Kingdom Life Christopher J. Romig: Senior Pastor and Minister

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.

Pastor Carolyn's sermon, building on Pastor Chris's introduction to the seven "I am" statements of Jesus, delves into the significance of Jesus proclaiming himself as the "bread of life." She explains that Jesus's use of the term "I am" is a reference to God's revelation of Himself to Moses in the burning bush, signifying Jesus's divinity. The sermon explores the context of Jesus's declaration, beginning with the feeding of the 5000 and leading to a discussion with the crowd about spiritual nourishment.
The sermon emphasizes that Jesus offers spiritual sustenance, addressing the deeper hunger and thirst of the soul. It contrasts physical bread, which only temporarily satisfies, with Jesus as the eternal source of fulfillment. The teaching emphasizes the need for spiritual regeneration, highlighting Jesus's role in providing the ultimate nourishment for the soul.
Drawing from biblical passages and theological insights, Pastor Carolyn explains that receiving Jesus as the bread of life involves acknowledging His divine nature, continually seeking spiritual nourishment through Him, and commemorating His sacrifice through communion. The sermon concludes with a call to embrace Jesus as the source of true life and to cultivate a daily relationship with Him through prayer, study, and communion.

Pastor Chris's sermon focuses on the seven "I am" statements made by Jesus in the Gospel of John, each of which reveals an aspect of Jesus's identity and the unique blessings he offers. These statements are pivotal in understanding who Jesus is and the life he provides. Over the next seven weeks, Pastor Chris plans to delve into each of these statements individually to deepen the congregation's understanding.
The sermon emphasizes the significance of the phrase "I am," which originates from Exodus when God identifies himself to Moses. "I am" is the name of God, revered by the Jewish people for its holiness. By using this phrase, Jesus aligns himself with the divine, declaring his own divinity.
Pastor Chris examines three instances in John's Gospel where Jesus simply says "I am" without further explanation, emphasizing his divine nature and authority. These moments, such as walking on water and confronting religious authorities, reveal Jesus's power over creation and his claim to be the great I AM.
The sermon warns against diminishing Jesus's divinity, which undermines the authority of Scripture and the foundation of Christian faith. It challenges misconceptions about Jesus being merely a good teacher or a legendary figure invented by his followers. Instead, it asserts that Jesus is fully divine, existing from the beginning with God.
Ultimately, understanding Jesus's divine identity is crucial for faith and salvation. The sermon concludes by urging believers to deepen their knowledge of Jesus as the Son of God and to guard against any teachings that diminish his divinity.

Pastor Chris opened his sermon by addressing the broader topic of current world events, particularly focusing on the Middle East's tensions. He emphasized the importance of viewing global issues through a biblical lens. Using Psalm 2 as a basis, he highlighted God's sovereignty over nations and the futility of human arrogance in opposing Him. Pastor Chris stressed the significance of seeking refuge in God's Son amidst worldly turmoil.
He discussed Israel's pivotal role in biblical prophecy and emphasized God's enduring covenant with the Jewish people. While acknowledging complexities in the region, he defended Israel's right to exist and pointed out the existential threats it faces from hostile groups like Hamas and Iran. Pastor Chris reminded listeners of God's promise to bless those who support Israel and emphasized the biblical mandate to stand with the Jewish people.
Throughout the sermon, Pastor Chris encouraged trust in God's sovereignty and the peace found in Jesus amidst global uncertainties. He cautioned against overly speculative interpretations of current events in light of biblical prophecy, urging listeners to focus on the timeless truths of Scripture. Ultimately, he emphasized the need for Christians to remain grounded in faith and to extend compassion and support to those affected by conflicts in the Middle East.

Pastor Chris's sermon on John chapter 21 focuses on Jesus's restoration of Peter and the calling to continue following Him. The sermon begins by reflecting on the awkwardness of chapter 21 in the flow of the Gospel of John, as it appears to serve as an epilogue to the book.
The passage details the interaction between Jesus and the disciples after His resurrection, highlighting Peter's leadership and the subsequent fishing trip. The sermon explains how Jesus's appearance and command to cast the net on the right side of the boat mirror the disciples' initial call in Luke chapter 5, symbolizing a return to the beginning of their journey with Jesus.
The sermon continues by focusing on the conversation between Jesus and Peter after breakfast. Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves Him, mirroring Peter's three denials. This threefold question and Peter's responses serve as a means of restoration for Peter and a recommissioning to tend to Jesus's sheep, symbolizing ministry and service to the church.
Pastor Chris emphasizes that Jesus calls and commissions imperfect people, as seen with Peter's restoration despite his failures. The foundation of ministry is love for Jesus, and ministry should be characterized by service rather than status. Additionally, the sermon acknowledges the hardships and suffering that come with following Jesus, referencing Peter's future struggles.
The sermon concludes with an exhortation to follow Jesus continually and embrace the call to ministry with humility and service. It ends with a prayer for the Holy Spirit to empower the congregation to follow Jesus's example of servanthood.