Pastor John Lovell

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/

Be very discerning when listening to casual Christians try to comfort or guide you with their favorite out-of-context Bible verses. While the lost world often seeks answers to their earthly woes in their next big promotions, fancy neighborhoods, or the biggest bank accounts, believers are walking in the truth of God's Word and finding contentment in Jesus. The Apostle Paul writes to the church at Philippi that God's provision for contentment can only be found in God's Holy Son, Jesus - and that we can indeed do all things through Christ in any circumstance. Listen this week as Pastor John clarifies some common scripture that is often misused to bring comfort or encouragement to others - and he warns all believers to study the Bible deeper for godly meaning and spiritual guidance. He implores us to find complete contentment by totally relying on Christ for all our daily needs, focusing on building God's Kingdom, not our own. As our society dangles that carrot in front of humans to chase the next best thing, Pastor John provides an action plan for believers to take control of their lives by fully trusting in God. Thanks for listening! Visit our website for more info: https://www.gracecityrome.com/

The Apostle Paul's quest to exhort encouragement to the early church at Philippi reminded believers to recalibrate their minds to walk in the way of Christ, in virtue and goodness. The modern world is full of doom and gloom, and humans feel the weighty pressure of such negativity and anxiety. The believer's mind, however, has become new and should intentionally focus on whatever is true, just, pure, and lovely, always seeking a heart of peace. When we honor the commendable and worthy actions of those around us, it strengthens our own spiritual walk. Join Pastor John this week as he demonstrates putting God's Word into immediate action, honoring those who serve, those who endure hardship, those that achieve victory, and those who stand together as the body of Christ through all of it. When the enemy attempts to take you away from the majesty of God, hijack those negative thoughts and lead your mind back to God's grace and goodness. Thanks for listening! Visit our website for more info: https://www.gracecityrome.com/

In ancient biblical times, God's presence was centered around a holy temple and the old testament saints would journey to this dwelling place in eager anticipation of His glory. While this pilgrimage would often encounter human suffering and trial, the joy of being in the presence of our Holy God was more rewarding than any earthly comfort. Their souls longed for His courts and their hearts sang of the blessings of God. Listen this week as Brother Andy Middleton brings Psalms 84 to life for those who seek the very presence of Jesus, those desiring to pass down a legacy of knowing our Savior and abiding with Him. He challenges us to question if our lives are consistently advancing God's kingdom against the gates of hell, joining a sacred journey to bring hope and joy to this generation and the next. What makes your soul sing? Thanks for listening! Visit our website for more info: https://www.gracecityrome.com/

While some believers embrace their divisive and prideful intellect during a church conflict, the Apostle Paul models the proper church discipline with two faithful workers, free of judgement and always focused on the goal of unity in Christ and relationship reconciliation. "Unity" that abandons spiritual growth and ignores a biblical conviction of the heart cannot rightfully be called peace, as believers cannot be equally yoked with those who desire discord. Pastor John calls us to guard against pursuing unity with those who oppose the truth of who God is and what His Word states. Satanic double agents who display flagrant disobedience must be called out in the church in order to maintain the body of the church as holy and unified. Believers must agree in the Lord with our allies, while avoiding the "friendly fire" of the enemies of Christ. Thanks for listening! Visit our website for more info: https://www.gracecityrome.com/

Regardless of worldly circumstances, believers who are rooted in the Lord can live a continual life filled with peace and joy. The Apostle Paul encourages us to rejoice in all things brought on by our broken and sinful world, as we belong to an unchanging sovereign God whose standard of living is totally unrelated to the circumstances of this world. Listen as Pastor John reminds us this week that our joy in the Lord is like rain on a parched earth as we find respite from the enemies of fear and anxiety. He provides some practical, biblical strategies to unleash the holy joy in us through praise and worship, as the world struggles with numerous disorders that chain them to their anxiety. God grants believers a deep and abiding peace that surpasses human understanding, protecting our hearts and minds while we trust in His holy presence . Thanks for listening! Visit our website for more info: https://www.gracecityrome.com/

Quality mentorship is imperative for the spiritual growth of believers, as your age and the number of years professing your Christianity does not dictate the wisdom of a person. Surrounding yourself with godly people in a world full of chaos requires discernment, discipline, and a desire to grow in Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul calls for believers to live as citizens of heaven here on earth, imitating faithful followers of the Gospel, and boldly resisting worldly influences. Listen as Pastor John encourages believers to live with an eternal perspective, teaching others the Word of God, and sharing wisdom in order to strengthen each other and the body of Christ. He guides us to seek godly counsel for our lifetime and to follow the holy example of the perfect mentor, Jesus Christ. Thanks for listening! Visit our website for more info: https://www.gracecityrome.com/

Christians are not perfect people, we are just forgiven people who recognize that mankind is fatally flawed and that we need a Savior. Believers have heard the liberating call of Jesus Christ to be gloriously authentic, pressing toward the mark of spiritual maturity, always reaching for holy ambition. Listen this week as Pastor John takes us to the Apostle Paul's letter to the church at Philippi regarding our identity in Christ. The world creates identity traps with their phony pretense, their Sunday masks, and their religious facade, while Jesus offers grace and restoration for our faults and sins. We have been called out of the darkness to grow in His glorious Light ~ so carry the weight worthy of the strength we have been given in Jesus Christ. Thanks for listening! Visit our website for more info: https://www.gracecityrome.com/

The Apostle Paul performs a savage take-down of the inadequate and corrupt religious crowd in the early church era. He proudly proclaimed in the book of Philippians that all his former religious accolades and laws were rubbish compared to the joy of his new heart and his new life in Jesus Christ. Listen as Pastor John urges us to understand the distinction between religion and faith-based relationship, being well aware of the traps that the modern-day religious sect sets for authentic Christians. While the arrogant and hypocritical religious people narrowly define the legalistic, inflexible rules of the church, those in real relationship with Christ are practicing love, joy, grace, and forgiveness. Bearing the fruits of the Holy Spirit is the transforming outcome of a true believer's heart, as we know our righteousness comes only from Jesus Christ, our Savior. Thanks for listening! Visit our website for more info: https://www.gracecityrome.com/

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/

What would it be like to be part of a genuine dream team for your church? The Apostle Paul singles out a brother in Christ, Timothy, as a model for the kind of leader the church should value - those who put Christ and others first in all they do. The struggle to locate purely selfless men was as evident in the early church as it is in modern times. While sinful humans revel in their desire for status, prestige, and power, hiding behind their Sunday smiles and nice suits, Pastor John encourages us to release our white-knuckle grip on our idols of worship and allow God to transform us to be a selfless member of HIS holy team. The Holy Spirit compels us to radical faith, to unwavering trust, and to bold courage to lock arms and shields with believers, leaving behind our selfish rebellion and moving forward for the kingdom mission of the gospel. Thanks for listening! Visit our website for more info: https://www.gracecityrome.com/

This vile and broken world that we inhabit is full of warped and wicked displays of behavior, and the disgusting evidence from our current news cycles show a continuous downward spiral of moral decay. We have witnessed the evil of lost souls who celebrate the death of a Christian martyr, who harbor bitterness and anger in their hearts, and who stand boldly against any responsibility or accountability of their actions. The Apostle Paul witnessed these same sinful abominations in his early church-building era, and he warned Christians to stay blameless and pure in the face of a twisted and crooked generation. Listen as Pastor John uses Paul's letter to the Philippians to bring peace and hope to all believers in these perilous times, imploring us to be the reflection of the light of Jesus while standing firm on His gospel truth. A church filled with the beacons of light who shine brightly against the evil of our lost and dying world will become a catalyst in building the kingdom of God. Thanks for listening! Visit our website for more info: https://www.gracecityrome.com/

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/

The seeds of destruction are sown in churches across America when envy, rivalry, and selfish ambition enter in, sometimes disguised as a true ministry of the gospel. In his letter to the Philippians, the Apostle Paul acknowledges that people can sometimes do the right thing (preach the gospel) for the wrong reasons (approval of man, influence, power). Pastor John warns us today that if hearts are deceived and driven by a desperate need for recognition and validation, then the church will fail, as it cannot stand when rooted in self-righteousness. Listen now as he emboldens Christians to rejoice at the gospel message being spread, regardless of motives of the some holier-than-thou messengers. He also sets the biblical guidelines for a healthy church, one focused on the mission of kingdom advancement and founded on the gospel truth. Thanks for listening! Visit our website for more info: https://www.gracecityrome.com/

Being imprisoned typically denotes disgrace and punishment upon the outcast who experiences social shame and failure. The Apostle Paul's message to the Philippians, however, completely flips the script on this prisoner stereotype, as he defied the worldly expectations of his confinement in a Roman prison. He boldly proclaimed that his chains and his suffering were golden opportunities to lead others to freedom, as the imperial guards within the prison walls would be a captive audience for this strategic advancement of the gospel. Listen now as Pastor John delivers a compelling message regarding the Christian's radical perspective on suffering, along with a warning against the dire consequences of relying on worldly strategies to escape such suffering. As followers of Christ, we are called to choose courage over fear and to rejoice in the sanctifying pressure that deepens our spiritual growth and increases our reliance on our Lord Jesus Christ. Thanks for listening! Visit our website for more info: https://www.gracecityrome.com/

The loneliness epidemic is sweeping across our nation at statistically alarming rates, and this modern day trend is in incredible contrast to the divine, biblical design that calls us to vibrant fellowship and love for our fellow man. The Apostle Paul demonstrates in Philippians that Christians are called to be radically different, yearning to be with each other, having affection toward your brothers and sisters in Christ, and sacrificing together for the sake of the gospel. Pastor John's powerful message today recalls the true "happy few", the Christian martyrs who have joyfully counted death as a worthy sacrifice to spread the gospel, singing songs of praise and showing joy at the guillotine scaffold. He outlines a plan to combat the alienation problems of our current culture, and it starts with knowing the founder of this movement we call Christianity, Jesus Christ. Listen now as he encourages us to cut the weight of sin and complacency, live joyfully for eternal purpose, and set free the Holy Spirit to run rampant in the hearts of His people. Thanks for listening! Visit our website for more info: https://www.gracecityrome.com/

An unrivaled passion for Jesus and the gospel message is fully demonstrated by the Apostle Paul, as he pens a letter to the church of Philippi while imprisoned in a Roman jail. His message of the completed work of Jesus Christ offers believers a new perspective on some old beliefs, reiterating the promise of eternal security for those new Christians. Pastor John opens up a series on the book of Philippians this week with an exuberant message of our salvation plan, an unstoppable victory procession from election to glorification. When believers receive the gospel call away from this world, we undergo an amazing spiritual process of regeneration, where we receive a new heart, a new life, and a new desire to shift our time and our resources to building God's kingdom and serving others. The sanctification process is a challenging one for believers because the battle of the flesh rages there, but those biblical promises of eternity are worth this wild and joyful mission for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Thanks for listening! Visit our website for more info: https://www.gracecityrome.com/

Just outside the Garden of Eden Cain was the first man born into a world of sin, and through him, the ancient texts of the Bible show mankind's first demonstration of refusal to fight against one's own sinful nature. God pronounces His sovereign and righteous judgement on those who let arrogance and pride rule over their heart, yet in His infinite mercy, He offers grace to those who humbly repent and seek forgiveness. Listen this week as Brett Gossett shares a passionate sermon on overcoming our own selfishness through the process of sanctification, while presenting some tough questions regarding the sins we choose to hold onto tightly. He encourages fellow believers, who are saved by grace and marked by love, to walk in humility and selflessness, knowing that our true value comes solely from our Savior, Jesus Christ. Thanks for listening! Visit our website for more info: https://www.gracecityrome.com/

Highly valued women are viewed as essential to the early Christian church and are honored in the Bible for their obedience to their faith. In the Apostle Paul's heartfelt conclusion in his letter to the Romans, he commends the worthy efforts of the community of like-minded believers, who have shared their faith and their services while on a focused mission for the gospel. In stark contrast to the modern-day "Boss Babe" culture that encourages dominance, pride, and competition, the Bible clarifies a woman's role in the family, the church, and the community, encouraging a noble servanthood with godly attributes. Listen as Pastor John acknowledges the benefits of women's leadership in building the ancient church and encourages us to celebrate the gifts and contributions of today's women in our Christian communities. Thanks for listening! Visit our website for more info: https://www.gracecityrome.com/

One of the most influential preachers and theologians of the 19th Century, Charles Spurgeon, once asserted that "every Christian is either a missionary or an imposter". Seemingly impossible missions, whose cause is Jesus Christ, have created some unlikely heroes in our Christian past. Pastor John's message this week celebrates these past champions of the Christian faith. He guides us through the scripture that shows the Apostle Paul's heart for mission work, as the apostle pioneered the biblical model for evangelism, and created a global impact for the gospel. He emphasizes the responsibility of every believer to actively share the gospel - and then challenges us to examine our commitment to Christ's mission, whether in the local or the foreign mission fields. Let God's Word reveal the clarity of your mission for Christ! Thanks for listening! Visit our website for more info: https://www.gracecityrome.com/