Dabbling in issues of free will and sovereignty, in Romans 9-11 Paul offers a tour-de-force explanation of why Israel's rejection of Jesus does not mean God has been unfaithful to Israel. Yet despite all the complications involved, Paul's final diagnosis is simple: God has shut up all in sin in order to show mercy to all.

Vista Community Church

We Will Not Be Disappointed

The Apostle Paul discusses how believers should respond to the government... specifically instructing those in the church to not pursue political zealotry, but rather seek to live as good citizens who respect authority and obey the laws.

Good Citizens and Residents

What is forming you? Christ or culture? If you are being molded more everyday into the image of Christ, it is going to change the way you see and engage the world; it is going to change the way you view the Church, the Body of Christ, and participate in Christian community; and it will change the way you respond to those who oppose and mistreat you.

Christoformity

The Roman churches are divided between two groups: the weak and the strong. Who are they and why are they in conflict? Should our morality be more cautious and conservative, or more lenient and laissez faire?

Weak & Strong

Starting in chapter 16, we learn that all the complicated theological stuff Paul says in the first half of Romans builds to a simple goal that's revealed at the end of the book. Paul wants these 5 small Roman house churches to be the united and scandalously diverse family of God they've been called to be by learning to embrace one another in Christ, despite their differences.

Twenty-Six Names

Christians throughout history have believed that Jesus will return one day. Jesus himself said that he would return and it is spoken of by many New Testament writers. The second coming of Christ is an essential doctrine that the church continues to hold today. But what will Jesus do upon his return and what does that mean for us here and now?

Consummation

Paul says that the gospel is of "first importance." The fact that Christ died for our sin, was buried and rose from the grave is the most important thing we can know because it's by his work that we are saved. Most Christians know, if even on a surface level, that Christ died for them. However, a greater understanding of exactly what Christ accomplished for us at the cross will lead to a greater appreciation of the gospel and a deeper love and devotion to Jesus.

Salvation

Discussing Ephesians 1:18-23, we learn that besides Jesus, the Church is the greatest thing that's ever happened to the world, and despite all of her flaws, the Church makes God believable.

Church & Worship

Humans are created in the image of God, and yet fallen and in need of redemption. Balancing our dignity and depravity is tricky, and the ancient practice of confession keeps us grounded in our belovedness yet humble and honest about our sinfulness.

Humanity & Confession

What a church believes about scripture is extremely important. We desire to be a church that "rightly handles the word of truth" as the apostle Paul encourages Timothy (II Tim. 2:15). But what does it mean to "rightly handle the word of truth" and how do we do that?

Scripture

We start off our series by exploring the essential beliefs and practices of Christianity so that our faith stays both faithful and fresh. Because we don't get to make Christianity up! So what do Christians believe about God, and what does prayer have to do with that?

God & Prayer

Despite all that Joseph has done for his brothers, they still have a hard time accepting that he is good and genuinely loves them. They continue to doubt his mercy, grace, and forgiveness. Often this is the way we are with God. Joseph's life parallels that of Jesus in many ways. His story reminds us of the gospel where a good God demonstrated his love and forgiveness for sinners. When we learn to fully trust God's love and forgiveness then we will live life with much more joy and purpose.

The Story of Joseph (Part 8)

Guest Preacher - Sean Palmer

Joseph finally reveals himself to his brothers in Gen. 45. It's one of the most beautiful expressions of forgiveness anywhere in the Bible. Joseph forgives his brothers completely and they are reconciled to their brother. As humans who sin against one another, forgiveness is one of the most difficult things we must learn. For believers in Jesus, it's not a mere suggestion... it's a command. As we explore Joseph's forgiveness toward his brothers, hopefully we can learn how to be people who practice forgiveness towards those who have hurt and wounded us.

The Story of Joseph (Part 7)

As we continue to look at the life of Joseph, we see a transformation take place in his brother Judah. He goes from being someone who is completely selfish, hard-hearted, cruel, and far from God, to being someone who is willing to sacrifice himself for his brother and help heal his family. Like much of the Old Testament, this points us to Jesus (the Lion of the tribe of Judah) who will also sacrifice himself for those he loves.

The Story of Joseph (Part 6)

We offer 3 identical services each Sunday and our hope is that you will feel loved, welcomed, and wanted. We also hope that you can leave knowing that God loves you, cares for you, and has a plan for your life!

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Vista Community Church

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