Church At The Cross

In this sermon, Pastor JR reminds us that baptism and faith go hand in hand. It signifies our union with Jesus. Our sins become Christ's, and His grace, life, and salvation become ours, transforming our identity and inaugurating a new life filled with power and promise. Notes: Text: Romans 6:1-11 + Baptism is empty without faith and faith expresses itself through baptism + Baptism signifies and assures our union with Jesus 1 Corinthians 1:30 “And if they are one flesh and there is between them a true marriage … it follows that everything they have they hold in common, the good as well as the evil. Accordingly, the believing soul can boast of and glory in whatever Christ has as though it were its own, and whatever the soul has Christ claims as his own. Let us compare these and we shall see inestimable benefits. Christ is full of grace, life, and salvation. The soul is full of sins, death, and damnation. Now let faith come between them and sins, death, and damnation will be Christ’s, while grace, life, and

In this sermon, Casey Schutza answers what it means to be united with Christ, in his death, life, and resurrection. Text:  Romans 6:1-5 Notes: + We’ve been United to His Death + We’ve been United to His Life  

+ Jesus’ grace is more powerful than Adam’s Sin. •  Grace outmatches sin •  Grace overcomes sin Ezra 9:6 (ESV) — 6… “O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift my face to you, my God, for our iniquities have risen higher than our heads, and our guilt has mounted up to the heavens.   Psalm 38:4 (ESV) — 4 For my iniquities have gone over my head; like a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me. Psalm 40:12 (ESV) — 12 For evils have encompassed me beyond number; my iniquities have overtaken me, and I cannot see; they are more than the hairs of my head; my heart fails me. “Grace comes to people leaping over the mountains of their iniquities.” CH Spurgeon Luke 7:47 (CSB) — 47 Therefore I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; that’s why she loved much. But the one who is forgiven little, loves little.” + Jesus has won more for us than Adam Lost for us. Lamentations 5:16 (ESV) — 16 The crown has fallen from our head; woe to us, for we have sinned!”

In this sermon, we're reminded of the profound biblical truth that one man's actions had the power to mar the world, while only one man possesses the ability to redeem it, Jesus. We are all either in Adam, inheriting the consequences of sin, or in Christ, beneficiaries of His redeeming grace. Text: Romans 5:12-21 Notes: + One man ruined the world, and only one man can rescue it. Type = a person, institution, or event in the Old Testament that God intentionally designed to prefigure Jesus and his salvation in the New Testament. 1 Corinthians 15:21–22 + You are either in Adam or in Christ. + There is no one like Jesus.

In this sermon, the profound truths of God’s love come to life as Pastor JR explores the comforting security of our belonging to Jesus. Romans 5 underscores that God's declaration of righteousness and friendship is unchanging. Text: Romans 5:6-11 Notes: “Q: What is thy only comfort in life and in death? A: That I, with body and soul, both in life and in death, am not my own, but belong to my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ, who with His precious blood has fully satisfied for all my sins, and redeemed me from all the power of the devil; and so preserves me, that without the will of my Father in heaven not a hair can fall from my head; yea, that all things must work together for my salvation. Wherefore, by His Holy Spirit, He also assures me of eternal life, and makes me heartily willing and ready henceforth to live unto Him.”  - Heidelberg Catechism   + The Love of God The Love of God is not just a subjective felt experience in the heart, but an objective factual expression in history. When God saw the worst

In this sermon, Pastor JR Vassar unpacks how God's work shapes us, leading us to find peace in Christ, access His grace, and embrace confident joy in the hope of being transformed into Jesus’ likeness through our trials.  Text: Romans 5:1-5. Notes: + GOD IS ALWAYS DOING A WONDERFUL WORK IN OUR SUFFERINGS SO WE CAN REJOICE Mark 4:16–17 "When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie, my grace, all-sufficient, shall be thy supply; the flame shall not hurt thee; I only design, thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.” - John Rippon, How Firm a Foundation. “I felt suddenly my heart melting within me, like wax before the fire, with love to God my Savior; and also felt, not only love and peace but a longing to be dissolved and be with Christ. There was a cry in my inmost soul, which I was totally unacquainted with before, ‘Abba Father!’… I knew that I was his child and that He loved me and heard me. My soul being filled and satiated, cried, ‘It is enough! I am satisfied! Give me strength and I will follow T

Join us as we jump back in our Romans series! In this sermon, Pastor JR Vassar explores the transformative power of God's grace as outlined in Romans 5:1-2. The sermon emphasizes the peace we find through Christ, our access into grace, and the confident joy in the hope of being transformed into His likeness. Dive deeper into these powerful truths and the implications they hold. 

In this sermon, Stephen Osborne, CATC Elder, explores how to navigate the complexities of wealth and poverty biblically. He encourages us to look to Proverbs to teach us how to seek balance and contentment in God's provision. 

In this sermon, we are reminded of the importance of prioritizing the presence of God in our lives. Pastor JR highlights hindrances to intimacy with God, such as insecurity, indifference, inaction, inattentiveness, and insubordination. Emphasizing the need to gaze upon God's perfections and inquire about His will, the sermon encourages listeners to seek a more profound encounter with God and cultivate a hungry remnant dedicated to experiencing His presence and bringing renewal in our lives.

In this sermon, Pastor JR Vassar addresses dealing with scoffers and mockers in the world. JR emphasizes the importance of recognizing and renouncing our own inner scoffer, avoiding accommodation of scoffers, and discerning when to disengage from those who persistently mock and reject the truth. Scripture encourages us to stay steadfast in the face of ridicule and follow God's wisdom, seeking favor in humility rather than being influenced by those who scorn the faith.

In this sermon, Casey Schutza explores the significance of true friendship and its relevance in combating the loneliness epidemic. True friendship is characterized by consistency, candor, care, and counsel. We are called to find that friend in Jesus and be freed to be that friend for others. Through Christ's ultimate act of friendship on the cross, we are reminded of the depth and power of true friendship. Sermon Notes  What does True Friendship look like? True Friendship is Consistent True Friendship is Canid  True Friendship gives Care True Friendship gives Counsel How do we become a friend like that?  You have to find that Friend in Jesus You have to be freed to be that friend to Others  

Casey Schutza explores the contrasting ways of the sluggard and the diligent in the book of Proverbs. By looking to the diligence of Jesus, embracing His love, and working for His reward, we can change our ways and find true fulfillment in knowing God and accomplishing His work. The Way of The Sluggard Detached from their Purpose Deceived in their Mind  Destroy opportunities & relationships by small surrenders The Way of The Diligent Aims for Precision Elevated by Persistence Alignment with their Calling The Way We Can Change Look to the Diligence of Jesus.  Embrace the Love of Jesus Work for His Reward  

Join us as we continue to explore the contrasting characters found within the Book of Proverbs. Through their vivid stories, we are called to choose wisdom and align our lives with God’s design. Listen in as Bryan Loritts, Executive Pastor of Teaching and Development at Summit Church, shares with us how pride impacts our lives.   Sermon Notes: + We Should Take Pride Seriously Because God Takes Pride Seriously + We Should Take Pride Seriously Because it Seriously Hinders our Relationship with God + We Should Take Pride Seriously Because it Impacts Our Relationship With Others

Proverbs 1:20-33 “Knowing about God is crucially important for the living of our lives. As it would be cruel to an Amazonian tribesman to fly him to London, put him down without explanation in Trafalgar Square and leave him, as one who knew nothing of English or England, to fend for himself, so we are cruel to ourselves if we try to live in this world without knowing about the God whose world it is and who runs it. The world becomes a strange, mad, painful place, and life in it a disappointing and unpleasant business, for those who do not know about God. Disregard the study of God, and you sentence yourself to stumble and blunder through life blindfolded, as it were, with no sense of direction and no understanding of what surrounds you. This way you can waste your life and lose your soul.” J.I. Packer, Knowing God.  Proverbs 3:5–8 (ESV) — 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. 7 Be not wise i

Join us in our new sermon series as we explore the contrasting characters found within the Book of Proverbs. Through their vivid stories, we are called to choose wisdom and align our lives with God’s design. This sermon from Life Group Minister, Matt Lear, examines Lady Folly and Lady Wisdom.

In this sermon, Pastor JR continues teaching in Haggai 2 as he encourages us to remain faithful even in the small things and when progress is slow.   Sermon Text: Haggai 2 Sermon Notes: Don’t despise the day of small things. •  God is an ever-present help for his people • God is the God of Increase + Historical fulfillment. + Christological fulfillment + Ecclesiological fulfillment. + Eschatological Fulfillment. Expect Blessing when you put God first.

In this sermon, Pastor JR teaches through Haggai 1 encouraging you to invest your time, passions, and values according to God's mission rather than temporary fulfillment. Sermon Text: Haggai 1 Sermon Notes: God’s Complaint We value entertainment over spiritual formation We value comfort and security over mission We value temporal over eternal God’s Correction God’s Command God’s Commitment

In this sermon, Casey Schutza answers the questions – what are the promises of God that bring us hope, why do these promises bring us hope, and how can everyone gain this hope in life and death? Sermon Text: Romans 4:13-25 Sermon Notes: What was The Promise?  Why Does Hope matter? How Can we get in on it too?

During this sermon, Pastor JR unpacks the paradox of our great worth despite our great unworthiness. The gospel says the best about us and the worst about us. We are unworthy sinners who are broken, fallen, and rebellious. The gospel also speaks to our worth. Our value is fixed because Jesus Christ paid a ransom for us on the cross. Sermon Text: Romans 4:1-12. The Essentiality of Faith The Elements of Faith Knowledge Trust Commitment The Effects of Faith Secure Standing Family status The world as our inheritance

This Sunday, Pastor JR talks through how the gospel practically impacts our everyday lives as Christians. Sermon Text: Romans 3:27-31 Sermon Points: Justification is a pardon and a pronouncement.  The Gospel answers our insecurities and our pride. The Gospel frees us from legalism and lawlessness.