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Series: Romans. Righteousness for the UnrighteousTitle: The Absurd Exchange ContinuedText: Romans 1:24-27Date: Nov 2, 2025Speaker: David BartosikBig Idea: When we reject the truth of God, He lets us live out the lie we've chosen, so we might see the absurdity of our exchange and our need for His grace, and Paul describes one of the countless ways that exchange gets expressed: homosexuality.The absurd exchange is not recognizing God for who He is.God allows us to chase what we think will make us happy.When we exchange what clearly opposes God's created design for sexuality, it reveals a deeper dismissal of the Creator Himself.Youtube LinkSermon Notes
This weekend we come to the end of our exposition in Romans. It has taken us 50 sermons to work our way through Paul’s letter to the Romans. I pray that you will give a little grace this weekend if I appear a little sad or even little emotional. This study has shaped my heart and impacted my life in profound ways. I will never be the same. Thank you for being such a wonderfully patient and encouraging fellowship of believers as God continues to work on me to round off the rough edges and conform me to the image of Christ. I often hear from many of you in response to a sermon, “Pastor, that message stepped on my toes.” Just remember that before it ran over your toes, it more than likely took a hammer to my heart. God is so good and gracious. Paul concludes Romans with a complex doxology. It is the longest of all the New Testament doxologies. And yet while it is lengthy and complex, it is profoundly simple. “Now to Him….to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forever.” We end where we started: with the glory of God. These verses are a marvelous summary of Paul’s purpose in this letter. His focus and purpose have been to destroy all self-sufficiency and to fix our eyes on the sufficiency, glory, majesty, and wisdom of the great God who in Christ Jesus has brought about such a great and glorious salvation. Please make plans to join us for this conclusion in Romans. I pray that the gospel would go forth in simplicity and power. This would be a great weekend to invite a friend, neighbor, or co-worker. Be a bringer! Bring someone with you as we worship together. Prayerfully, whomever you bring will catch a glimpse of the glory of God and be drawn to Christ. See you this weekend! In Christ, Pastor Chad McDonald
This weekend we come to the end of our exposition in Romans. It has taken us 50 sermons to work our way through Paul’s letter to the Romans. I pray that you will give a little grace this weekend if I appear a little sad or even little emotional. This study has shaped my heart and impacted my life in profound ways. I will never be the same. Thank you for being such a wonderfully patient and encouraging fellowship of believers as God continues to work on me to round off the rough edges and conform me to the image of Christ. I often hear from many of you in response to a sermon, “Pastor, that message stepped on my toes.” Just remember that before it ran over your toes, it more than likely took a hammer to my heart. God is so good and gracious. Paul concludes Romans with a complex doxology. It is the longest of all the New Testament doxologies. And yet while it is lengthy and complex, it is profoundly simple. “Now to Him….to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forever.” We end where we started: with the glory of God. These verses are a marvelous summary of Paul’s purpose in this letter. His focus and purpose have been to destroy all self-sufficiency and to fix our eyes on the sufficiency, glory, majesty, and wisdom of the great God who in Christ Jesus has brought about such a great and glorious salvation. Please make plans to join us for this conclusion in Romans. I pray that the gospel would go forth in simplicity and power. This would be a great weekend to invite a friend, neighbor, or co-worker. Be a bringer! Bring someone with you as we worship together. Prayerfully, whomever you bring will catch a glimpse of the glory of God and be drawn to Christ. See you this weekend! In Christ, Pastor Chad McDonald
Paul has spent 16 chapters outlining the grace of God in the gospel of Christ. He clearly knows that he is at the end of the letter. But then, out of left field, he gives a stern warning. At first glance, it appears to be out of place and a very puzzling way to conclude the letter. Yet for Paul, it appears there has been a concern for the Roman believers that has been lingering underneath the surface and explodes here at the end. Paul has a deep pastoral concern that false teachers might defraud them spiritually. The specific nature and teaching of these false teachers is not clear. Paul, however, does set forth some clear principles that are incredibly important for us as we seek to protect ourselves from the dangers of false teachers who might seek to defraud us of our spiritual birthright. These are incredibly practical verses for our lives and for our church. We only have two more weeks in Romans. I pray you will make every effort as we run to the finish in the study of this Romans. I hope to see you this weekend. In Christ, Pastor Chad McDonald
Paul has spent 16 chapters outlining the grace of God in the gospel of Christ. He clearly knows that he is at the end of the letter. But then, out of left field, he gives a stern warning. At first glance, it appears to be out of place and a very puzzling way to conclude the letter. Yet for Paul, it appears there has been a concern for the Roman believers that has been lingering underneath the surface and explodes here at the end. Paul has a deep pastoral concern that false teachers might defraud them spiritually. The specific nature and teaching of these false teachers is not clear. Paul, however, does set forth some clear principles that are incredibly important for us as we seek to protect ourselves from the dangers of false teachers who might seek to defraud us of our spiritual birthright. These are incredibly practical verses for our lives and for our church. We only have two more weeks in Romans. I pray you will make every effort as we run to the finish in the study of this Romans. I hope to see you this weekend. In Christ, Pastor Chad McDonald
Series: Romans. Righteousness for the Unrighteous.Text: Romans 1:16-17Date: October 12, 2025Speaker: David BartosikBig Idea: Paul gives us a glimpse of how salvation works. Salvation is the process through which the righteousness of God is being unveiled through faith.God demands RighteousnessThe Gospel Unveils God's Rescue PlanLive by faithYoutube LinkSermon Notes
At the end of Romans 15, Paul offers four short verses on the need for prayer. In a section on the priesthood of the believer and worldwide missions, it would only make sense for Paul to conclude on prayer. Prayer is how the work of God is done. Just because God tells us to do something does not mean that we can accomplish it on our own. The command and call of God drive us to our knees where God supernaturally provides us with the strength and resources to do what we cannot do on our own. Christianity is going into a world system that is dominated by the prince of the power of the air. Christianity calls us to a people who are spoken of as deaf and dead and enemies of Christ. Do we really think that we are going to cognitively talk them out of their lostness and into the Lordship of Christ? Unless we have a means of calling on the sovereign God of all the universe, we will not accomplish anything. I pray you will join us this weekend as we inch closer to the end of Romans and discover the ability to tap into the power of God through prayer. We will also have the opportunity to participate in the ordinance of communion. I pray that you will make plans today to join us. In Christ, Pastor Chad McDonald
At the end of Romans 15, Paul offers four short verses on the need for prayer. In a section on the priesthood of the believer and worldwide missions, it would only make sense for Paul to conclude on prayer. Prayer is how the work of God is done. Just because God tells us to do something does not mean that we can accomplish it on our own. The command and call of God drive us to our knees where God supernaturally provides us with the strength and resources to do what we cannot do on our own. Christianity is going into a world system that is dominated by the prince of the power of the air. Christianity calls us to a people who are spoken of as deaf and dead and enemies of Christ. Do we really think that we are going to cognitively talk them out of their lostness and into the Lordship of Christ? Unless we have a means of calling on the sovereign God of all the universe, we will not accomplish anything. I pray you will join us this weekend as we inch closer to the end of Romans and discover the ability to tap into the power of God through prayer. We will also have the opportunity to participate in the ordinance of communion. I pray that you will make plans today to join us. In Christ, Pastor Chad McDonald
Series: Romans. Righteousness for the Unrighteous.Text: Romans 1:16-17Date: October 5Speaker: David BartosikBig Idea: Promoting the gospel is everything to Paul. This is the thesis of his letter. Paul is unashamed of the gospel because it is God's unstoppable power to save. The more we grasp it, the less room there is for shame. Paul recognizes there is a growing community of faith in the most influential city.Though tempted to be ashamed, a growing appreciation of the Gospel removes shame.God's power, not human effort, rescues us from sin and death.Salvation flows from God's covenant promise - first to the Jew, then the Gentiles, and continues to stretch across history to us today.Youtube LinkSermon Notes
For those who truly desire to live for Christ, these final two chapters of Romans are incredibly significant. Paul has absolute clarity and vision when it comes to his purpose and mission. When you know your purpose and mission, it clarifies almost everything else in your life. Paul knew the specific work God had set before him in Christ Jesus. Do you know what your mission is in Christ? Do you have a burden for missions and evangelism? Have you ever prayed, “Lord, where do I take the gospel next?” We have spent a lot of time in Romans over this past year looking into the greatness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. But let us not forget Paul’s purpose in expounding this gospel. His purpose was not so that we would simply sit back and soak in the glorious gospel of Christ, but so that we embrace the gospel mission and get caught up in the same missionary zeal that we would find demonstrated in the heart of Paul. Many have asked me recently, “What are we going to do when we finish Romans?” The most immediate response should be “missions and evangelism.” If the answer is not missions and evangelism, we have missed the reason Paul wrote Romans. I pray that you will join us this weekend as we continue this study in Romans. It is going to be a special weekend as we also announce a new mission partnership and work right here in our local community. You won’t want to miss this weekend! In Christ, Pastor Chad McDonald
For those who truly desire to live for Christ, these final two chapters of Romans are incredibly significant. Paul has absolute clarity and vision when it comes to his purpose and mission. When you know your purpose and mission, it clarifies almost everything else in your life. Paul knew the specific work God had set before him in Christ Jesus. Do you know what your mission is in Christ? Do you have a burden for missions and evangelism? Have you ever prayed, “Lord, where do I take the gospel next?” We have spent a lot of time in Romans over this past year looking into the greatness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. But let us not forget Paul’s purpose in expounding this gospel. His purpose was not so that we would simply sit back and soak in the glorious gospel of Christ, but so that we embrace the gospel mission and get caught up in the same missionary zeal that we would find demonstrated in the heart of Paul. Many have asked me recently, “What are we going to do when we finish Romans?” The most immediate response should be “missions and evangelism.” If the answer is not missions and evangelism, we have missed the reason Paul wrote Romans. I pray that you will join us this weekend as we continue this study in Romans. It is going to be a special weekend as we also announce a new mission partnership and work right here in our local community. You won’t want to miss this weekend! In Christ, Pastor Chad McDonald
Back when I was in high school, I had a pastor who was also the FCA leader for a few schools in the Tulsa area. This pastor began to meet with me and several of my buddies. He would gather us occasionally at Pizza Hut or Mazzio’s. He bought us pizza and poured into us, and then he challenged us to invite some of our friends who didn’t know Christ. He would share the gospel and then he would have us share the gospel. It was discipleship. I didn’t know what discipleship was, but that is what we were doing. In those meetings and in sharing the gospel and pouring into friends, I discovered an incredible joy. I knew the joy of knowing Christ personally, but I did not know that I got to participate in sharing Christ with others. Sure, I had heard sermons about evangelism, but I had never experienced it for myself. The great joy of being a Christian is not only in receiving Christ but also in helping others come to know Him. It is what we call the priesthood of the believer, and Paul talks about this in the latter portion of Romans 15. Paul’s master passion was not just found in knowing Christ but in sharing Christ. Paul never got over this. He never lost a sense of awe and wonder at the grace of God that saved him and invited him into a mission and a purpose that was bigger than he was. I pray that you will join us as we gather to worship this weekend. I pray that you would come with an open heart to receive from Christ’s Word and a heart to give and serve others. We all need Christ, and we all need each other. I hope to see you this weekend. In Christ, Pastor Chad McDonald
Back when I was in high school, I had a pastor who was also the FCA leader for a few schools in the Tulsa area. This pastor began to meet with me and several of my buddies. He would gather us occasionally at Pizza Hut or Mazzio’s. He bought us pizza and poured into us, and then he challenged us to invite some of our friends who didn’t know Christ. He would share the gospel and then he would have us share the gospel. It was discipleship. I didn’t know what discipleship was, but that is what we were doing. In those meetings and in sharing the gospel and pouring into friends, I discovered an incredible joy. I knew the joy of knowing Christ personally, but I did not know that I got to participate in sharing Christ with others. Sure, I had heard sermons about evangelism, but I had never experienced it for myself. The great joy of being a Christian is not only in receiving Christ but also in helping others come to know Him. It is what we call the priesthood of the believer, and Paul talks about this in the latter portion of Romans 15. Paul’s master passion was not just found in knowing Christ but in sharing Christ. Paul never got over this. He never lost a sense of awe and wonder at the grace of God that saved him and invited him into a mission and a purpose that was bigger than he was. I pray that you will join us as we gather to worship this weekend. I pray that you would come with an open heart to receive from Christ’s Word and a heart to give and serve others. We all need Christ, and we all need each other. I hope to see you this weekend. In Christ, Pastor Chad McDonald
Series: Romans. Righteousness for the Unrighteous.Text: Romans 1:5-7Date: Sep 21, 2025Speaker: Andrew GarciaBig Idea: Through the grace of his apostleship, Paul was sent to call people from every nation - including us - to belong to Jesus, to trust and abey Him, and to live as God's loved and holy people.Empowered into ApostleshipThe Message for All NationsThe message is for YOUYoutube LinkSermon Notes
Series: Romans. Righteousness for the Unrighteous.Text: Romans 1:1-7 (v1-4)Date: Sep 14, 2025Speaker: David BartosikBig Idea: In these verses of Romans, Paul introduces himself to a church he hasn't met and grounds his authority not in his own resume, but in the God who called him; this isn't “Paul's gospel” but the Gospel of God..Getting to know Paul.Getting to know the Gospel of God.Living like the Gospel of God is true.Youtube LinkSermon Notes
Back in 1918, a boy named Howard Loomis was abandoned by his mother at Father Flanagan’s Home for Boys, which had opened just a year earlier. Howard had polio and wore heavy leg braces. Walking was difficult for him, especially when he had to go up and down steps. Soon, several of the Home’s older boys were carrying Howard up and down the stairs. One day, Father Flanagan asked Rueben Granger, one of those older boys, if carrying Howard was hard. Rueben replied, “He ain’t heavy, Father…he’s my brother.” In Romans 15, Paul continues to encourage the Roman church to “bear the weakness of those without strength.” He puts the burden on the strong to welcome, show grace and even carry their brothers and sisters in Christ who are continuing to grow in their faith. That’s not the world’s way. In the world might makes right. The mighty and strong bully people into their position. But not in the church. We bear one another’s burdens. We don’t just put up with our brother; if needed we carry him. We willingly lay down our rights and responsibilities to serve the body. And the burdens we carry and the sacrifices we make are always light as we remember, “He’s not heavy, he is my brother.” I look forward to seeing you this weekend as we continue and near the end of our study in Romans. This weekend we will also participate in the ordinance of communion and remember the sacrifice of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I pray you will make the decision today to join us for one of our many weekend worship opportunities. In Christ, Pastor Chad McDonald
Back in 1918, a boy named Howard Loomis was abandoned by his mother at Father Flanagan’s Home for Boys, which had opened just a year earlier. Howard had polio and wore heavy leg braces. Walking was difficult for him, especially when he had to go up and down steps. Soon, several of the Home’s older boys were carrying Howard up and down the stairs. One day, Father Flanagan asked Rueben Granger, one of those older boys, if carrying Howard was hard. Rueben replied, “He ain’t heavy, Father…he’s my brother.” In Romans 15, Paul continues to encourage the Roman church to “bear the weakness of those without strength.” He puts the burden on the strong to welcome, show grace and even carry their brothers and sisters in Christ who are continuing to grow in their faith. That’s not the world’s way. In the world might makes right. The mighty and strong bully people into their position. But not in the church. We bear one another’s burdens. We don’t just put up with our brother; if needed we carry him. We willingly lay down our rights and responsibilities to serve the body. And the burdens we carry and the sacrifices we make are always light as we remember, “He’s not heavy, he is my brother.” I look forward to seeing you this weekend as we continue and near the end of our study in Romans. This weekend we will also participate in the ordinance of communion and remember the sacrifice of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I pray you will make the decision today to join us for one of our many weekend worship opportunities. In Christ, Pastor Chad McDonald
If you ask most couples how they fell in love, you will often find that the two of them moved at different speeds when it came to being convinced on the matter of marriage. One of them might indicate that they knew almost immediately that they would get married. The other might indicate that it took a lot more time and convincing. The Christian life can be similar. We don’t all grasp the whole gospel instantaneously. For one person, it might take them years into their walk with Christ to become fully convinced of and believe in a particular area of doctrine or practice. But then having grasped the Bible’s teaching in this area, they will often turn around and expect another brother or sister in Christ to grasp it almost immediately. As we each grow and mature in our walk, and the gospel practically works it’s way into our lives, we must be willing to lay down our rights and privileges for the good of those who are continuing to grow. We are free in Christ. We have many rights in Christ. However, our personal rights and freedoms don’t govern our lives. Our love for God and our love for our brothers and sisters in Christ governs our lives. I pray that you will join us this weekend as we walk through Romans 14.13-23. These are very practical verses that are critical to our unity in the body and our witness to the world. I hope to see you at one of our many worship opportunities. In Christ, Pastor Chad McDonald
If you ask most couples how they fell in love, you will often find that the two of them moved at different speeds when it came to being convinced on the matter of marriage. One of them might indicate that they knew almost immediately that they would get married. The other might indicate that it took a lot more time and convincing. The Christian life can be similar. We don’t all grasp the whole gospel instantaneously. For one person, it might take them years into their walk with Christ to become fully convinced of and believe in a particular area of doctrine or practice. But then having grasped the Bible’s teaching in this area, they will often turn around and expect another brother or sister in Christ to grasp it almost immediately. As we each grow and mature in our walk, and the gospel practically works it’s way into our lives, we must be willing to lay down our rights and privileges for the good of those who are continuing to grow. We are free in Christ. We have many rights in Christ. However, our personal rights and freedoms don’t govern our lives. Our love for God and our love for our brothers and sisters in Christ governs our lives. I pray that you will join us this weekend as we walk through Romans 14.13-23. These are very practical verses that are critical to our unity in the body and our witness to the world. I hope to see you at one of our many worship opportunities. In Christ, Pastor Chad McDonald
Romans 14 appears to be a bit out of place. Paul has been addressing how the fountain of the gospel flows outwardly into all the areas of our lives. At the end of chapter 13, he addresses how the gospel impacts our relationship to our neighbors. In chapter 15, Paul will talk about taking the gospel to Spain. He addresses local missions and then international missions. In between local missions and international missions, Paul confronts an apparent conflict related to eating certain foods and observing certain days. What does this issue have to do with missions? Paul knows that a church in conflict loses credibility in sharing a message of reconciliation with the world. We cannot peddle unapplied truth. If we are going to preach reconciliation to the world, we need to demonstrate it in the church. And while we may not have disagreements over certain foods and observing certain days, the church today has its own issues that can quickly create conflict and nullify our witness. How should we deal with these issues? Not issues of doctrine or morality but areas of personal conviction that are not clearly revealed in Scripture. This is a critical, relevant and practical text. I pray that you will make plans to join us as we gather around the Word of God and adjust our lives to His truth that we might glorify Him and love our neighbor. In Christ, Pastor Chad McDonald
Romans 14 appears to be a bit out of place. Paul has been addressing how the fountain of the gospel flows outwardly into all the areas of our lives. At the end of chapter 13, he addresses how the gospel impacts our relationship to our neighbors. In chapter 15, Paul will talk about taking the gospel to Spain. He addresses local missions and then international missions. In between local missions and international missions, Paul confronts an apparent conflict related to eating certain foods and observing certain days. What does this issue have to do with missions? Paul knows that a church in conflict loses credibility in sharing a message of reconciliation with the world. We cannot peddle unapplied truth. If we are going to preach reconciliation to the world, we need to demonstrate it in the church. And while we may not have disagreements over certain foods and observing certain days, the church today has its own issues that can quickly create conflict and nullify our witness. How should we deal with these issues? Not issues of doctrine or morality but areas of personal conviction that are not clearly revealed in Scripture. This is a critical, relevant and practical text. I pray that you will make plans to join us as we gather around the Word of God and adjust our lives to His truth that we might glorify Him and love our neighbor. In Christ, Pastor Chad McDonald
Could you name at least five people in your life right now who don’t know Christ? People you bump into at work, at Walmart, at school, in your neighborhood or at the coffee shop? If we could each name five people, then our church touches over 15,000 people every week. That is a huge opportunity to make an impact for Christ. But how do we relate to them? How do we engage the lost world around us? Church history has been filled with tension over this very issue. Some would argue that we should separate from the world and hole up in caves. Others would have us capitulate to the moral issues of our day to fit in and get along with the world around us. Some might want us to go back to Old Testament law and live completely by rules so that we would become irrelevant to culture. How should we relate to the non-believing world around us? As Paul has discussed how our relationship with Christ flows outward into our relationship with God, fellow members of the body of Christ and our enemies, he now gives us practical direction on how we relate to our neighbor. Make plans to join us for one of our many weekend worship opportunities today. Weekend worship is a Friday decision. Make the decision today to worship with the body of Christ. We all need Christ, and we all need each other. — Pastor Chad McDonald
Could you name at least five people in your life right now who don’t know Christ? People you bump into at work, at Walmart, at school, in your neighborhood or at the coffee shop? If we could each name five people, then our church touches over 15,000 people every week. That is a huge opportunity to make an impact for Christ. But how do we relate to them? How do we engage the lost world around us? Church history has been filled with tension over this very issue. Some would argue that we should separate from the world and hole up in caves. Others would have us capitulate to the moral issues of our day to fit in and get along with the world around us. Some might want us to go back to Old Testament law and live completely by rules so that we would become irrelevant to culture. How should we relate to the non-believing world around us? As Paul has discussed how our relationship with Christ flows outward into our relationship with God, fellow members of the body of Christ and our enemies, he now gives us practical direction on how we relate to our neighbor. Make plans to join us for one of our many weekend worship opportunities today. Weekend worship is a Friday decision. Make the decision today to worship with the body of Christ. We all need Christ, and we all need each other. — Pastor Chad McDonald
Beginning in Romans 12, Paul describes the fountain of blessing that flows from the life of a person who is in Christ. The gospel changes us. It renews our minds and changes our thinking. It changes how we think about God, ourselves and our brothers and sisters in Christ. The gospel teaches us that no one and no thing in the fellowship of the body is beneath us. Christ left the glory of heaven to die for me. He did not consider me beneath Him. When that truth impacts my mind, it ultimately changes my disposition towards others. The gospel creates a divinely beautiful fellowship in the church that cannot be duplicated in the world. But Paul doesn’t stop there. When this kind of transformation takes place in the church, it will eventually burst the doors of the church and get carried out into the world. Our attitude towards Christ and each other in the body sets the agenda for how we respond to evil and those who persecute us. The Christian brings blessing and harmony in the body but also overcomes evil in the world. These verses have never been more practical for the believer’s life. I pray that you will make plans to day to join us for worship this weekend. This is an exciting time to be a part of LBC. Get plugged in and find a place ot fellowship and service as we continue to bring the message of hope to the heartland. — Pastor Chad McDonald
Beginning in Romans 12, Paul describes the fountain of blessing that flows from the life of a person who is in Christ. The gospel changes us. It renews our minds and changes our thinking. It changes how we think about God, ourselves and our brothers and sisters in Christ. The gospel teaches us that no one and no thing in the fellowship of the body is beneath us. Christ left the glory of heaven to die for me. He did not consider me beneath Him. When that truth impacts my mind, it ultimately changes my disposition towards others. The gospel creates a divinely beautiful fellowship in the church that cannot be duplicated in the world. But Paul doesn’t stop there. When this kind of transformation takes place in the church, it will eventually burst the doors of the church and get carried out into the world. Our attitude towards Christ and each other in the body sets the agenda for how we respond to evil and those who persecute us. The Christian brings blessing and harmony in the body but also overcomes evil in the world. These verses have never been more practical for the believer’s life. I pray that you will make plans to day to join us for worship this weekend. This is an exciting time to be a part of LBC. Get plugged in and find a place ot fellowship and service as we continue to bring the message of hope to the heartland. — Pastor Chad McDonald
Living a Life Transformed | Romans 12:3-8 In the opening two verses of Romans 12, Paul has commanded us not to follow the spirit of the age but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. In Christ, we have been brought into a new humanity that God is remaking into the likeness of His Son. God’s great passion and purposes are to mold us into the likeness of the Lord Jesus Christ. Then Paul gets very practical. What does this look like in practice? How does this affect all the different spheres of our lives? As we continue in our study of Romans this week, Paul will pick up this theme revealing to us how belonging to a new humanity in Christ changes everything. I pray you will plan to join us this weekend as we study God’s Word and seek to live a transformed life that glorifies Christ. — Pastor Chad McDonald