Author: Charles Kitchens

Pastor Charles continues his study of the book of Romans looking at the concluding chapter and the many salutations of Paul.  Today he looks at Priscilla and Aquila and their important role in the church and community as a married couple.

The end of the book of Romans (chapter 16) is often overlooked.  Several names are listed, as well as some directives given regarding those people. Consider Phebe, the business woman whom Paul chooses to mention first during the closing comments and salutations of this epistle. There is far more here than most have assumed. Please join us as we look at the women of this chapter, and the many important roles they play in both the home and the church.

Pastor Charles continues his study of the book of Romans looking at Chapter 15.  The believing Gentiles of the churches of Asia Minor ministered to their brethren at the church in Jerusalem and set an example for us to continue to follow today.

Pastor Charles continues his study of the book of Romans looking at chapter 15 and the hope we have in Christ.

Pastor Charles continues his study of the book of Romans looking at chapter 14 and discussing how members of the body of Christ can both exercise liberty and be unified.

The Roman letter is rich with great explanations and logical reasons for how obeying the Lord solves a number of issues for us. The proper response to governing authorities and higher powers, at the human level, is no different.  Fulfilling the law (even when it comes to how we react to a government with which we disagree) by loving your neighbor is still the solution.

Listen as we dive back into Romans 13 and look at the answers that the Apostle Paul, who lived under a pagan Roman empire, gave the church at Rome.  Spoiler: Jesus said the same thing.

Pastor Charles continues his study of the book of Romans looking at chapter 13 and the biblical response to God-ordained government.  (Note: This sermon was delivered on the Sunday following the protests and riots at the U.S. Capitol on January 6th.  This Romans series was started 4 months prior, but with God’s perfect timing, we arrived at Chapter 13 on this particular Sunday.)

Pastor Charles continues his study of the book of Romans looking at chapter 12.  Having previously discussed how the church at Rome was comprised of both Jews and Gentiles, he addresses them together as “brethren” in the opening verse and goes on to say they are “one body” in Christ.  Our unity in Christ is what helps us rise above our differences.

The birth narrative of a messianic deliverer is first signified in Genesis chapter 3, and the last mention is in Revelation chapter 12. Pastor Charles looks at the circumstances surrounding not only the birth of Christ, but also the prophesies that told Israel that their deliverer would not fail, and He would even bring salvation to all nations.

As the Apostle Paul closes out his arguments and explanations in Romans 11 of what has happened by God blinding a portion of the Jewish population in his day, and how the Gentiles have been shown mercy due to the Jews’s unbelief of Christ, he then unifies them in chapter 12 with the statement “brethren” (brothers). The purpose is to draw them together to become a singular body under Christ.  Almost 2000 years later, nothing has changed.  Our job and our attitude should be centered around humility and service to help anyone who needs it. How? Why? Because, according to the LORD, it is perfectly reasonable.

There is a lot of Pro-Israel and Anti-Israel rhetoric in the world today, but what does the Bible say about this subject? Today, we examine Paul’s desire for his countrymen and family, and consider the flow of Romans 10 into 11. The answer to the church’s view of the nation of Israel, according to Yahweh Himself, will surprise you.

Have you ever noticed when the New Testament (NT) says “As it is written” or “For the script says”?  The New Testament (NT) writer is commenting on the meaning of an Old Testament (OT) passage by using it in their New Testament (NT) epistle, gospel account, or letter.  Today, Pastor Charles looks at the Old Testament references contained in chapter 10 of the book of Romans.

Romans chapter 10 is often the focus of salvation for much of Christendom. However, if we look at the context of this chapter along with the previous discussions of Paul within the Roman letter, we find that confession, belief, and not being ashamed of a crucified Savior were his focus, and these things should also be our focus now. Why? The Resurrection.

Note: Audio begins at 57 seconds.

One of the biggest changes to the early church was the transition from predominately Jewish believers in the Messiah, to predominately Gentile believers. And the biggest surprise to the Gentiles, is that this was part of God’s plan the whole time! Today, we look at the prophecies behind this good news, and how it unfolded in the first century church.

Note: The audio starts at approximately 1 minute 25 seconds.

Election is often misconstrued as a negative idea by modern thinking. According to God and the Apostle Paul, this was not the case. Rather, election was the beginning of the process of eternal fellowship and relationship with the Lord. Today, we take a look at the connection between God’s election of a people for himself (Jews and Gentiles included) and how mercy is a necessary by product of such love.

What is exactly is working together for our good in Romans 8:28? This is a great question. Today, we learn that God’s predestination does not mean predetermination, but that predestination does imply that a destination has been pre-determined for God’s children. And therefore, “all things” really means “all these things”, not “everything”. We hope this brings you the same great news that it has us.

Note: The wrong audio source was selected for the first 26 seconds of this video. After that, all is well.

The work of Jesus on the cross and the consequential resurrection (since Death could not stop Him) means that there is nothing keeping us from joining the Lord in Heaven for eternity. This also implies that right now, with the knowledge of the grace of God, there is nothing that should “get us down” because “we are saved (now) by hope.”

The 7th chapter of the Roman letter, Paul frames the internal battle of good versus evil as common to a believer, but says that God’s grace is how we win that battle. Today we look at that struggle and how the origin of one is natural, but the other is distinctly supernatural.