Who are all of those people Paul mentioned in the last chapter of the book of Romans? Have you ever asked yourself that question? Paul calls by name at least 30 different people as he closes his letter to the church at Rome. Who were they?
My Sunday sermon will be “Paul Knew Them By Name”. I have greatly enjoyed researching and preparing this sermon, and I believe you will enjoy it also! Most of the people mentioned by Paul will not be remembered in history. Their name has been forgotten, but Paul knew their name, and so did God. As a matter of fact, God still knows their name! What they did for Christ will never be forgotten. They have received their reward, and so will you! I hope you can join us Sunday morning at 10:00 AM. I’ll be looking for you! -Pastor Jeff Carico -In House Sanctuary Worship -Facebook and YouTube -Infant Nursery and Children’s Church
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In approximately 57 AD Paul wrote a letter to the Christian believers in Rome. It was a letter of explanation, hope, and encouragement. While staying in the city of Corinth, Paul dictated this letter to his associate, Tertius. Phoebe, a lady whom Paul described as a servant or deaconess, delivered the letter. The Holy Spirit has preserved this letter so that future generations of believers can continue to be encouraged, informed, and given hope. We know this letter as “The Book of Romans” in the New Testament of the Bible.
My Sunday sermon will center on the theme of Paul’s letter to the Roman believers: “Salvation Comes Through Faith In Jesus Christ”. I believe the Book of Romans is one of the foundational writings of Paul, and has become one of the building blocks of Christian theology in the New Testament. I hope to present this letter of Paul just as he intended it to be: informative, encouraging and hopeful. I ask that you and your family join me this Sunday at 10:00 AM. I will look to see you there! -Pastor Jeff Carico -In Person Sanctuary Worship -Facebook, YouTube, Church Website -Infant Nursery and Children’s Church This Sunday the theme of my Sunday sermon is “Taking Off The Mask”. Sometimes we try to hide our vulnerabilities by wearing a mask. We are afraid for people to really know us or see us as we are.
It is a great comfort to know that we can take our mask off with God. God loves us and has prepared a way for us. If we will humbly and submissively come to him we will find the grace, love and mercy of God. Listen to what Jesus said: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”” Matthew 11:28-30 I look forward to sharing with you the Word of God this Sunday at 10:00 AM. God bless, Pastor Carico Walking With Jesus - Friday
Having been arrested, Jesus suffers a shameful series of trials. The trials were a mockery of justice. Jesus is beaten, humiliated, given a crown of thorns, and eventually sentenced to death. The Son of God finished his purpose on earth. Jesus became the sacrificial lamb of Passover. You are invited to join us tonight at First Assembly of God, 7:00 PM, Bristol, VA, for Good Friday Worship. We will remember the amazing sacrifice Jesus gave for mankind. Thankfully, the story does not end here. There is light at the end of this horrible tunnel. Remember, Sunday is coming! Walking With Jesus - Thursday
Today, the drama begins. The Passover meal, communion, prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, betrayal and arrest. With great agony Jesus made the decision, “not my will be done, but yours, Heavenly Father”. (Matthew, chapter 26). Jesus began his 15 mile walk from Ephraim to Jerusalem with RESOLVE and PURPOSE. He was committed to doing the will of the Heavenly Father and fulfilling his purpose in life. Jesus did not fail in the time of crisis. He kept his commitment. Jesus came to earth so that he might die on the cross of Calvary. He provide for us his grace and mercy, and give us the opportunity to be forgiven of our sins. Jesus never failed in any way. He kept all his commitments with perfect resolve. But none of us can make that claim. We all have failed, many times, in many ways. Thank you, Jesus, for Calvary, for your love and mercy. Because of you I am saved! I accept your sacrifice for my sins. I confess you as my Lord and Savior. Amen. “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 Walking With Jesus - Wednesday
Jesus has reached the midway point of the week. There seems to be no record of any activities that Jesus did on Wednesday. I’m sure he spent the time preparing himself spiritually, mentally and physically for the rest of the week’s events. The next 3 days were going to be brutal, and Jesus knew it. Betrayal, arrest, beatings, a crown of thorns, a mockery of a trial, crucifixion and death awaited Jesus. Jesus knew he had to prepare himself to face these extreme trials. Many times when trouble comes in life there is no time or opportunity to pray and prepare ourself. Jesus gives us a good example of always staying in close relationship with the Heavenly Father by spending quality time in personal prayer, worship and rest. “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”” Matthew 26:41 Walking With Jesus - Tuesday
Jesus continues his week of Passover in Jerusalem. Tuesday is a day of teaching and parables. Jesus teaches his disciples about his return, future events, and the destruction of Herod’s temple. (Matthew 21-24). The Pharisees are following closely and listening, hoping to entrap Jesus in some way. Their motivation is clear: they hope to find a reason for which they can push for his execution. I would describe it as a day of “deadly/high stakes cat and mouse”. We must never forget that sin is not our friend. Sin is the enemy of all christians. Although Satan may paint things as inviting, exciting and attractive, the end result is always the same: spiritual death. Let’s take the example of Jesus and always avoid it’s trap. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23 Jesus has arrived in Jerusalem for the observance of Passover. His first stop is a visit to the temple. He is very disappointed in what he finds. Money changers have set up tables taking advantage of the out of town visitors who will need Jewish currency. The deeply meaningful observance of Passover, as well as the Jewish temple of worship, have been turned into an opportunity to make money. Jesus clears the temple by overturning the tables and driving out those who are making money from the Passover. Jesus then returns the temple to its designed purpose as he prays for the sick and gives them healing.
Jesus teaches us that we must keep the things of God holy and pure, not allowing them to lose their meaning. If we keep our spiritual temple clear of impure motives, Jesus will be pleased and will not have to do a cleansing as he did in Jerusalem. Amen. “And Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.” And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them.” Matthew 21:12-14 |
Pastor Jeff CaricoPastor Carico is the Lead Pastor of First Assembly. Archives
November 2024
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