Loving others is an essential part of following Jesus. But how are we supposed to do it? In this sermon, we look at the need for love, the ways of love, and the cost of love. Key Verses: Romans 12:9-21

1/19/2024 - Isaiah 50 - Not so Fast! by Richard SchwartzBy Richard Schwartz

In Romans, Paul begins to address the practicalities of living in community with other believers. Challenged to self-examination by thinking rightly about our own gifts and the gifts of those we are in close relationship with. He calls everyone to use their unique gifts in service to his greater purpose. Key Verses: Romans 12:3-8…

1/12/2025 - Luke 2:41-52 - Jesus at His Father's House by Richard SchwartzBy Richard Schwartz

At the beginning of a new year, most of us think about how we have lived and how we want to live in the future. Paul says real change is possible if we consider two things: our bodies and our minds. In this sermon, we look at what it means to offer our bodies and our minds to God and what he promises to do for us when we do. Key Verses: Romans 12:1…

1/5/2025 - 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 - A Life Pleasing to God: Part Two by Richard SchwartzBy Richard Schwartz

Guest Speaker Bo Waldo, Chaplain Ft. CampbellBy Richard Schwartz

The Messiah comes with the promise of bringing peace, but what does this mean? In this sermon, we look at the kinds of peace Jesus comes to bring, how he does it, and how we can get it. Key Verses: Isaiah 9:6-7

12/22/2024 - John 1:1-13 - Laying Hold of the Savior by Richard SchwartzBy Richard Schwartz

In Isaiah we see the unique image of a child given to us, that is also to be called our Everlasting Father. In Jesus Christ, we have the Son of God that shows us the characteristics of the perfect father. A father that will never leave us, promising to be reachable for eternity. He gives to us an everlasting father that will love us endlessly. Key …

12/15/2024 - John 1:1-5 - Jesus, the Light of the World by Richard SchwartzBy Richard Schwartz

When Jesus comes into the world, he promises to come as a “mighty God” — as someone who comes with real power. In this sermon, we look at what it means for Jesus to offer us His power in the midst of our daily lives. Key Verses: Isaiah 9:6

Guest Speaker Rev. Will Cote, RUF APSUBy Richard Schwartz

One of the clearest prophecies of Jesus’ birth, apart from the gospels, is found in Isaiah 9. Here we see that a child is born to us, that he is actually God’s son, and that God is giving him to us. As we prepare our hearts to celebrate the gift of Jesus this Christmas season, we will take a closer look at Isaiah 9:6-7 to better understand what we …

12/1/2024 - John 1:1-3 - Jesus, the Word of God by Richard SchwartzBy Richard Schwartz

Romans 8 is the culmination of the book of Romans. Throughout this chapter, Paul has shown us the powerful work of the Holy Spirit. He explained that the Holy Spirit gives life and hope in our suffering, and specifically in Romans 8:31-39, Paul points to the love of God that can only begin to be understood through the teaching of the Holy Spirit. W…

11/24/2024 - 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 - A Life Pleasing to God: Part One by Richard SchwartzBy Richard Schwartz

As we are led by the Spirit, we’ll experience both glory and suffering. Suffering isn’t meaningless; it holds the promise of future glory, which we all eagerly anticipate. As we wait for redemption, we lament what is broken in our world and move through loss towards hope. Key Verses: Romans 8:18-25

Guest Speaker Rev. Will CoteBy Richard Schwartz

Jesus fulfilled the law’s impossible task, freeing us from condemnation. This truth is essential for leading spirit-directed lives. The Spirit gives us life and direction, enabling us to join God’s family. As adopted children, we enjoy security, intimacy, and God’s presence. Now, we are called to carry on our Father’s mission. Key Verses: Romans 8:…

Guest Speaker Chris Reed - RUF TN State Univ.By Richard Schwartz

In Romans, Paul has been building a case for real lasting life change to happen for the followers of Jesus. He is proclaiming the Good News of a free mercy offered through Jesus that can lead to renewal on this earth and an eternity spent with Him. Yet, within this message of hope there is also a warning to not trust in our own abilities to keep do…

11/3/2024 - Psalm 2 - Hail to the One True King by Richard SchwartzBy Richard Schwartz

If God gives us unlimited grace, does it really matter how we live? In this sermon, we see how grace challenges us to leave our former sinful ways and to embrace a new, deeper freedom in God’s free gift of love. Key Verses: Romans 6:15-23

10/27/2024 - 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13 - What it is to Love by Richard SchwartzBy Richard Schwartz

This week, we will continue our study in the book of Romans by taking a closer look at the peace with God that is available to us through the work of Jesus Christ. Christ died for us while we were still sinners, so anyone who puts their faith in Jesus is no longer under God’s condemnation. This truth ushers in the reality of peace with God, which l…

Guest Speaker Rev. Will CoteBy Richard Schwartz

Paul focuses most of his message to the Romans on the gospel. He explains the gospel, who it is for, and how it should change everything about us. We tend to think we know the gospel and then, in turn, miss the mysteries that it reveals for us. The gospel is meant to be the good news that becomes our eternal meditation. Every day, we should meditat…

10/13/2024 - 1 Thessalonians 2 - To Be Deeply Changed by Richard SchwartzBy Richard Schwartz

The Bible makes an astounding claim: no one is righteous — not one. What does this mean? How can we accept this truth about the world and ourselves? In this sermon, we explore how Paul shows us what it means to believe this key insight into our lives, and the the hope that we have in Jesus. Key Verses: Romans 3:9-20…

Guest Speaker Kevin Teasley, RUF Chief Advancement OfficerBy Richard Schwartz

How do we have a right relationship with God? Paul tells us that it does not come from being perfect or from coming from the right circumstances, but instead because of a changed heart. In this sermon, we look at why we need our hearts to be changed, how God does it, and what he gives us through his process of changing us. Key Verses: Romans 2:25-2…

9/29/2024 - 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 - A Faith That Will Last by Richard SchwartzBy Richard Schwartz

As Paul builds the case for the Good News of Jesus being available to everyone, he points his readers towards the righteous judgement of God. God will come to bring justice and none can excuse themselves from his judgement; neither the morally corrupt or the self-righteous rule followers. Our only hope for repentance comes when we are drawn towards…

9/22/2024 - Acts 17:1-9 - Resistance to the Gospel by Richard SchwartzBy Richard Schwartz

As Paul begins his argument for our need of God’s salvation, he tells us an uncomfortable truth: that we have no excuses for not being aware of who God is. In this sermon, we look at how God sends each of us a message of his presence, why we often ignore it, and how he responds. Key Verses: Romans 1:18-23…

Guest Speaker, Rev. Britton Wood, RUF Area CoordinatorBy Richard Schwartz

Paul’s letter to the church in Rome, written thousands of years ago, still stands as the fullest exploration of what it means to be saved by God’s grace. In this sermon, we begin our series in this letter by looking at what Paul teaches about grace and the power it can bring into our lives today. Key Verses: Romans 1:1-5, 16-17…

Rev. James Jardin, RUF - W. KentuckyBy Richard Schwartz

Paul calls us to imitate Christ in all we do. This is a lifelong call that all Christians should regularly be living for, but one of the places we miss in how to accomplish this is in righteous play. Living for Christ and reflecting Him in our lives should involve the regular work of righteous play. In this sermon, we look at why God values play in…

9/1/2024 - Ephesians 4:11-16 - Community: The Means of Growth by Richard SchwartzBy Richard Schwartz

In the final chapter of Nehemiah, we see that God’s people have again forgotten about God and returned to their selfish ways of living. In this sermon, we look at why we have so much trouble being good, what God does about it, and how we can respond to him today. Key Verses: Nehemiah 13:23-27

Guest Speaker Rev. Carter Crenshaw, Founding Pastor, West End Community Church NashvilleBy Richard Schwartz

In Nehemiah, the rebuilding of the wall is complete, the people have listened to the Law, and made oaths to stay faithful. At this stage they experience hearts that are overwhelmed with the goodness of God and they come together to celebrate and make a joyful noise. Celebration is essential to our lives as Christians as well, giving us opporutnity …

8/18/2024 - Matthew 5:13-16 - Community: The Means of Outreach by Richard SchwartzBy Richard Schwartz

Throughout history, one things is repeatedly proven: our hearts are a mess. It was the same for God’s people in Nehemiah, too. In this sermon, we look at what is wrong with the human heart, how God gives us his mercy, and why he calls us to obedience. Key Verses: Nehemiah 10:28-29

After God’s people rebuild the wall, they spend a month listening to God’s commands. In this sermon, we look at what the law is, why it matters to his people, and how he wants us to use it today. Key Verses: Nehemiah 8:1-3, 8-12

Rev. Will Cote, RUF APSUBy Richard Schwartz

8/4/2024 - Luke 10:38-42 - Following the Lord by Richard SchwartzBy Richard Schwartz

After all that Nehemiah and the Jewish people have overcome the work on rebuilding the wall comes to a halt. Why? Because money and greed have led to division amongst the Jewish people. The work can only be continued through Nehemiah’s actions of generous sacrificial living. Today we look at how we can begin to live a life fully invested in God thr…