What fueled the Apostle Paul's passion for Christ? In Romans 1:8–17, Pastor Connor examines Paul's heart for the gospel and challenges believers to recover the same passion that marked the early church. Before introducing Paul's three powerful "I AM" statements, the passage highlights a church that was known for its faith, the unique encouragement found within the body of Christ, and several reasons God may delay opportunities in ministry. Paul then declares that he is under obligation to share the gospel, eager to preach it, and unashamed of its message because it alone has the power to save. The challenge is clear: may we become people who are famous for our faith and passionate about proclaiming the gospel to a world that desperately needs Jesus.

CHAPTERS

The Church Should Be Famous for Its Faith (0:00–9:39)

Why God Sometimes Delays Our Plans (9:39–17:16)

• Unfinished Obligation (9:39–10:49)
• Unusual Opposition (10:49–11:49)
• Unexpected Opportunity (11:49–17:16)

I AM Under Obligation (17:16–21:55)

I AM Eager to Preach the Gospel (21:55–26:07)

I AM Not Ashamed of the Gospel (26:07–End)

• Intellectual Reasons (28:20–30:30)
• Social Reasons (30:30–32:50)
• Moral Reasons (32:50–35:15)
• Why We Should Never Be Ashamed (35:15–End)

REFERENCED SCRIPTURES

• Romans 1:8–17
• Proverbs 27:17

Introduction

• Psalm 127 was written as a "Song of Ascents," a song for God's people as they went up to worship.
• Dr. Dilbeck connects this psalm to:
  • God's faithfulness during fifteen years of ministry at QSBC.
  • The perspective that comes with age and reflection.
  • The significance of June 28 in American history and Benjamin Franklin's appeal for prayer at the Constitutional Convention.

Benjamin Franklin's Observation

Franklin referenced Psalm 127 when he urged the Constitutional Convention to seek "the assistance of heaven," saying:

"Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it."

His point was simple: without God's help, human efforts ultimately fail.

The Two Ways of Life

The Way of Babel

Genesis 11 reveals humanity's determination to:

• Make a name for themselves
• Depend on themselves
• Live in pride and self-reliance
• Build life apart from God

The way of Babel ultimately produces:

• Anxiety
• Compromise
• Neglect of what matters most
• Frustration and vanity

The Way of the Lord

Genesis 12 presents the alternative.

God told Abraham:

Trust Me. Obey Me. Follow Me.

Instead of making our own name great, we trust God to accomplish His purposes in and through us. Psalm 127 invites us to reject the way of Babel and embrace the way of the Lord.

1. The Better Way Makes Us HUMBLE

Psalm 127:1-2

"Unless the Lord builds the house… Unless the Lord guards the city…"

The repeated word in the psalm is:

Vain. Vain. Vain.

Meaning:

• Empty
• Useless
• Meaningless

The Psalm Assumes Diligence

The passage is not anti-work.

We are called to:

• Build
• Guard
• Create
• Work diligently
• Rise early and labor faithfully

The problem isn't work.

The problem is believing that our work alone can control outcomes.

Most of What Matters Is Beyond Our Control

We spend our lives:

• Building
• Acquiring
• Producing

Then we spend the rest of our lives:

• Protecting
• Preserving
• Guarding

Yet the things that matter most remain beyond our control.

Children Illustrate This Truth

Children:

• Come from the Lord
• Are gifts from God
• Cannot be manufactured or controlled
• Continually humble us

Our lives are deeply affected by our children and grandchildren, yet we cannot ultimately control their hearts or futures.

Practical Takeaways

• Work hard, but reject self-sufficiency.
• Hold your plans with open hands.
• Recognize your dependence upon God.
• Give Him credit for every blessing.

2. The Better Way Makes Us HOPEFUL

Psalm 127:1-2

Psalm 127 presents a God who is active.

The Lord:

• Builds
• Guards
• Gives
• Blesses

This changes our entire outlook on life.

The World's Soundtrack

"It's a jungle out there."

• You're on your own.
• Scratch and claw your way forward.
• Depend entirely upon yourself.

The Christian's Soundtrack

"This is My Father's World."

• God is ruling.
• God is working.
• God is active on behalf of His people.

How Do We Know God Loves and Works for Us?

We look to the gospel.

• God so loved the world that He gave His Son.
• Christ died for sinners.
• The cross proves God's love and activity on our behalf.

Whenever we question God's goodness, we return to the cross and remember:

God gives what we could never earn.

Practical Takeaways

• Stop living like everything depends on you.
• Trust God's activity even when you cannot see it.
• Let the gospel be evidence of God's love and faithfulness.
• Rest in the reality that God is still building, guarding, and giving.

3. The Better Way Makes Us FAITHFUL

Psalm 127:1-5

Biblical faithfulness is more than responsibility.

Faithfulness means:

I will do all I can do because I believe that He will do all He can do.

Christian faithfulness is:

• Trust and obey
• Work and dependence
• Diligence and surrender

Therefore…

We do not work because we think we control life.

We work because we believe:

• He does.
• He is building.
• He is guarding.
• He is giving.
• He is faithful.

Because He Is Faithful…

• I will build.
• I will guard.
• I will work with purpose.
• I will sleep with peace.
• I will remain faithful because He is faithful.

The Gospel Invitation

The way of Babel says:

I can build my own life.

The way of Jesus says:

Humble yourself, trust in Christ, and receive what only God can give.

Salvation itself is a gift:

• By grace
• Through faith
• Not by works
• Created in Christ Jesus for good works prepared by Him.

Bottom Line

Most of what matters in life is beyond our control, but nothing is beyond God's control. Therefore, we can humbly trust, hopefully rest, and faithfully obey the Lord who builds, guards, gives, and blesses His people.

Why do some people seem to draw near to God while others remain distant, despite appearing deeply religious? In this message, Pastor Connor examines Luke 18:9–14 and Jesus' parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. Through this tale of two prayers, Jesus exposes the danger of self-righteousness and highlights the necessity of self-awareness. The Pharisee trusted in himself, looked down on others, and made a mockery of what was sacred. In contrast, the tax collector recognized who he was, understood who God is, and cried out for mercy. The message is clear: the way up in God's kingdom is the way down. Those who humble themselves before God are the ones who receive His grace and are declared righteous.

CHAPTERS

The Big Idea: The Problem Is Me (1:38–5:21)
There Is Great Danger in Self-Righteousness (5:21–15:25)
His Trust in Himself (6:42–9:06)
His Treatment of Others (9:06–12:26)
His Temple Mockery (12:26–15:25)
There Is Great Grace in Self-Awareness (15:25–26:24)
He Knows Who He Is (16:23–18:54)
He Knows Who God Is (18:54–22:28)
He Knows What God Does (22:28–26:24)
The Way Up Is the Way Down (26:24–End)

REFERENCED SCRIPTURES

Luke 18:9–14

Luke 15

Luke 16

Luke 17

Luke 5:30–32

Isaiah 6:1–5

The Parable of the Good Samaritan is one of Jesus' most familiar stories, but its message cuts far deeper than simple kindness. In this message, Pastor Connor explores Luke 10 and reveals the danger of self-righteousness, exposing our tendency to justify ourselves before God by what we have or haven't done. Through the unlikely compassion of a Samaritan toward a wounded stranger, Jesus paints a picture of the gospel itself. We are all the wounded traveler in need of rescue, and Christ is the great Samaritan who crossed the road to eternity to render aid we could never earn or repay. Because we have received His grace, we are now called to extend that same grace to others through sacrificial, costly, and committed love.

CHAPTERS

The Danger of Self-Righteousness (0:00–22:14)
Christ-like "Roadside Grace" Is Extravagant Generosity Rooted in Deep Compassion (22:14–End)
He Sacrificed His Own Convenience (23:28–25:37)
He Shouldered the Cost (25:37–30:45)
He Showed Full Commitment (30:45–End)

REFERENCED SCRIPTURES

Luke 10:25–37

Deuteronomy 6:5

Leviticus 19:18

Ephesians 2:1–5

Romans 10:9–13

Jesus has always used ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary purposes. In this message, Dylan Bone examines Luke 5:1–11 and the calling of Simon Peter to reveal a pattern that still marks every disciple today. Jesus captures our attention, leverages every part of our lives for His kingdom, compels us to trust Him beyond our understanding, connects us to others in His mission, exposes our need for His grace, and ultimately commissions us to follow Him and make Him known. The call to follow Jesus is not reserved for a select few—it is the invitation and assignment given to every believer.

CHAPTERS

Jesus Captivates Your Attention (3:28–7:29)
Jesus Leverages Your Life (7:29–14:10)
Jesus Compels Your Trust (14:10–24:59)
Jesus Connects You to Others (24:59–31:42)
Jesus Exposes Your Need (31:42–36:06)
Jesus Commissions You (36:06–End)

REFERENCED SCRIPTURES

Luke 5:1–11

Proverbs 3:5–6

Matthew 28:18–20

Mark 1:14–15

The Designed for Glory series concludes by bringing us back to God's original purpose for humanity. In this message, Pastor Connor explains how the gospel restores our ability to fulfill God's creation mandate in a broken world. Through Jesus, our identity is made new, our lives become a witness to His kingdom, and we are sent into our homes, workplaces, schools, and communities as salt and light—showing the kingdom of God through our lives and sharing the kingdom of God through the gospel.

CHAPTERS

The Gospel Makes Us New (0:00–10:56)
Know What You Are (10:56–17:07)
Know Where You Are (17:07–27:13)
Know Why You Are (27:13–End)

REFERENCED SCRIPTURES

Genesis 1:28

Romans 3:23

Romans 6:23

Mark 1:14–15

John 3

Colossians 1:13

Matthew 5:13–16

Our culture often treats singleness as something to escape, but Scripture presents it as a gift from God. In this message, Pastor Connor explores 1 Corinthians 7 to help Christians understand God's purpose for singleness, whether it lasts for a season or a lifetime. By trusting God's sovereignty, living with eternity in view, and faithfully stewarding the opportunities that singleness provides, believers can pursue an undivided devotion to Christ and discover that true contentment is found in Him alone.

CHAPTERS

Trusting God with the Gift of Singleness (13:25–21:22)
Living in the Present, in Light of the Future (21:22–29:47)
Maximizing the Gift Through Undivided Devotion (29:47–End)

REFERENCED SCRIPTURES

Matthew 19:10–12

1 Corinthians 7:6–35

2 Corinthians 6:14

Every family experiences brokenness, yet God's design for the family remains good. In this message, Pastor Connor explores Ephesians 6:1–3 to explain the biblical call for children to obey and honor their parents. Whether you're a child, teenager, young adult, or caring for aging parents, this sermon offers practical wisdom for living out God's design through obedience, honor, forgiveness, and grace—even when family relationships are difficult.

CHAPTERS

Children Are Expected to Obey Their Parents (7:31–18:04)
Children Are Expected to Honor Their Parents (18:04–End)

REFERENCED SCRIPTURES

Ephesians 6:1–3

Matthew 19:3–13

2 Timothy 3:1–2

Proverbs 1:8

Proverbs 13:1

John 1:12–13

Children are not a burden to manage or a trophy to display—they are a gift from God entrusted to us for a season. In this message, Pastor Connor unpacks Psalm 127 and Deuteronomy 6 to show that parenting is ultimately the work of discipleship. By establishing a clear vision for God's mission, cultivating wholehearted devotion to Christ, modeling obedience to His Word, and faithfully teaching the next generation, parents can raise children who are prepared to make an eternal impact for the Kingdom of God.

CHAPTERS

Children Are Arrows, Not Boomerangs (5:30–10:57)
Families Need an Unmistakable Vision for God's Mission (10:57–19:08)
Families Need an Unrivaled Devotion to Jesus (19:08–24:26)
Families Need an Unwavering Submission to God's Word (24:26–28:53)
Families Need an Unceasing Instruction in God's Word (28:53–End)

REFERENCED SCRIPTURES

Genesis 1:28

Psalm 127:3–5

Deuteronomy 6:1–9

3 John 4

1 Corinthians 10:31

Marriage is more than two people living under the same roof—it's a living picture of the gospel. In this message, Pastor Connor unpacks 1 Peter 3 to show how God's design for husbands and wives isn't rooted in power or preference, but in sacrificial love, mutual honor, and a shared desire to reflect Christ. Whether you're married, hope to be one day, or simply want to understand God's design for the family, this message offers practical wisdom for flourishing relationships that point others to Jesus.

CHAPTERS

For Wives: Trust God's Design (2:34–20:18)
For Husbands: Lead with Love and Honor (20:18–End)

REFERENCED SCRIPTURES

1 Peter 3:1–7

2 Corinthians 6:14

Genesis 2:24

Proverbs 21:9

Proverbs 21:19

Proverbs 27:15

1 Timothy 5:8

Marriage isn't merely a cultural institution—it's God's idea. In this message, Pastor Connor explores Genesis 2–3 to answer one of today's most important questions: Is the problem with marriage itself, or with the people trying to redefine it? By looking at God as the Designer, Definer, and Rescuer of marriage, we discover that the hope for every marriage and family isn't found in trying harder, but in the redeeming grace of the gospel.

CHAPTERS

God Is the Designer of Marriage and Family (6:03–10:57)
God Defines Marriage and Family (10:57–21:46)
God Rescues Marriage and Family (21:46–End)

REFERENCED SCRIPTURES

Genesis 2:18–25

Genesis 3:16–24

Ephesians 5:32

1 John 4:7–11

Why does every human life matter? In Week 2 of Designed for Glory, Pastor Connor explores the biblical doctrine of the sanctity of life, showing that every person—from the unborn to the elderly—is created in the image of God and therefore possesses inherent value, dignity, and worth. Looking to Scripture rather than culture, this message challenges believers to embrace God's heart for life by affirming, protecting, and advocating for every image bearer He has created.

CHAPTERS

Every Human Bears the Image of God (7:30–19:58)
Life Begins at Conception (19:58–26:34)
Affirming and Advocating for Life (26:34–End)

REFERENCED SCRIPTURES

Isaiah 5:20

Mark 1:14–15

Colossians 1:13–14

Genesis 1:26–27

Psalm 8:3–9

Psalm 139:13–16

Jeremiah 1:4–5

Psalm 127:3–5

Matthew 19:13–15

Everything begins with one foundational question: Who gets to define reality? In the opening message of Designed for Glory, Pastor Connor takes us back to Genesis 1–3 to establish the foundation for the entire series. Before we can understand God's design for marriage, family, identity, sexuality, or purpose, we must first understand that God is the Author of life. Because He created us, He alone has the authority to define what is good, true, and life-giving. While sin has corrupted every part of creation, the gospel declares that God has not abandoned what He made. Instead, He has pursued, promised, and provided redemption through Jesus Christ.

FULL SERMON NOTES

For the complete sermon outline, Scriptures, and supporting resources, view the full sermon notes.

CHAPTERS

God Is the Author of All Creation (4:00–13:20)
God Defines His Creation (13:20–23:39)
Sin Corrupts Everything God Made (23:39–33:35)
God Redeems What Sin Has Broken (33:35–End)

REFERENCED SCRIPTURES

Genesis 1–3

Psalm 115:15

Jeremiah 10:12

Jeremiah 32:17

Psalm 103:19

Proverbs 16:9

John 1:1–3

Colossians 1:16–17

1 Corinthians 15:21–22

Acts 5:1–11 ESV

1. This Sin was ENERGIZED by Satan (Acts 5:3; John 8:44b)

“Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit…?”

Satan didn’t make Ananias and Sapphira sin, but he tempted them into it. Satan is a liar and a murderer, always working to corrupt what God provides. Where God gave grace for generosity, Satan perverted it into greed.

Practical takeaways:

Remember: our real battle isn’t against flesh and blood.

Satan always counterfeits God’s provision—twisting generosity into greed, humility into pride.

Stay alert: temptation often comes disguised as opportunity.

2. This Sin was FUELED by Pride (Acts 5:1–2, 7–8)

“…with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds…”

Ananias and Sapphira wanted Barnabas’ attention without Barnabas’ heart. Their sin wasn’t about withholding money but stealing glory that belonged to God.

Practical takeaways:

Pride was the first sin—Satan’s rebellion and Adam’s fall. It remains the root of so much destruction.

Beware of spiritual showmanship: seeking recognition rather than surrender.

Sin often begins not with greed for possessions but with hunger for praise.

3. This Sin was AIMED toward God’s Church (Acts 5:2, 11)

“…and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”

Their deceit threatened to undermine the integrity of God’s people. This wasn’t a private mistake—it was a public reproach on the Church. God judged them severely to protect His bride.

Practical takeaways:

God fiercely protects His Church. Sin within the body is just as dangerous as opposition from the outside.

Healthy churches need great power, great grace, and great fear.

What Satan intends for evil, God can turn for good—even judgment led to reverence and purity in the Church.

4. This Sin DESTROYED the Family (Acts 5:5, 10)

“Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last.”

Ananias and Sapphira paid with their lives. Their names meant “God is gracious” and “beautiful,” yet their legacy was ruined by sin. Like Achan’s household, their family bore the fallout. Sin rarely stays contained—it spills over and destroys those closest to us.

Practical takeaways:

What we think is a secret on earth is a scandal in heaven—God knows.

Sin’s collateral damage most often hits those closest to us.

Be killing sin—or it will be killing you and your family.

Closing Challenge

Family, it’s time to take sin seriously. God calls us to drag what is hidden in the dark into the light—because it’s in the light where Jesus heals. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 ESV)