Pastor John Lovell

Grab A Shovel

ll Christians are missionaries, called by God to join King Jesus to spread the gospel message. Jesus lived the perfect example of seeking and saving the lost souls of the world, while suffering greatly for this holy work. The Bible is very clear about believers' commitments to that exact same mission. Listen this week as Pastor Andy assures believers that a crown of righteousness awaits those who faithfully endure the suffering work to fulfill your ministry. Your family, your neighborhood, and your job are the greatest opportunities for building spiritual strength through consistent mission work. He implores believers to remain committed to Jesus' mission as His victory -and ours- is certain! Thanks for listening! Visit our website for more info: https://www.gracecityrome.com/ [https://www.gracecityrome.com/]

FANS or FOLLOWERS? | Mark 3:7-21

The New Testament engages readers with story after story of the disciples of Christ being beaten and broken, yet they always considered it worthy to suffer dishonor for the glory of our Holy God and His gospel message. They were the ones handpicked by Jesus, the true followers and not just the fans who benefited from His noble and generous actions. Listen this week as Pastor John asks believers some tough questions to help us discern between being either a true follower of Christ, one who joins a mission with continuous repentance and service, or a common fan of Jesus, one who benefits from the ministry but is unwilling to repent and suffer for Him. Just as Jesus encouraged the disciples to separate themselves from the crowd of fans, He is calling us to be set apart from the world and to become true instruments in His blessed work, the Gospel mission! Thanks for listening! Visit our website for more info: https://www.gracecityrome.com/ [https://www.gracecityrome.com/]

Why Sabbath is so Crucial | Mark 2:23 - 3:6

The Bible clearly commands that God's children keep the Sabbath holy, taking time to rest and enjoy the presence of God. Yet the modern-day hustle culture, as well as the legalistic, religious elite of the New Testament, distorts this spiritual discipline of honoring God on the Sabbath. One of Satan's favorite tactics is distraction, so he loves when our calendars are full of activities that take us away from resting and honoring our Lord.  Listen this week as Pastor John challenges believers to protect the Sabbath, knowing that we are divinely designed to need a solemn day of rest each week. When we follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit to obey this commandment, supernatural blessings are unleashed and our souls are nourished for His glory!  Thanks for listening! Visit our website for more info: https://www.gracecityrome.com/ [https://www.gracecityrome.com/]

The Best Party in Town | Mark 2:18-22

Jesus always throws the best party in town, and true to their hypocritical character, the religious elite called Him out for it. The stoic, "holy on demand" Pharisee crowd couldn't grasp the concept of freedom from the Old Testament Laws, and they held tightly to their restrictive performance pressures to be holy. Listen this week as Pastor John encourages the hearts of the believers through the story of Jesus feasting while the others fasted, breaking the ceremonial laws of the land. He urges us to create spirit-filled homes and communities where Jesus is celebrated and where those who adore Him cling to unity, break out in worshipful song, and enjoy the presence of our Holy God! Thanks for listening! Visit our website for more info: https://www.gracecityrome.com/ [https://www.gracecityrome.com/]

Matthew & the Call of the Unworthy | Mark 2:13-17

When Jesus Christ stepped into His earthly ministry, creating the most powerful religion on the planet, He didn't qualify His disciples through a resume filled with worldly accolades. The clever, hard-working, skilled leaders with excellent management and fund-raising skills were not the priority for Him, as He chose the unwanted, the poor, and the broken. God does not choose His teams like people do - He chooses the unworthy whose hearts are in need of rescue. Listen this week as Pastor John details the nature of Jesus's invitation, calling the most hated sinners to leave it all and follow Him. There was no mission statement, no begging or bargaining, no explanation of what this journey would entail - just pure faith in the Messiah that had come as promised! Jesus called out the proud and the arrogant who can never be satisfied outside of Jesus Christ Himself, and encourages all believers to just follow Him. Thanks for listening! Visit our website for more info: https://www.gracecityrome.com/ [https://www.gracecityrome.com/]