Summitpa Sermon Audio

In his Easter sermon on Romans 5:12-21, Pastor Mel explained how Adam’s one act of disobedience introduced sin and death as a universal problem into the world, as seen in the Genesis 3 account of the Fall, affecting all humanity—even before the law was given—with Adam serving as a symbol of the coming Christ. Christ’s righteousness offers forgiveness, the gift of righteousness, new life, and a restored friendship with God to everyone who receives it, even those we disagree with. Mel defined grace as getting what we don’t deserve (unlike mercy, which spares us from what we do deserve). He noted that the law was given to reveal our sinfulness; yet where sin abounded, God’s grace abounded even more, allowing believers to triumph over sin and death as grace now reigns, resulting in eternal life. He closed by reminding listeners that no one is beyond God’s redeeming covering—illustrated by the animal skins God provided Adam and Eve.

In Pastor Mel's sermon on Romans 5:1-11, he teaches about God’s transformation of humanity. Because we have been made right by faith, we now enjoy peace with God through Jesus (and therefore peace with ourselves). We stand in undeserved grace, and confidently rejoice in the hope of sharing God’s glory. Even trials produce endurance, character, and an unshakeable hope that never disappoints, since God has poured His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit—the true evidence of His affection that so many opt out of. At just the right time, while we were utterly helpless sinners and enemies of God, Christ died for us, reconciling us, saving us from condemnation, and restoring friendship with God. Much like Abraham was called God’s friend, Jesus declares His obedient followers to be His friends rather than slaves.

Pastor Kim’s sermon on Romans 4:13–25 unpacks the Big Idea that God’s promise has always been received by faith, not performance—and that same faith available to Abraham is still available to us today. She opens by showing in Point 1 that the promise cannot be earned: the law only brings wrath and curse (Romans 4:15; Galatians 3:10–11), so trying to obey it to earn what God freely gives is pointless and exhausting. In Point 2 she declares the promise is for everyone—a free gift (Romans 4:16; Ephesians 2:8–9) that makes Abraham the father of all who believe, granting new status, new family, and new future in Christ regardless of background. Point 3 celebrates Abraham’s persevering faith: he anchored himself in the God who raises the dead and creates out of nothing (Romans 4:17), chose God’s word over what his eyes could see (vv. 18–19), and let his faith grow stronger until it glorified God (vv. 20–22), proving that imperfect faith in a perfect God still counts. Finally, in Point 4 she shows that this story wa

In his sermon on Romans 4:1-12, Pastor Mel explores how Abraham, the forefather of the Jewish nation, was made right with God not through works or human achievement but through faith alone. Drawing from Genesis 15:6, he emphasizes that Abraham "believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness," a principle Paul uses to show that justification is a gift, not earned wages—contrasting it with the wages of sin being death (Romans 6:23). Pastor Mel highlights David's description in Psalm 32 of the joy that comes from sins forgiven without reliance on personal merit, then addresses the timing of Abraham's righteousness: it occurred before his circumcision, making Abraham the spiritual father of both uncircumcised Gentiles and circumcised Jews who share his faith. Ultimately, the message underscores that true fulfillment of the law and right standing with God come through faith, as illustrated by Abraham's obedient trust in God's promises despite uncertainty, positioning him as the model for all believers—Je

In his sermon on Romans 3:21-31, Pastor Mel explains how God has revealed a new way of righteousness apart from the law, a righteousness manifested through faith in Jesus Christ and available to all—Jews and Gentiles alike—who believe. He emphasizes the universal reality that all have sinned and fall short of God's glory, yet through God's grace, believers are justified as a free gift, made right in His sight because Jesus was presented as a propitiation (hilasterion) by His blood, satisfying divine justice and demonstrating God's fairness in both forgiving past sins and justifying present believers. This sacrifice underscores that no one can boast in works or law-keeping for acceptance before God; salvation comes solely by faith, not by obeying the law. Pastor Mel highlights the inclusive nature of the gospel—one God justifying both Jews and Gentiles through faith alone—while affirming that faith does not nullify the law but truly fulfills it, echoing Jesus' own words about fulfilling rather than abolishing

In Pastor Mel's sermon on Romans 3:1-20, he addresses the divided church in Rome—composed of returning Jews and a now predominantly Gentile congregation—where Paul seeks to foster unity through a clear presentation of the gospel. While affirming the genuine privileges given to the Jews, such as being entrusted with God's revelation, Paul firmly rejects any notion that Jewish unfaithfulness nullifies God's faithfulness, quoting Psalm 51 to declare that God remains true and just even when humans lie. He dismantles objections that sin somehow glorifies God or excuses judgment, condemning the twisted idea that "the more we sin, the better." Paul then levels the playing field by citing multiple Old Testament passages to prove that all people—Jews and Gentiles alike—are under sin's power, with no one righteous, wise, or seeking God on their own; humanity's universal corruption is evident in deceitful speech, violence, misery, and a total lack of fear of God. Ultimately, the law's purpose is not to justify anyone bu

Pastor Mel's sermon on Romans 2:17-29 challenges those who rely on external religious identity and privileges—particularly the Jews in the Roman church who boasted in their knowledge of God's law, their special relationship with God, and circumcision—while failing to live in obedience to it. He highlights Paul's pointed confrontation: they teach others yet fail to teach themselves, condemning sins like stealing, adultery, and idolatry while secretly committing them, thereby dishonoring God and causing Gentiles to blaspheme His name. Drawing modern parallels, Mel equates outward circumcision or church attendance with having value only when accompanied by genuine obedience; otherwise, it offers no advantage. True Jewish identity (and by extension, true belonging to God's people) is not outward or merely physical but inward—a heart transformed by the Spirit, producing real righteousness through faith rather than legalistic performance. This inward change seeks God's praise alone, underscoring Paul's call for aut

Pastor Mel's sermon on Romans 2:1-16 challenges listeners not to hypocritically judge others for the sins listed in Romans 1:29-32—such as wickedness, greed, envy, gossip, and heartlessness—while committing the same things themselves, as this self-condemnation leaves no excuse before God's impartial justice. He emphasizes that God's kindness, tolerance, and patience are intended to lead people to repentance, yet a stubborn, hard, and impenitent heart stores up wrath for the coming day of righteous judgment, where God will render to each person according to their deeds rather than mere intentions or hearing the law. Good actions, pursued in seeking God's glory, lead to eternal life, honor, and peace for both Jews and Gentiles alike, while self-centered wickedness brings anger and calamity, with no favoritism shown. Even Gentiles without the written law demonstrate an innate moral awareness through conscience, proving God's law is written on human hearts. The sermon concludes by underscoring that on the day of

In his sermon on Romans 1:18-32, Pastor Collin explains why humanity desperately needs the righteousness and salvation offered through Jesus Christ. Although God has clearly revealed Himself through creation, people suppress the truth, refuse to worship or thank Him, and instead turn to idols and foolish thinking. As a result, God’s wrath is revealed—not primarily as direct punishment, but by “giving people over” to their sinful desires, allowing them to reap the consequences of their rebellion. This leads to widespread moral breakdown, including sexual immorality, idolatry, greed, hatred, gossip, and all kinds of wickedness. Pastor Collin emphasizes that these sins are not just targeting one group, but reveal the universal brokenness of humanity when we exchange the truth of God for lies. The solution is to repent, reject our idols, humbly acknowledge our sin, and return to wholehearted worship of the Creator, finding hope and healing through the righteousness of Christ.

Pastor Mel's sermon on Romans 1:1-17 serves as an introduction to the book of Romans, highlighting Paul’s identity as a willing slave of Christ Jesus, called and sent as an apostle to proclaim the gospel—the long-promised Good News about God’s Son, Jesus Christ, descended from David and powerfully declared Son of God through His resurrection. Paul establishes common ground for the divided Roman believers by emphasizing the gospel’s universal scope, extending grace and apostolic authority to bring Gentiles to faith and obedience for God’s glory, reaching “across the street and around the globe,” including his planned mission to Spain. He expresses deep gratitude for the Roman Christians’ renowned faith, his constant prayer for them, and his longing to visit—not as a stranger, but to impart spiritual gifts, strengthen them, and be mutually encouraged—while fulfilling his obligation to preach the gospel to all people, educated and uneducated alike. Unashamed of the gospel, Paul boldly declares it to be God’s sav

Pastor Christina's sermon, concluding the "Prepare the Way" series, draws from Isaiah 40:3-5 and the story of Moses in Exodus to explore how believers prepare for God's calling. She emphasizes that a calling is not based on personal performance, qualifications, or position, but on intimately knowing Jesus, trusting Him, and obeying Him. Using Moses' life—from his failed attempt to deliver his people through violence, his 40 years in exile, to God's burning bush encounter—she addresses three common obstacles: unmet expectations (when things don't unfold as imagined), feelings of inadequacy (questioning one's qualifications), and doubts about authority (needing assurance of God's power). Through Scripture, including God's self-revelation as "I AM" and Jesus' promise of His presence and all authority in Matthew 28, she stresses that God's calling depends on His unchanging goodness, faithfulness, and presence rather than human ability. Ultimately, she encourages us to daily cultivate a relationship with Jesus, re

In the third message of our series called Prepare the Way, Pastor Mel draws from Matthew 3:1-3 and Isaiah 40:3-5 to emphasize preparing for a move of God by surrendering personal control and allowing divine leadership, as illustrated by the Israelites' obedience to the pillar of cloud and fire in Exodus 13, 40, and Numbers 9. Just as the people followed God's visible guidance—moving or staying precisely when the cloud lifted or settled—believers today must yield navigation and direction to the Holy Spirit rather than relying on their own plans. This preparation involves a responsive "move" from God's people, modeled by the disciples who immediately left their nets and boats to follow Jesus' call in Mark 1, and reinforced by Jesus' words in John 5 that the Father is always at work, prompting His followers to join Him. The sermon culminates in encouragement from Philippians 1:3-6, affirming that God, who begins a good work in believers, will faithfully complete it.

In the second message of our series called Prepare the Way, Pastor Mel draws from Matthew 3:1-3 to emphasize preparing the way for God's blessings through complete obedience, illustrating the concept with the story of King Saul from 1 Samuel 15, where Saul's partial compliance in destroying the Amalekites—sparing King Agag and the best livestock while claiming to sacrifice them to God—resulted in divine rejection, as "obedience is better than sacrifice" (1 Samuel 15:22). Defining blessing as divine favor and happiness (from Hebrew "barak" meaning to bless or kneel, "esher" for happiness, and Greek "makarios" for blessed or happy), he contrasts it with Luke 11:27-28, stressing that true blessing comes from hearing and practicing God's word rather than mere rituals or good intentions, warning that disguising disobedience with spiritual excuses or fear of people leads to regret and loss, as seen in Saul's downfall (1 Chronicles 10:13-14). He concludes with John 14:15-21, urging that loving Jesus manifests in obe

In the first message of our series called Prepare the Way, Pastor Mel draws from John the Baptist's call in Matthew 3 and Isaiah 40 to urge believers to actively prepare their hearts for God's presence, much like preparing a home for an honored guest. Using the analogy of hosting a visitor, he outlines three practical steps: first, "Clean Up" by confessing sin and pursuing inner purity, supported by passages like Matthew 23, 1 John 1, and Psalm 51; second, "Declutter" by removing worldly worries and distractions that choke spiritual fruitfulness, emphasizing undivided devotion to the Lord as encouraged in Matthew 6 and 1 Corinthians 7; and third, "Serve the Guest" by prioritizing what pleases God—rejoicing over lost sinners coming to repentance, offering praise and thanksgiving, and delighting Him through the lives of His humble, obedient people. Ultimately, the message calls listeners to make straight paths in their hearts so that every obstacle is removed, the ground leveled, and the glory of the Lord fully

In the final message of our "Even Though" series, Pastor Mel draws from 2 Corinthians 6 to explore the paradoxical "yet" statements in Paul's ministry—such as being sorrowful yet always rejoicing, poor yet making many rich, and having nothing yet possessing everything—emphasizing that true Christian hope is the joyful anticipation of good in Christ, even amid hardship, suffering, and misunderstanding. He contrasts the dysfunctional yet beloved Corinthian church's worldly values of wealth, eloquence, and success with Paul's countercultural defense of authentic ministry marked by patient endurance (hypomone), purity, kindness, sincere love, and faithfulness regardless of honor or slander. Mel encourages listeners to find lasting hope not in comfortable circumstances or material blessings, but in God's goodness and sufficiency alone, culminating in a gospel invitation for salvation and an affirmation that genuine joy and purpose are found in surrender to Christ, no matter the trials faced.

In the third message of our series called Even Though, Pastor Mel preaches a Christmas Eve sermon centered on the biblical meaning of hope as a joyful anticipation of good that is future-oriented and rooted externally in God's unfailing promises, distinct from mere wishing and closely tied to faith in the person of Jesus. Drawing from Isaiah 54:10, Mel emphasizes God's unbreakable covenant of peace (beriyth shalom)—an alliance of completeness, welfare, and well-being—that remains steadfast even if mountains shake or hills are removed, assuring God's compassionate, unfailing love for His people despite Israel's exile and judgment. This covenant promise finds its ultimate fulfillment in the birth of Jesus, as announced in Luke 2:10-14, where the angels proclaim good news of great joy, a Savior born in Bethlehem, and peace on earth among those with whom God is pleased—echoing the hope that, because of Christ's coming, believers can confidently anticipate God's goodwill and covenant faithfulness.

In the second message of our series called Even Though, Pastor Mel further surveys the question, "What is hope?" by exploring the Old Testament book of Habakkuk. Defining hope as the joyful anticipation of good, he contrasts the prophet's honest complaints about suffering and injustice with God's powerful responses, highlighting key verses like Habakkuk 2:2-3 (write the vision and wait for it) and 2:4 (the righteous shall live by faith). Building to the climax in chapter 3, Mel emphasizes Habakkuk's resolve to rejoice in the Lord and find strength in God "even though" every circumstance fails—no blossoms, no fruit, no food, no herds—pointing to God's past mighty acts of salvation and His promise to revive His work with mercy amid wrath. The message closes with a stirring call to live with this same "yet" faith: trembling at God's power but quietly waiting and rejoicing in Him as the God of our salvation, no matter what comes.

In the first message of our series called Even Though, Pastor Mel explored Psalm 23:4, emphasizing that biblical hope is a joyful anticipation of good rooted in God's external promises rather than mere wishful thinking. Drawing parallels between faith—which often relates to past, present, and relational trust in Jesus—and future-oriented hope, he focused on the verse's powerful declaration: even while walking through the valley of deep darkness or the shadow of death, believers need not fear evil because the Lord, as the Good Shepherd, is personally present with them. Mel highlighted the comforting role of the shepherd's rod and staff as tools of protection and guidance, connected God's provision and protection in verses 1-4 to Jesus fulfilling Old Testament promises in John 10, and wove in the Christmas story from Luke 2 and Matthew 1, where angels repeatedly proclaim "fear not" because Immanuel—"God with us"—has come to bring peace and great joy. Ultimately, he acknowledged the honest struggle that even tho

In his sermon "Called to the Wall" from Nehemiah 2:17-18, Pastor Jim powerfully challenges the church to hear and respond to the desperate cry of "Someone help us!" that echoes from broken lives all around—from persecuted believers and unreached tribes to struggling neighbors and those battling illness or identity confusion. Drawing from Nehemiah’s example, he shows how a holy calling begins not with strategy or resources, but with tears and sorrow over people living in disgrace because the protective "walls" of God’s presence and purpose lie in ruins. Pastor Jim urges believers to let those tears soften their hearts, reject anger and blame, and say a resolute "Let us rise up and build!"—knowing that opposition will come the moment gaps begin to close, yet God’s covenant promises and prospering power far outweigh every mocking voice. Ultimately, the sermon is a stirring call for every person in the room to return to the wall, take their assigned place alongside their family, and partner with Jesus in rebuildi

In the eighth message of our series called Feasts, Pastor Stef taught that the Sabbath is not merely a rule to obey but a profound gift from God designed to expose and heal our areas of distrust. Drawing from the Israelites’ grumbling in Exodus 16, she showed how their complaints about hunger revealed a deeper lack of trust in God’s provision, and how God responded by giving the Sabbath—with double manna on the sixth day—as a weekly opportunity to practice dependence on Him. The Sabbath, Stef emphasized, declares our trust in God’s care when we deliberately cease work, rest, and play, reminding us that we are loved not for what we produce but for who we are. Ultimately, as Jesus declared in Mark 2, the Sabbath was made for our good, inviting us to stop striving, renew our minds, and experience transformation by living in the reality that the Son of Man is Lord even over the Sabbath.