Chapel in the Hills

(08.15.21) Romans 5:18-21 - As all humanity died in Adam, so all in Christ are made alive. God gave His only begotten Son to save humanity from sin and its resulting death. Christ's obedience gained the victory over sin and death and His righteousness is imputed (or accredited) to the believer's account. Thus, Christians are saved by grace through righteousness to eternal life.

(10.31.21) Romans 7:14-17 - Paul, wrestling with the flesh, states, "For I do not understand my own actions..." Every believer in Christ Jesus can and should identify with this statement because we are in an "already but not yet" phase of existence. We have been born again, but we are in the body of sin and death. Thus, we battle against the flesh with our new natures.

(11.07.21) Romans 7:18-25 - Paul recognizes that nothing good dwells in his flesh, but that he has a new nature and a new mind to do battle with the flesh. Thus, there are two laws or principles at work in his life. Ultimately, He cries out, "Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?" Only Christ Jesus can do provide this type of deliverance.

(12.6.20) Selected Texts - The first prophecy in the Bible is the promise of redemption by means of the virgin birth. The thread of this prophecy runs throughout the Old Testament and is ultimately fulfilled in the birth of Jesus Christ. As many church councils have stated throughout history, the virgin birth is one of the foundational essentials of the Christian faith.

(04.18.21) Romans 2:17-29 - The world is often focused upon outward appearances, accomplishments, and credentials, but God is focused upon the heart. What is needed today is not better-looking people but hearts that belong to God. If our nation is to experience revival, then its people need to be better conformed to God's image. A circumcisede heart is what is most necessary today!

Chapel in the Hills Vacation Bible School 2021

(10.17.21) Romans 7:1-6 - What is the believer's relationship to the Law of Moses after he or she is saved? For the believer, they are now dead to the Law because they have been buried with Christ. Nevertheless, Christians are called to produce the fruity of righteousness according to the Spirit of the Law.

(11.28.21) Romans 8:12-17 - One of the most amazing truths of Scripture is that in Christ we are adopted children of God, by which we can cry out to Him, Abba Father! In this study, we will look at the security we have in Christ and all that entails.

(03.21.21) Romans 2:1-11 - Paul turns the tables on the moralistic Jews who believed they were exempt from God's wrath. However, they too are guilty of the same things they judged the gentiles. Thus, Paul demonstrates that moralism cannot save but only faith in the merit of Jesus Christ. We are not saved by our works but by His righteous works!

(02-14-21) Romans 1:18-23 - Paul turns his focus from the righteousness of God that is revealed in the Gospel to the wrath of God that is revealed from heaven against humanity. Humans have openly rejected God and now worship creation rather than the Creator. Such brazen sin requires God's wrath, yet God provides His Son to drink His wrath and to provide salvation for those who deserve wrath.

(9.27.20) Solomon's Keys to Romance - Prov. 31 - Solomon provides keys for husbands and wives to pursue excellence together. The husband is called to an exemplary lifestyle, and the woman is called to excellence in her God-given roles.

(01.31.21) Romans 1:8-15 - Paul's entire life was oriented towards reaping a spiritual harvest. Not only did he give thanks for the harvest in Rome, but he also prayed for, and shared in the harvest alongside the Roman Christians. The primary harvest that Paul sought to reap among the Romans was peace between ethnic groups (Jews, Greeks, and Barbarians). The primary point of Romans was to proclaim the truth that the Gospel is for all people!

(04.25.21) Romans 3:1-8 - In this passage, Paul reminds his readers that Jews had a distinct advantage over the Gentiles because they were entrusted with the oracles (or Word) of God. The problem, though, is that they did not keep the Word of God but rather sought to appear religious. Thus, God is righteous in judging His people according to His Word.

(05.02.21) Romans 3:9-20 - After building the argument that both Jews and Gentiles are in the same boat when it comes to salvation, Paul drives home the point that one human being is righteous (whether Jew or Gentile). Here is the key starting point for the Gospel - all have sinned and deserve God's wrath. Until one accepts this fact, he or she will not be able to accept the salvation that is available in Christ alone.

(06-06-21) Romans 4:1-8 - Your good works or deeds cannot save you from God's judgment, but only faith in the perfect works of Jesus Christ. It has been said that we are not saved by our own work but by His. Salvation by faith alone is the main argument from Paul throughout the book of Romans and Abraham is a chief example of this fact. Thus, Paul quotes Gen. 15:6 to defend his argument on faith.

(10.24.21) Romans 7:7-13 - Paul defends the fact that it was not the Law that is sinful, but rather it is the Law reveals sin. The Law acts as a mirror that reveals the brokenness of our hearts. Thus, the Law is good because it reflects the righteous character and requirements of God.

(6.26.22) Proverbs 16:1-9 - God is sovereign over all things, including our word, actions, and ways. When one begins to plan for God's will in their lives by diligently seeking God's wisdom, they will receive the desires of their hearts (cf. Ps. 37:4). We must, therefore, roll our work unto the Lord's shoulders, trusting in His providential care.

(10.25.20) Solomon's Keys to Romance - Song 5:2-6:9 - Many today give up on their marriages the second things get hard. However, Solomon encourages his readers to work through marital problems and to continue pursuing one's spouse.

(03.28.21) Psalm 1 - In this Psalm, the Psalmist describes what it takes to live a truly happy life. Happiness (or blessedness) begins by avoiding the way of the wicked. Next, happiness is found in delighting in God's Word. Those who delight in God's Word are like a tree planted by the stream that produces fruit in its season.

(05.23.21) Romans 3:24-26 - After explaining that righteousness is only available by grace through faith, Paul moves to explain why God's grace is available to the believer. The foundation of salvation is the price that was pain - Jesus' precious blood. God displayed His righteousness by crushing His Son on the cross for the penalty of sin. It was this public act that justified the justified for His grace.

(05-30-21) Romans 3:27-31 - In this section of Romans, Paul sums up his argument on salvation not being earned but given by faith alone. Furthermore, Paul's arugment builds upon the truth that there is only one God and that He is God of both Jews and Gentiles. Given salvation is based up on the merits of Christ, and not upon the merits of the believer, there is no room for pride or boasting.

(12.12.2021) Romans 8:23-25 - What are we waiting for? Christians grown inwardly as we wait for the full realization of our adoption - the redemption of our bodies. Ours is a future hope in a future kingdom, where we will be as Christ is - body, soul, and spirit.

(11.22.20) Psalm 46 - Martin Luther's Battle Hymn - Where do you find safety and security in the world? If it is not in God alone, then whatever you find your safety and security in will fail you. Turn to God as your refuge and strength!

(1.13.19) Introduction - Part 1 of the introduction to Revelation - a verse-by-verse study through the book of Revelation. The importance of such a study cannot be overstated in these final days leading up to the Lord's Second Coming!

(2.24.19) Revelation 2:8-11 - The Church of Smyrna was under intense persecution, yet, Jesus reminds the church that the fires were intended to test the genuineness of their faith. Thus, Jesus' eyes remain upon the church even amidst their greatest trials.