Kingdom Life Christopher J. Romig: Senior Pastor and Minister

div]:bg-bg-300 [&_pre]:-mr-4 md:[&_pre]:-mr-9"> _*]:min-w-0"> Pastor Chris's sermon focused on Jesus' teaching "I am the true vine" in John 15 and the vital importance of abiding or remaining connected to Christ. Jesus identifies himself as the true vine, contrasting with Israel's past depiction as an unfruitful vine. We can only bear lasting spiritual fruit by abiding in Christ - making our home in him and allowing his life to flow through us, not just occasional religious activities. Signs of abiding include bearing the fruit of Christ-like character, good works, experiencing pruning by God to grow us, and experiencing the joy that comes from connection with Christ. Bearing fruit doesn't come through our own efforts, but by allowing Christ's life to naturally flow through us and produce it, just as a branch gets its life from the vine. The many forms of fruit include Christ-like attitudes, worship, repentance, and sharing Christ with others. Our call is to truly abide and remain vitally connected to Christ the true vine so that spiritual fruit flows out of that intimate relationship, not to try manufacturing fruit ourselves to earn God's favor. Abiding in Christ is the key to fruitful living.

Pastor Chris's sermon centers on Jesus’ declaration in John 14:6, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Pastor Chris explains that Jesus, preparing to leave his disciples, assures them of a place in heaven. When Thomas questions the way to this place, Jesus answers with his profound statement, indicating that salvation and communion with God are accessible exclusively through him.
Pastor Chris emphasizes that Jesus is not just a path, a truth, or a way of living among many, but the only way to God. This exclusivity is a culmination of all Jesus’ “I am” statements in the Gospel of John, such as "I am the door," "I am the light of the world," and "I am the resurrection and the life." These statements affirm Jesus’ unique and singular role in salvation, which Pastor Chris notes is often more controversial in today’s postmodern society that values subjective truth and pluralism.
Pastor Chris addresses the discomfort many feel about the exclusivity of Jesus’ claim in a world that champions relativism and rejects absolute truth. He contrasts the postmodern mindset, which sees truth as subjective and individualized, with the biblical assertion of objective truth embodied in Jesus Christ. Pastor Chris argues that accepting multiple paths to God undermines the significance of Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross, which is central to Christian faith.
Concluding, Pastor Chris urges believers to hold steadfastly to the exclusive truth of Jesus as the only way to God, presenting this truth with grace and love. He reassures that proclaiming Jesus as the singular way to salvation is not about exclusion but about offering the only true lifeline to a world in need of redemption. This message, grounded in grace and divine love, calls believers to share the gospel boldly, emphasizing that Jesus' claim is a gift of God’s immense love for humanity.

Pastor Carolyn's sermon focuses on Jesus' declaration in John 11:25-26: "I am the resurrection and the life." She begins by providing the context of this statement, recounting the story of Lazarus' resurrection. Jesus delayed visiting his ill friend Lazarus for two days, allowing Lazarus to die so that the subsequent miracle of raising him from the dead would demonstrate Jesus' power over death and affirm his divinity.
Pastor Carolyn explains the significance of Jesus' words to Martha, noting that "I am the resurrection" means Jesus has the power to bring the dead back to life, and "I am the life" signifies that he grants eternal life to believers. This dual assertion highlights Jesus' control over both physical and spiritual death. She elaborates on various instances of resurrection in the Bible, emphasizing that believers will receive immortal bodies in the future resurrection and experience spiritual rebirth in the present.
The sermon concludes with an encouragement for believers to strengthen their faith and take comfort in Jesus' victory over death. Pastor Carolyn underscores the certainty of eternal life through belief in Jesus, urging those who haven't yet made a decision for Christ to do so. She assures the congregation that faith in Jesus brings the promise of eternal joy and life beyond death.

Pastor Chris's sermon focuses on Jesus's statement "I am the good shepherd" from John 10, linking it to the Old Testament depiction of God as the shepherd of Israel, especially in Psalm 23. He explains that Jesus’s claim to be the good shepherd is a declaration of his divinity and his supreme, unparalleled goodness.
Pastor Chris highlights the profound relationship between Jesus, the shepherd, and his sheep (believers). Jesus knows each of his followers personally and intimately, akin to how a shepherd knows each sheep by name. This personal care is emphasized by Jesus's willingness to lay down his life for his sheep, illustrating his ultimate devotion and love.
The sermon also addresses Jesus’s mission to bring other sheep (Gentiles) into his fold, reflecting the inclusive nature of his ministry. Pastor Chris underscores that Jesus’s sacrifice was intentional and voluntary, not merely a consequence of circumstances, highlighting the depth of his commitment to saving humanity from sin.
Using examples and parables, Pastor Chris illustrates the shepherd’s dedication, contrasting it with hired hands who lack personal investment. He calls on listeners to appreciate the immense sacrifice Jesus made, akin to soldiers who lay down their lives for others, stressing the profound love and mercy Jesus extends to all, even those who may not seem deserving.
The sermon concludes with a prayer inspired by Psalm 23, reinforcing the themes of divine guidance, protection, and eternal care offered by Jesus, the Good Shepherd.

Pastor Chris explores two of the seven "I am" statements made by Jesus in John chapter 10, where Jesus says, "I am the door of the sheep" and "I am the good shepherd." He explains the metaphorical use of sheep and shepherds, which were well-known symbols in Israel, to describe the relationship between God and His people. He references Old Testament passages like Psalm 95 and Psalm 23 to highlight how God is depicted as a shepherd.
Pastor Chris discusses how Jesus’s claim to be the door signifies that He is the sole gateway to eternal safety and security. This metaphor also underscores that true shepherds must lead through Him. He contrasts Jesus, the Good Shepherd, with false shepherds who climb into the sheepfold by another way, labeling them as thieves and robbers. This is a critique of the Pharisees, who, despite being seen as spiritual leaders, were failing in their duty to care for God’s people.
He contextualizes Jesus' statements within the broader narrative of John 9, where Jesus heals a blind man, only to have the Pharisees react negatively, showcasing their spiritual blindness. The Pharisees’ harsh treatment of the healed man and their opposition to Jesus demonstrate their failure as shepherds.
The sermon emphasizes the need for true shepherds who lead through Jesus and adhere to His teachings. Pastor Chris warns against false teachers, stressing the importance of sound doctrine and the recognition of true teaching by its alignment with Scripture and the fruit it produces. He concludes by urging believers to evaluate their leaders based on their adherence to biblical truth and the presence of the Holy Spirit's fruits in their lives.

In Pastor Chris's sermon, he delves into the eighth chapter of the Gospel of John, particularly focusing on Jesus' statement, "I am the light of the world." He connects this proclamation to the Feast of Tabernacles, a significant Jewish celebration, which Jesus was attending. The Feast commemorated God's presence with the Israelites during the Exodus and looked forward to the Messianic Kingdom. Pastor Chris explains the symbolism of light and darkness throughout Scripture and highlights how Jesus as the light brings assurance of God's presence, guidance, and truth.
He emphasizes that following Jesus means walking in His ways and allowing His life to dwell within us. Jesus not only declares Himself as the light of the world but also calls His followers to be lights themselves, reflecting His light to others. Pastor Chris concludes by urging listeners to recognize the immense privilege and responsibility of bearing Christ's light in a world that desperately needs it.