Pastor John Lovell

Explore the vital role of mentorship in spiritual growth, emphasizing that wisdom isn’t dictated by age. Learn the importance of surrounding yourself with godly influences while resisting worldly patterns. The discussion highlights the significance of seeking multiple counselors to prevent pride and failure. Personal anecdotes about finding mentors reveal the transformative power of guidance, especially through Jesus as the ultimate role model. Dive into practical steps for fostering both formal and informal mentorships to enrich your faith journey.

Explore the idea that Christians are merely forgiven, not perfect, and the importance of recognizing our flawed humanity. Discover how Christ transforms our identity, calling us to embrace grace and authenticity. Delve into the necessity of letting go of past mistakes while striving for spiritual maturity. Learn about the cost of pursuing holiness and the distinction between passive and active faith. Finally, hear insights on the significance of scripture and the call to live mission-driven lives.

The discussion dives into Paul's fierce critique of corrupt religious practices in the early church. Emphasis is placed on the difference between legalistic religion and a genuine relationship with Jesus. Pastor John highlights the transformative nature of true faith, focusing on love, joy, and grace over rituals. The idea that salvation stems from relationship, not mere observance, is a central theme. The episode also critiques modern religious hypocrisy and showcases the life-changing fruits of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.

The world is mourning the loss of some very influential, kingdom-building Christian leaders at this current time, those who unapologetically shared the Word of God. Carrying this burden of such devastating and heart-breaking loss brings believers closer to Jesus, and in the depth of our collective grief, His eternal promises bring much needed hope.  Listen as Pastor John upholds Epaphroditus, a loyal friend of the Apostle Paul, as a biblical model of the deep, spiritual brotherhood and sacrificial service that we are to seek in our Christian lives. He asks the congregation to embody the same truthful, loving, and servant-hearted characteristics for each other and for the local churches that are under persecution and spiritual warfare, always demonstrating the eternal hope of Jesus Christ.  Thanks for listening!Visit our website for more info:https://www.gracecityrome.com/

Discover what it truly means to be part of a 'dream team' in church as the Apostle Paul highlights Timothy's selflessness. The struggle against self-interest is timeless, revealing how appearances can mask deeper motives. Pastor John challenges listeners to embrace total surrender and genuine service. By sharing examples like Jonathan and Jesus, he emphasizes bold, loving truth over passive niceness. Finally, he offers practical steps to escape selfishness, urging focus on local needs and true faith that acts.

In a world plagued by moral decay, listeners are encouraged to shine as beacons of light. The discussion emphasizes living by God's Word rather than societal opinions, stressing the importance of avoiding grumbling and complaints. Practical steps to combat negativity are shared, alongside the call for believers to confront conflicts directly and pursue blamelessness. By living sacrificially in service to others, Christians can reflect the glory of Jesus and impact their communities, even amidst the chaos of a crooked generation.

To be saved through God's salvation plan is when you give your whole heart and life to Jesus Christ. It may begin with a beautiful, eternal moment at an earthly altar, but then the lifelong quest of His holiness and righteousness comes from our desire to serve Him and His people. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians that the believers responsibility is the active pursuit of obedience in the process of sanctification. Listen this week as Pastor John walks us through several "tests" of our salvation, guiding us to always remember that biblical truth is very narrow and exclusive.  God has sacrificed Himself for your freedom and salvation - and now it's our turn to join Him on this mission to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. This new heart that He provides for us will truly focus on and live out the Word of God by demonstrating the fruits of His Spirit, and by  serving others for the pleasure of Jesus Christ. Thanks for listening!Visit our website for more info:https://www.gracecityrome.com/

Love God and love others. This profound and simple foundation of Christian principle is boldly exclaimed by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the church at Philippi, as he calls the church to unity through humility. Listen as Pastor John passionately proclaims that the gifts of mercy and love that Christ has provided for believers in turn commissions us to extend this same humility and grace to others. The world is thirsty for meaningful relationships, hungering for more than just small talk about the weather or for a number of clicks on social media. Loneliness is rampant in our broken world, and Pastor John builds a case this week for unity - where we are all in one mind and one accord, focused on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Counting others as more significant than ourselves provides an "anti-self" Bible concept that is foreign to the lost world, yet encourages believers to out-give, out-serve, and out-love those around us.Thanks for listening!Visit our website for more info:https://www.gracecityrome.com/

The road to victory often goes through pain and suffering, as the Bible does not endorse the current worldview of happiness - that temporary, shallow emotional state based on external circumstances. The Apostle Paul calls for a genuine unity of believer's hearts and minds at the church of Philippi, reminding them that Jesus offers holiness, eternal joy, and a purpose-driven fulfillment that no earthly circumstances can provide. Listen now as Pastor John encourages each of us to enjoy the benefits of being granted belief in Jesus Christ, while compelling us to prepare for the upcoming suffering, where that fire forges strength in the believer's heart.  These rich narratives of the Old Testament invite us this week to examine our lives and to live worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ.Thanks for listening!Visit our website for more info:https://www.gracecityrome.com/

A unique form of radical extremism is demonstrated through the Apostle Paul's letter to the Philippians, as he wrestles with the tension of his soul's deep desire to be with Jesus and his heart's desire to strengthen the spiritual walk of the new believers.  This significantly personal and theological reflection views death as a personal gain and a deeper doorway to fellowship with Jesus, not as a loss to be feared or dreaded. Listen as Pastor John exposes the casual Christian through God's Word and warns believers against practicing a counterfeit, part-time faith. He reminds believers of the sacrifices needed when we choose to carry that cross, an instrument of death and pain. The "ALL IN" believer stands faithful, fearless, generous, and constantly striving for the mission of the gospel, with a rare and intense desire to fully trust in and surrender to God.Thanks for listening!Visit our website for more info:https://www.gracecityrome.com/