http://www.newlifeassemblydfw.org/

New Life Assembly of God, 812 Harrison Lane, Hurst, TX (2026)

04/04/2026

Day 40 – Romans 16:25-27
Doxology

Pastor David Barnett

I always love the way the Apostle Paul uses lists. Lists are a wonderful way to organize thoughts; organization helps people remember those thoughts because they come together in an interconnected system. In closing the letter to the Romans, Paul gives a beautiful list, as follows (vv. 25-27)

[Rom 16:25-27 ESV] 25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith-- 27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.

Here is Paul’s outline:

1. All glory goes only to the only wise God who strengthens us.
2. He strengthens us...
A. by the gospel message of Jesus Christ
B. by revelation of the mystery
i. that had been a secret
ii. but disclosed by the prophets
iii. now made known to all nations
C. by His command
D. to bring us into obedience to the faith

AMEN!

04/03/2026

Day 39 – Romans 16:17-24
Final instructions and greetings

Pastor David Barnett

I find it interesting that, as Paul concludes this very weighty letter to the church in Rome, he warns them about “those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught” (v. 17). Some interpret this statement as referring to people in the church who are causing division, but Paul makes it very clear that he is speaking of false teachers throughout the Christian faith. They are ministers who serve “their own appetites” and utilize “smooth talk and flattery” to “deceive the hearts of the naive.” (V. 18)

The world is filled with those who profess to be teaching and preaching true Christianity, but their message, their motives, and their methods are twisted. A quick internet search or scrolling through radio and television channels will reveal lots of teachers and preachers who are manipulating God’s word and God’s people for personal gain. How do we discern who is teaching truth and who is a teaching falsehood?

First, we need to develop spiritual maturity. We do this through discipleship and spiritual formation. In other letters, Paul shares imagery of developing spiritual maturity as desiring meat instead of milk, running a race, etc. This is how we become wise instead of naive.

Second, we need to know who to trust. In the prior vv. 1-16, Paul has listed the leadership in Rome that he commends. Now, in vv. 21-23, he names those who are currently with him in ministry, and sends their greetings to the church.

Finally, we must know God’s word, understand it well, and trust it. True doctrine is revealed in and measured by Scripture.

04/02/2026

Day 38 – Romans 16:1-16
Personal greetings

Pastor David Barnett

Days 38-40 conclude our 40 day journey through Paul’s epistle to the Romans. Chapter 16 is an extended personal note from Paul to his beloved friends in Rome and final instructions for the church. In verses 1-16, I call your attention to the “titles” Paul uses to describe the various people on his greeting list.

We begin with Phoebe (vv. 1-2). Some English versions call her “servant”, but others translate it the more formal term “deacon”. It is, in fact, the Greek word DIAKONOS. In other places where this word is used in the New Testament, the word very clearly suggests a distinct position of church leadership. It is the same word that Paul uses in 1 Timothy 3 to express leadership qualifications.

Next, Paul recognizes the married couple Prisca and Aquilla (v. 3) and Urbanus (v. 9) as “fellow workers” or SYNERGOS in Greek. It’s the same word Paul uses in v. 21 to refer to Timothy. The general connotation is that a SYNERGOS is a believer actively working alongside a DIAKONOS in ministry.

Many scholars and church leaders believe that Paul’s recognition of Phoebe as a DIAKONOS and Prisca as a SYNERGOS offer very strong support for the rightful place of women as well as men in church ministry and leadership.

Finally, Paul greets “workers” Mary (v. 6), Tryphaena, Tryphosa, and Persis (v. 12), all women. The word translated “worker” is KOPIAO, or laborer. This term gives the sense that the person is laboring or working hard on behalf of someone or something–in this instance, the Church at Rome.

Thank God for all the willing, capable, and called women of the Kingdom!

04/01/2026

Day 37 – Romans 15:22-33
Paul's plan to visit Rome

Steve Royer

Paul was longing for a visit to Rome but had been hindered in his plans to do so. He was looking forward to enjoying the company of the believers, yet he recognized the priority of preaching the Gospel to those who had not heard of Jesus. Paul put God's plans ahead of his desire for comforting fellowship with other believers. He would be able to spend limited time with believers in Rome on his way to Spain and expressed gratitude for that blessing. In preparation for his journey, he appealed for the believers to unite with him in earnest wrestling in prayer to God on his behalf. He was intentional in his request to be delivered from unbelievers and that his mission would be well-received by God's people in the area of his visit.

When I prepare for trips, I generally consider what I need to take with me and what I will do while I am at my destination. Paul focused his preparation on reaching the people for Christ and prayed that they would be ready to receive in advance of his visit. I will shift my focus in preparation for my future trips to being a brighter light for Christ and reaching the hearts of people whom God places in my path.

04/01/2026

Day 36 – Romans 15:14-21
Paul the Minister to the Gentiles

Juliana Barnett

In this passage, Paul reaffirms his calling to be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles. In fulfilling this call, he didn't just preach the gospel of salvation but also instructed believers how to live before God. Paul is grateful to God that he received such a call–speaking only of the things God did through him to bring salvation to the Gentiles.

Paul sees himself as somewhat of a "pioneer" as the Lord allowed his ministry to flourish from Jerusalem in the east all the way to Illyricum (which is modern-day Yugoslavia and Albania) in the west. Paul does not gloat in this fact, but he does recognize his calling confirmed in passages found in the Old Testament such as Isaiah 52:15, "Those who have never been told of him will see, and those who have never heard will understand."

03/30/2026

Day 35 – Romans 15:1-13
The Example of Christ

Charles Umphress

A basic fact is that 15 comes after 14. That doesn't really sound profound, but sometimes we forget scriptures were not written with chapter and verse. The Bible has been annotated so we can find and remember specific truths from God's Word. However, in this instance, chapter 15 follows immediately after chapter 14. Chapter 14 ends with "…For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin." Chapter 15 begins, "We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, 'The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me'."

I think it was in Antioch where the believers were first called Christians, because they followed Christ. If we call ourselves Christians, we should be following the example of Christ. Here it records the actions of Christ. He wasn't here to please himself, and that should not be our own motivation either.

Paul says in verse 1 "We who are strong…." What is he really saying? Mature Christians, regardless of age, should show grace and mercy to new Christians. I don't think I do that very well sometimes. "…whatever does not proceed from faith is sin" and "We who are strong have an obligation to bear the failings of the weak…"

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." (Romans 15:13) Remember this comes after Romans 14, where God tells us in verse 17, "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." When God repeats himself, we need to listen. "…Peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" so you may abound in hope. Do you need hope today? Hope is what happens when we follow the example of Christ.

03/28/2026

Day 34 – Romans 14:13-23
Do not cause another to stumble

Charles Umphress

To read and understand scripture, context is important. Who is writing the passage? Who is the intended reader? What is the context in time, culture, and specific location? The questions you ask yourself and the lessons God is teaching you impact how you understand a verse, a chapter, and a book in the Bible. I fully support the idea that God's Word is always true, and it applies to everyone. However, everyone is not the same. How you were raised, when you were raised, and where you were raised has context.

This passage, like others that talk about judgement and how we judge others, are written to, and about, specific situations. Romans was written to the Christians in Rome. (Romans 1:7) Rome, very much like DFW today, is made up of people from many other places, and included the very wealthiest people of the world, the poorest of slaves, and everyone in between. It is reasonable to assume the believers came from all of those classes and cultures of people. Some Christians had strict dietary believes and practices, although a Jew from Jerusalem had very different diets from a Christian from Africa, Asia, or Europe. Other Christians liked to try new foods, and discovered they really like bacon, or sushi, or Greek salad, or…. You get the picture. The same applies to the beverages people drank, and even the clothes people wear. I lived in Key West for a year, where shorts, swimsuits, t-shirts, and flipflops are normal attire, even on Sunday. It is a tropical island.

The point of this passage is still very true today, especially in DFW where this mix of cultures and backgrounds are part of everyday life. A Christian is not defined by what they eat or drink. Christians are defined by who they are in Christ. Read closely vv. 17-19. Who are we to judge others who are already accepted by God? We will all answer to God, but only for ourselves. Each of us is accountable for following God, but we are accountable to God. We cannot please everyone, so I recommend you not try to please everyone. However, don't intentionally do things that you know will cause a brother or sister to struggle.

03/27/2026

Day 33 – Romans 14:1-12
Do not pass judgment on one another

Ralph Bradshaw

This passage deals with Christians not passing judgment on one another. Paul’s writing to the Romans stated that some ate meat while others ate vegetables. This caused substantial debates which had to do with faith.

Those of strong faith ate meat while others of weaker faith only ate vegetables. Paul states that eating in and of itself is not a moral matter, but that one’s personal attitude about what to eat could lead to unjustly condemning one another.

Another point of discussion had to do with putting importance of one day over another. This probably refers to the special feast days of the OT ceremonial law. Some were upholding one day as important and others were ignoring them.

The Bible states that God himself set aside one day in seven to rest from daily work.

Romans 14:7 says “For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone.”

14:8 says, “if we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”

14:11-12 “As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God. 12 So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.

The Bible mentions 49 times to “judge not.”

Luke 6:37 says, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”

03/26/2026

Day 32 – Romans 13:8-14
Fulfilling the law through love

Sean Strange

Romans Law of Love

Do not lie, covet, or steal,
we have other rules and they are all a very big deal.
If you just love your neighbor it will cover them all,
do it now and do not stall.

Salvation is a day closer than yesterday,
so today is the day to find a way.

Treat them like you wanna be treated,
you'd never wanna be lied to or cheated?
Love your neighbor and it's all completed.
Wear the armor of God, love em all, then sin is defeated.

Treat the night like the day, debauchery, sin,
and drinking too much gin
is what we do in the cover of night,
God will bring it all to light.
So why not do what is right?

Love your neighbor as yourself,
remove your old self,
throw it away and not put on a shelf.
The old you has ended,
you're in God's light now your sins don't exist,
just love em all and God will mend it.

03/26/2026

Day 31 – Romans 13:1-7
Submission to the authorities

Ben Kapuya

Politics today often fuels conflict and division. It's common to hear people say, "He is not my president," simply because they dislike the outcome of an election. But this attitude is not only illogical, it contradicts the teaching of Scripture. In Romans 13:1-7, Paul reminds believers to respect governing authorities. Why? Because God is the one who allows leaders to rise and fall. Human beings may cast votes, but God remains sovereign over the process.

Many claim that God is not involved in politics, but this passage challenges that idea. God is in control of all things, and nothing happens outside His knowledge or permission. Even imperfect leaders operate within the boundaries of His providence. Proverbs 21:1 said, "The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever he will."

Therefore, Christians are called to do what is right: to live honorably, respect authority, and contribute to peace rather than division. Our obedience is not blind loyalty to human power, it is an expression of trust in God's ultimate authority. Praying for the authorities is highly recommended (1 Timothy 2: 2).

03/26/2026

Day 30 – Romans 12:9-21
Marks of a true Christian

[From the Metropolitan Tabernacle sermon “Overcome Evil with Good”, Charles Spurgeon, October 8, 1876]

“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”— Romans xii. 21.

This is a very pithy verse, and the form of it greatly assists the memory. It is worthy to be called a Christian proverb. I would recommend every Christian man to learn it by heart, and have it ready for use; for there are a great many proverbs, which convey a very different sense, and these are often quoted to give the weight of authority to unchristian principles. Here is an inspired proverb; carry it with you, and use it as a weapon with which to parry the thrusts of the world’s wisdom. “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Observe that the text appears to give us a choice between two things, and bids us choose the better one. You must either be overcome of evil, or you must yourself overcome evil: one of the two. You cannot let evil alone and evil will not let you alone. You must fight, and in the battle you must either conquer or be conquered. The words before us remind me of the saying of the Scotch officer to the Highland regiment when he brought them up in front of the enemy and said, “Lads, there they are: if ye dinna kill them they’ll kill you.” So does Paul marshal us in front of evil, and like a wise general he puts us on our mettle by saying, “Overcome, or be overcome.” There is no avoiding the conflict, no making truce or holding parley, no suspension of hostilities after a brief skirmish, but the battle must be fought through to the end, and can only close with a decided victory to one or the other side. Soldiers of Christ, do you long debate which of the two to choose, victory or defeat?

New Life Assembly of God

04/04/2026

04/03/2026

04/02/2026

04/01/2026

04/01/2026

03/30/2026

03/28/2026

03/27/2026

03/26/2026

03/26/2026

03/26/2026

Address

Opening Hours

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Place Of Worship

Shortcuts

Share

Category

	10:30am - 12pm
	6pm - 7:30pm