Pastor John Lovell

The New Testament clearly indicates a period of time that Jesus was directly tempted by Satan, the Tempter who questioned the identity and the will of God the Father.  Jesus, in human flesh, was alone, hungry, and exhausted from His fasting time in the wilderness, yet never allowed the external or internal temptations of Satan to sway Him from His mission here on earth.  Listen this week as Pastor John challenges believers to implement some biblical strategies, designed to untangle the chains of temptation that stunt our spiritual growth. Just as Jesus verbalized the Word of God in order to overcome demonic temptations, God's people can appeal to the Father during their seasons of guilt, shame, and unforgiveness. The greatest weapon in our war against temptation is the whole armor of God - and the greatest path to victory is through Jesus Christ, our Savior.Thanks for listening!Visit our website for more info:https://www.gracecityrome.com/

The prophets of the Old Testament foretold his coming, all four Gospels mention his name, and even the words of Jesus Himself declared that no man was greater than John the Baptist. This remarkable hero of the Christian faith didn't step into ministry with the outward display of holiness like the Pharisees with their fancy hats and robes, but instead, boldly proclaimed Jesus as Messiah wearing his camel hair and leather, eating honey and locusts. John the Baptizer paved the way for mankind to meet and know Jesus, the Savior of the world, knowing that persecution and possible death would be a consequence of their heavenly choice. Listen as Pastor John embarks on the Book of Mark this new year, reminding us that meeting God in the wilderness is necessary for our spiritual growth and a mission focused life. Courageous leadership and effective discipleship will come with a heavy burden, and only the strong and mighty will truly answer the radical call of the gospel.Thanks for listening!Visit our website for more info:https://www.gracecityrome.com/

The birth of Jesus Christ on that very first Christmas Day was the perfect gift from God the Father,  and was undoubtedly the most important day in the history of the whole universe. This cosmic event included supernatural angels and watchers, together with the prophets of old to declare that a Savior is born to us. After 400 years of silence from God and waiting for the Messiah, an angelic procession announced this universal event for the good of all mankind. Listen this week as Pastor John celebrates the daring Christmas plan of God from the cave to the cross, turning a long-awaited "Silent Night" into "Hark the Herald Angels Sing".Thanks for listening!Visit our website for more info:https://www.gracecityrome.com/

The world holds on tightly to their countless stories of rejection and betrayal, marked by repeated let-downs and disappointments from family and friends. This continuous trauma cycle of bitterness and unforgiveness causes poisoned hearts, isolated souls, and broken relationships. Listen this week as Pastor John directs our hearts to see Jesus as the perfect biblical model of forgiveness, the One who graciously cancelled all our sin debt at the cross. This foundation of forgiveness brings about spiritual freedom and relationship reconciliation, reflecting the transforming power of the Gospel. Forgiveness ~ it's not just a good idea, but a command from God with eternal consequences.Thanks for listening!Visit our website for more info:https://www.gracecityrome.com/

The Book of Philippians opens and closes with scripture regarding finances and money matters, therefore highlighting the deep spiritual relevance of the topic. The Apostle Paul is urging the Church of Philippi to view their riches according to their eternal rewards in following Christ, not in the monetary value of their assets. Listen this week as Pastor John concludes Philippians with a powerful reminder that the heavenly fruit we bear is much more important than any earthly riches we may acquire. He cautions believers to guard our hearts against the seduction of worldly gain, and to enjoy the true riches from our Savior that bring comfort, joy, and an abundance of gratitude in this glorious Christmas season.Thanks for listening!Visit our website for more info:https://www.gracecityrome.com/

In the New Testament, Jesus talked more times about money than He did about heaven and hell combined. Shouldn't believers follow this same model while escaping culture's money trap? The world distorts the dynamics of money, creating an idol that destroys families and relationships, while boasting that all money matters should be kept private and away from the church. The Apostle Paul admonishes the wealthy churches for their lack of generosity to building God's Kingdom, while praising the extreme poverty-ridden churches for their lavish generosity toward this great commission. Listen as Pastor John corrects some scriptural misunderstandings regarding the believer's tithes and offerings to the church. He warns us of the spiritual dangers of holding on tightly to that golden calf and reminds us that God's blessings will multiply when we live by His sacred principles of biblical stewardship.Thanks for listening!Visit our website for more info:https://www.gracecityrome.com/

Discover the power of true contentment that comes from relying on Christ rather than worldly gains. Unpack the misapplication of popular Bible verses and see how they can lead believers astray. Pastor John emphasizes the importance of gratitude and understanding context in scripture as he explains Philippians 4. With practical steps to reshape priorities and avoid pitfalls of wealth and need, this discussion challenges listeners to focus on building God's kingdom. A journey towards ultimate peace and satisfaction awaits in trusting God fully.

Explore the Apostle Paul's wisdom on focusing thoughts amid life's negativity. Discover the importance of celebrating honorable actions, from veterans to lasting marriages. Learn how to pursue justice while embodying purity in life. Pastor John emphasizes the beauty of creation and a joyful faith that attracts others. He encourages practical steps for living out these virtues daily, inviting peace and gratitude into your life. Shift your mindset to align with God's grace and goodness!

In this engaging discussion, Andy Middleton, a preacher and speaker at Grace City Rome, dives into Psalm 84, exploring the profound theme of longing for God's presence. He contrasts the joy found in the sacred with fleeting worldly pursuits and urges listeners to evaluate what truly makes their souls sing. Andy emphasizes the importance of passing down faith to the next generation and describes the 'highways to Zion' as pathways to a deeper relationship with God. He powerfully illustrates how valleys of sorrow can transform into springs of renewal, making the case for the exhilarating value of time spent in God's courts.

The discussion dives into the Apostle Paul's plea for unity amidst church conflict, featuring the dispute between Euodia and Syntyche. Pastor John emphasizes the importance of distinguishing allies from enemies in faith. He addresses theological incompatibilities with various beliefs, including Mormonism and pantheism. Practical steps for maintaining unity are explored, such as direct confrontation and embracing forgiveness. Ultimately, a call to protect the integrity of the church body and stay mission-focused resonates throughout the conversation.