Taking Sin Seriously

First UMC of Cocoa Beach

Media

Taking Sin Seriously

Romans: Message 1

October 8, 2023 • Pastor Mark Reynolds • Romans 1:16–25

Give

This is the first message in a series on Paul's letter to the Romans. Beginning with chapter one, Pastor Mark helps us answer the question: What is sin and how does it work? After exploring the dynamics that drive human suffering, he explains God's rescue plan and offers an invitation to follow Jesus. Tune in as we begin this journey together!

We Are Family: Gift and Responsibility

October 29, 2023 • Pastor Mark Reynolds • Romans 13:8–10

Being part of a happy and healthy family is a gift, but it’s also a task and responsibility. We build love and support over time by the way we treat each other. This is true not only in our biological family but also in our church family. The quality of our relationships determines whether our church will be a safe place for people to healing and grow into the image of Jesus. The good news is that we get to decide what kind of presence we will be. In this message, Pastor Mark looks at three practices of a healthy church in Paul’s letter to the Romans, focusing on chapters 12-15. This empowers us to focus on what’s most important and be united in a common vision. This is the fourth and final message of the Romans series.

Healing Is Hard Work

October 22, 2023 • Pastor Mark Reynolds • Romans 7—8

Everyone suffers, but not all suffering is the same. If we trust God, He can transform our pain into something productive. However, healing is hard work and takes time. Are we willing to put in the spiritual and emotional work necessary to build something new? Reflecting on the story of human trafficking victim, Barbara Amaya, Pastor Mark shows how God empowers us to participate in our own healing.

God Loves You To Death

October 15, 2023 • Pastor Mark Reynolds • Romans 5:1–8

Why do Christians say, "God saves us through the death of Jesus?" And what's up with all the sacrifice and blood imagery in the Bible, which some people find cruel and gross? In this message, we answer these questions by pointing to an essential claim in Paul's letter to the Romans, that we are "justified by grace through faith." What exactly does this mean? Pastor Mark walks us through this idea, giving clear definitions and helping us to see that it all comes down to one thing: God loves you to death and saves you for a purpose! Tune and and share this message with friends. (We had some video technical difficulty at the beginning of the message, but the video resumes a couple of minutes after Pastor Mark starts preaching.)