredibles conveys and encourages a deep, and often neglected, spiritual truth and practice in the life of Christians: the role of spiritual gifts in the body of Christ!
Luke 12 tells the cautionary tale of a servant who knows his master's will and doesn't do it. We already know so much about what God wants. Bum Kim challenges us that maybe we need to act on it.
The book of Isaiah prophesies that a man would eventually come to serve as a once-for-all sacrifice for sins. His prophecy is beautiful, specific...and disturbing. What does it mean? Was it fulfilled in Jesus? Join us in our final message on the book of Isaiah.
As we continue through our series on “The Future King” we see that Isaiah didn’t just talk about Jesus’ birth and arrival on earth. He also wrote about Jesus’ sacrificial life and brutal death on our behalf. In today’s message, we look into Isaiah 52:13 through Isai 533 and see God’s unthinkable plan for His Son Jesus Christ, the Messiah, centuries before it actually took place.
Towards the end of the book of Isaiah, a mysterious and consequential character appears. He's called The Servant of the Lord, and the prophet says he will be the one to rescue God's people for their endless struggle against enemies and sin. The Servant's identity is confusing, through, and his ministry confounding. Who is he? And what did he come to do?
The book of Isaiah includes prophecies of the coming Messiah. But it also contains a prophecy of a prophet who would arrive to prepare the way for the coming king. His name is John the Baptist, and he has a lot to say to us about how we can get ready for the arrival of the Christ.
The world we live in can be a dark place and sometimes it seems we can be swallowed up by the darkness and distress. And in a dark time in Israel’s history God promised to give the people a future king who would bring light into a dark world. That promise is for us today as well.
The book of Isaiah includes some of the most inspiring and beautiful prophecies on the coming Messiah, sent by God to rescue his people from sin and death. In part 1 of "The Future King," Pastor Matt looks at the messianic prophesy of Isaiah 11, in which the future messiah is predicted to be more than just another failed Jewish king.
Have you ever wondered if this life is all there is? Disaster, despair, and darkness seem to be all around us in our daily lives. Luckily, God has not forsaken us, but instead, he promises to make all things new.
As South Africa came to terms with its racial past, leaders realized they had no future without forgiveness. None of us do. Through the prophet Isaiah, God promises his people that he has a plan to rebuild their nation. But first they must be forgiven. We do, too. None of us has a future without forgiveness.
Judah lived in a world of constant warfare. Isaiah, was sent by God to tell them of a time in the future, that would be ruled by peace. The people could imagine such a beautiful time. We live in a similar world of constant warfare. Wars outside our country, wars within our country, hostility and discord in our own homes and personal lives. God has a promise of peace for us today as well.
The Old Testament people of Judah had to cross a barren desert to get back home to the Promised Land, following captivity in Babylon. God promises to create streams in the wasteland for them to drink on their way home. He also promises to “pour out” the Spirit on their descendants, and turn their deserts into gardens. What did this promise mean to them, and what should it mean to us?
As God leads the people of Judah on the path back home from exile, there’s one big thing God’s people must listen and do to avoid pain, regret, and pink puke; obey what he has commanded.
By the power of the resurrection, Jesus shows us what only God can do. So stop trying to live life on your own wake up to new life today.
As we continue through our series “The Way Back”, this week we see God confront His people Israel about their hypocritical ways. They exalt God with their mouths, and go through the motions of obeying Him, but their hearts are not truly for Him. He calls them to lose their false religion, and to instead pursue True Religion which is loving Him with their heart.
The book of Isaiah talks a lot about "praising" and "glorifying" God. Apparently it's important. But why? And how do we do it? And what if we're not very good singers?
We are all seekers. Seeking fulfillment. Seeking happiness. Seeking God. Perhaps we can find these things in money, sex, or people... But before we accept that, let’s see what Isaiah has to say
As God seeks to lead his people out of exile in Babylon, and re-establish a relationship with them, he gives them important things to do on “the way back.” One of those is to hope. His people would need hope that things could turn out better than they had in the past. We also need hope. But hope is hard? In a world of darkness and gloom, where can we find out hope?
"Do not fear" is one of the most common commands in the Bible, and in the book of Isaiah. As God seeks to reestablish his covenant relationship with his people, they need to learn to trust him and not be afraid of where he will take them. But trusting God is hard, and the world is a scary place inspiring much fear. How do we learn to trust God and fear less? Pastor Matt gives six things we can do.
The Israelites have been in Exile for 70 years and want to return home. God is ready for them to return, but in order to do so, they have to learn how to get there. This week we begin a new series called “The Way Back”, and the first step on “The Way Back” is to LAMENT. While we don’t talk about LAMENT often as Christians, it is essential in our relationship with God. This week will talk about just that.
The nation of Judah is finally out of their divine timeout and this is the moment they have longed for, this is the fulfillment of the prophecy Isaiah had predicted over 100 years earlier: The moment that they can rebuild their holy temple! But as construction begins it becomes clear that Isaiah and God meant something else entirely.
Following the destruction of their captors in Babylon, the people of Judah have the chance to return home to Jerusalem. But going home can be hard. It was a long journey? Would they head home to Zion, or stay back in Babylon? Sometimes we face a similar question in our own spiritual journey.
Following the exile of God’s people to Babylon, God does not just leave them there. He has a plan to bring them back. First that involves destroying their enemies, the Babylonians. Isaiah predicts the city’s destruction in chapter 47 of his book. As we’ll see, the fall of Babylon comes to mean so much more in the Bible, and it should to us.
The people of Judah are now living in Exile in Babylon, and God has an important message for them. What we realize, is that God’s message is the same for us today.
The Fall of Jerusalem in 587 BC was a devastating event for God’s people. God had sent the prophet Isaiah to warn his people that it would happen if they did not change their ways. But they didn’t, and it did. What does the destruction of Jerusalem say about God? And what does it mean for us?
Are your troubles overwhelming you? Find out what King Hezekiah did when threatened by the Assyrians and what it means for us when our hearts are under siege.
What do Apollo Creed and King Hezekiah have in common? Find out as we examine Isaiah 39 together in the next series in our study of Isaiah called "What Happened".
The experience of 2020 has left most people longing for a little comfort. Isaiah tells us that God will comfort us, but what does that look like ad what should we expect?
The Bible says that Jesus came into the world as Immanuel, God with us—in fulfillment of the prophecy. What prophecy? Where does it come from? What does it mean?
The book of Isaiah tells us that God is both a zealous and jealous God. Both of those words bring up uncomfortable images of religious zealots and jealous boyfriends. What does it mean that God is jealous and zealous, and why should we care?
There really is nothing quite like the love of a mother. And in today’s message, we look at a passage of scripture from Isaiah where God likens himself not to ‘our Father who art in Heaven...” but rather, as a nursing mother.
The book of Isaiah describes a God who is holy, righteous, forgiving…and angry. Why is God so angry? Is he still angry? Should we be afraid of him? In this sermon we discuss what it means for us that God seems so angry in the Bible, and whether or not he still is.
While social justice is a modern term, its origins like deep in the Old Testament, and in the heart of God himself. Learn about two of the most important words in the Old Testament, and what they mean about caring for the vulnerable in our world today.
One of the most important things Isaiah told us about God is found in Isaiah 40. In this chapter Isaiah goes all out to try to describe the power and sovereignty that the creator God of the universe possesses.
Rev. Leroy Armstrong, Jr. of Proclaiming the Word Ministries challenges us to embrace Jesus as he calls us to reach the world.
The people of Judah and Jerusalem were broken, beaten, and with their city in ruins, the people needed hope. Isaiah, on behalf of God, speaks giving His people hope for a better future, proclaiming “the year of the Lord’s favor.”
What does it mean to be a prophet? The prophet Isaiah is called by God to be a watchman warning Judah of the dangers ahead—warnings they didn’t heed. God gives us watchmen, too—but it’s up to us to listen to their warnings.
One of the jobs of a prophet was to give people signs from God. Isaiah was no different, giving many miraculous signs from God to God‘s people. What is the purpose and reason for the signs?
Isaiah 6 records an incredible scene in the Bible: the prophet Isaiah’s vision of God. It’s a painful one involving hot coals on lips and angels who have to cover up. We might not be prophets but we have a lot to learn from Isaiah’s vision—about God’s holiness, his mercy, and his call on our lives.
We are blessed so that we can be a blessing to others. As the people of God, our calling is to be "a light to the nations," "the light of the world," to love our neighbor, care for the vulnerable, and exercise justice. Pastor Schuyler reminds us that we still have some work to do.
Isaiah calls out God's people for making an unholy alliance instead of relying on God. Pastor Matt asks what unholy alliances do we make for our own security?
The Kingdom of Judah was guilty of empty religious practices. Pastor Jeremy challenges us to repent of just going through the motions.
Pastor Matt looks at another of Judah's sins--following corrupt leaders. What does it mean for us when God's leaders fail?
Who's on the throne of your heart? Pastor Schuyler continues our study of Isaiah as we look at Judah's idolatry.
Pastor Matt kicks off our study of the book of Isaiah looking at the sins of Judah. But are we any better as his people today?
The parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus gives us many lessons. Most notable is that in God's kingdom, people will experience the Great Reversal - the first will be last and the last will be first. Find out what that means for you and me.
What does it mean to serve one another in a time when self-preservation is the prevalent priority? Find out how to put others first in a pandemic.
Jesus traded his crown of thorns for a crown of victory, which he is willing to share with us. Find out how in this Easter message.
The parable of Sheep and Goats teaches us that Jesus will be the one who sees inside our hearts in the end.
In the parable of the faithful and unfaithful servants, the mater returns and one gets caught slipplin'.
The parable of the Good Samaritan doesn't just mean we should be good to everyone. It means we should love the person we despise the most.
In the parable of two sons, Jesus tells us that follow-through is more important than good intentions. Find out why.
Jesus appears to condone lying and stealing in the parable of the shrewd manager. But his point may be most complex when you look at the context. Find out what Jesus might mean.
Jesus tells us in a parable that he will defeat the devil so that he can reclaim his people. But what response should we have to his victory? Find out.
In the parable of the barren fig tree, Jesus explains that judgment could be upon us at any moment. What are you doing to prepare? Consider a spiritual "bucket list", says Pastor Matt Herndon.
Jesus' parable about the unforgiving servant shows us that we are too far in God's debt to not forgive others. Find out what that means.
Jesus talks about two builders who put their house on sand and rock. His point seems that we can weather the storms of like if we build a good foundation in faith. But that's not the storm he's talking about. Find out more.
In the parable of the wise and foolish maidens, Jesus tells us that we don't have to be perfect. We just have to be prepared. But prepared for what? How?
Jesus describes the heart of people as four dirts ready or not to receive the word. Learn how to improve your dirt for faith.
A persistent widow eventually found justice from an unrighteous judge in Jesus' parable. The story teaches us about persistence but there is another lesson here. Find out what it is.
Pastor Matt Herndon kicks off a new sermon series called True Story about the parables Jesus taught. The story of the laborers in the vineyard teaches us to understand the sin of envy.
The best spiritual New Year's resolution you can make is to love your enemies. It will stretch your faith in ways that will make you stronger, says Bum Kim.
The arrival of a baby usually causes quite a stir in families and communities. We ogle and celebrate. So how should we react to the arrival of a baby king?
Simion and Anna, two faithful believers, waited a long time to see the Messiah, Jesus. What can we learn from them about waiting?
God announced his Son's birth to desperate, dirty, simple shepherds. What does that mean about Jesus and us? Find out.
Jesus assures us that anyone looking will find him. That was true of the Magi who sought out the newborn king. What can we learn from their journey?
The arrival of Jesus brought joy but also confusion to his mother, Mary. She asked tough questions when the angel first brought the news. When Jesus was grown, she still struggles to understand her son. What can we learn about Jesus from Mary's confusion?
We can find clear and specific details in the Old Testament predicting the coming of the King. God used these prophets to prove his faithfulness to His people. Find out how.
The church was meant to be a light to the world for Jesus. But what does that mean? Find out.
The Church was meant to share life together. How would your life be different if the people of Rooftop were a community like the early Church? FInd out now.
God has ALWAYS wanted communion with His people – face to face. He did that in the Garden of Eden and then in Soloman's Temple. Now the church is God's temple.
The Church is meant to follow the Good Shepherd. What does it mean to be a flock? Find out.
The church serves as an army for God in building His kingdom. We train, fight, and follow our leader. Find out what that means.
The church should be a place that equips us for life and faith. Pastor Jacob gives us six tips on how to love God with our mind and succeed at "school."
Rooftop takes a moment to review what we've learned about the church's purpose while we lament the death of Mitchell Herndon as well as other sufferings in the community.
Church is much like a hospital. It's supposed to be a place where people who are hurting and spiritually sick can heal. What does that really mean?
The Bible calls the church "the bride" of Jesus again and again. What does that mean? What's the wedding going to be like?
God intended his church to be a family - adopted together through Jesus. So what can we learn from healthy families to use as a model for our church?
God meant his church to function like a body - a unified system with lots of unique parts working together. Find out what that looks like.
God uses lots of metaphors in the Bible to describe what the church is meant to be. But before we can talk about it's purposed, let's define the church with Pastor Matt Herndon.
If Netflix made a hit series about the reign of Jesus, it might be split into six seasons. Pastor Matt Herndon brings you season recaps.
Jesus is the eternal, divine, agent of creation, who took on flesh to fulfill the unique role of bringing light into the darkness of the world. Find out what that means to us.
Jesus fulfilled prophesy as the Son of David. But what does that really mean? Find out.
We're all in need of rescue in both physical and spiritual needs. Jesus is the one who can save us in both realms. Find out how.
Jesus took off his mask when Jewish scholars confronted him about his identity. His words were so shocking they immediately picked up rocks to stone him. What did he say and why is it so important to us today? Find Out.
Our humanity and sin separate us from God. So we need someone who can go between Him and us. That's where Jesus comes in. Find out how.
Jesus fit all the characteristics as a prophet. But his message was the most important one ever sent by God. Find out why.
Jesus often referred to himself as "the Son of Man." In the context of his culture and time, he was telling people that he is totally human—and totally divine. What does that mean? Find out.
The disciples called Jesus "rabbi" or teacher. What made his such a great teacher and how can we learn from him today? (Sermon starts at 29:30)
Correctly identifying WHO is key to understanding HOW you interact with Jesus. So you do you say He is? (Sermon begins at 19:10)
In Bible times, people revered lords as the highest authority. But what does it mean to make Jesus Lord of your life today? Find out.
In Bible times, people revered lords as the highest authority. But what does it mean to make Jesus Lord of your life today? Find out.
Rooftop kicks off a new series called "Summer in the Son", a study of Jesus through his names. This week we look at Jesus as the Son of God. What does that mean and why is it important? (Sermon begins at 29:05)
Guest speaker Sean Cooper with the Traveling Team talks about how to make global missions part of your life.
When God introduces himself in Genesis, he makes two things clear. He works and he rests. As his image bearer, we are designed to do the same. Find out what that means with guest speaker Dr. Luke Bobo, author of "Living Salty and Light-Filled Lives in the Workplace."
While the Bible says almost nothing about "retiring," it has lots to say about old age. Find out what. (Sermon starts at 25:54)
God designed us to rest. How do we do that in a busy world? Pastor Jacob Prahlow has some ideas. (Sermon starts at 33:45)
How do we keep clean hands while doing dirty work? (Or, How do we bring home the bacon without smelling like a pig?) Work for the Lord. What does that mean?
The best way to thrive while surrounded by difficult co-workers seems obvious but not simple - serve Jesus. Find out what that means.
When religious scholars demanded a sign from Jesus to prove he was the Messiah, he told them they would get only one - the sign of Jonah. What does that mean and how do we interpret the sign now?
How do you follow Jesus when you have a horrible boss? King David had a horrible boss who repeatedly tried to kill him. Take some lessons from the shepherd boy.
While most of us can perform our jobs proficiently, are we really in the right vocation? Find out the keys to determining if you've found our calling.
What was supposed to be fulfilling work was cursed to become "toil" when man sinned. But that's not the end of the story. Find out how.
God designed each of us for a job - to serve him and others. Find out how to find your job.
In the final passages of Romans, Paul reminds believers that his letter is done but their work is just beginning. Find out what comes next.
Paul wraps up his letter to Romans with a last minute moment when he tells readers that God is going to crush Satan. Why? Find out.
Beware of false prophets, says Paul the Apostle. But how do you recognize one? Find out.
Paul gives a shout out to a long list of Roman's in his letter. What can we learn from them today?
Prayer is the best thing we can all do to support the spread of the Gospel. But how do you do that when you are distracted, confused and unsure? Find out how Pastor Matt approaches prayer even in his struggles.
Paul says everyone has a role to play on our journey to share the gospel. What is your part? Find out from Pastor Jacob Prahlow.
Like the Starfleet officers, we Christians have a mission. The (Real) Prime Directive from Jesus is to take the gospel to anybody who hasn’t experienced it. Find out how.
Apostle Paul tells us that every believer is called to share the good news of Jesus, and God will give them all the tools they need. Find out more.
Paul tells the Romans that hope is the final ingredient to building compromise and unity. Find out what that means.
Christians need to recognize the consequences of our civil wars and do a better job of living at peace with one another.
What sort of "disputable matter" is getting in your way of unity with other Christians? Find out when you should compromise.
Rather than judging people, go out of your way to live at peace, says the Apostle Paul. What does that mean for us today?
Judging can take on many forms like stereotyping, ignoring, gossiping, and revenge. How do Christians do the difficult task of creating “judgement-free zones”?
In a world with endless choices, people expect to always get things their way. But as Christians, Paul the Apostle tells us to defer to the choice of others.
Christians have been fighting about all sorts of topics ever since the first century when they argued about food. But Paul the Apostle says there is only one point to stick firm on and the rest are debatable. Find out what.
Paul tells the Romans to get rid of their habits and desires of the world and instead "put on Jesus". What does that really mean?
The Bible generally regards debt as bad. It's not good to go owing people. But God's love - which is free and complete - can never be repaid. What does that mean for us?
Question: What should followers of Jesus do when it comes to living under the control of the government? Answer: Christians should submit to governing authorities. Find out what that means.
Paul says we should respond to enemies with kindness and let God handle the justice. But you have to trust God first to do that.
Paul's description of love continues in Romans 12. It includes humility, unity and blessing your enemies. How does that work?
God blesses those who love him with gifts, says the Apostle Paul. What are those gifts and how are we supposed to use them?
The Apostle Paul says our faith in Jesus can help us transform with the "renewing of our minds." What does that mean? And how do you do it? Listen to find out.
Paul the apostle says no matter how bad or confusing life gets, God makes us a promise to finish what he starts. So what are we supposed to do in the meantime during the pain, suffering, mystery and struggle? Listen to find out.
We can't know the mind of God. But we know that his plan through Jesus was the cross - an act of savagery and kindness. Find out more.
The apostle Paul believed that when the power of Jesus took root in Gentile communities, Isreal would see and be jealous. The same is true today. Find out how.
In a world full of disappointment and rejection, God loving accepts us - even when He doesn't have to. Find out why.
Bad things happen when important messages don't get through. People die in tsunamis. People miss out on the salvation of Jesus. Find out more.
The world frowns about religious zealots these days mostly because some have been responsible for terrible acts in the name of religion such as the 9-11 attacks and bombing of abortion clinics. Paul the apostle talks about misdirected zealots in his time, too, when he wrote the book of Romans. Find out what he says people need to be a proper zealot.
Envy and judgment smash unity in our world, especially in the church. The same problem festered in the first-century church when the apostle Paul wrote his letter to the Romans. Find out what he said about division.
Following Jesus takes a leap of faith. Paul's words in Roman's 9 give us good reasons to trust God in those moments. Find out why.