A Snapshot of the Distinctively Christian Life Romans 12:9-21 Dr. Christopher C. F. Chapman First Baptist Church, Raleigh August 31, 2014

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "A Snapshot of the Distinctively Christian Life Romans 12:9-21 Dr. Christopher C. F. Chapman First Baptist Church, Raleigh August 31, 2014"

Transcription

1 A Snapshot of the Distinctively Christian Life Romans 12:9-21 Dr. Christopher C. F. Chapman First Baptist Church, Raleigh August 31, 2014 In his book Biblical Perspectives on Evangelism: Living in a Three-Storied Universe Walter Brueggemann says there are two reasons why people in churches like ours have struggled to share our faith with others. First, we have become inarticulate about our faith. We cringe at the language some use in the name of evangelism, but far too often, end up not sharing our faith at all. Second, we have failed to live in a way that convinces our own children that there is something different about our lives because of the Gospel. We may say that the Good News has changed us and our loyalty to Christ is the most important thing in our lives, but children pay more attention to our actions than our words. I strongly affirm Bruggemann s first claim and have addressed this issue many times from the pulpit and on Wednesday nights. Learning how to share our faith with others is a critical task and we begin by learning how to do this with one another. It s not as difficult a task as we often assume. For what we are called to do is simply share our story, tell others how we have experienced God. If we can find a way to do this with our most intimate brothers and sisters in Christ, we will grow in our witness and benefit immensely from hearing each other s stories. But as strongly as I affirm Brueggemann s first claim, I affirm his second claim even more. Children learn more from our actions than our words. It s fine to say church is important but if we drop off our children and go somewhere else while they are learning or worshiping, we send a conflicted message. It s great to say we believe in treating all people with respect but if our children see us treating others harshly, they will draw their own conclusions. The only thing I would add to the claim is that not only children pay more attention to actions. A familiar chorus says it well. They will know we are Christians by our love. I have shared with some of you the story about a man who was passing a pick-up truck with a bumper sticker that said, Honk If You 1

2 Love Jesus. The man loved Jesus, so he honked his horn whereupon the driver of the truck, apparently forgetting about his bumper sticker, promptly extended his middle finger at the passerby! The problem with much bumper sticker theology is that it is too often accompanied by an extended middle finger. Putting our faith out there is important but once we do, we have to live like there is something to our faith, or to use the words of the Apostle Paul writing to Philippians, live in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ. The question is what does this life look like? What is different about a distinctively Christian life? There was a time when the old rules of southern piety might have summed it up - don t drink, dance or chew or go with those who do. The trouble is David danced before the ark, Jesus drank wine; there are problems with the abuse of any substance or activity, but these rules were always limited and culture specific, not biblical and absolute. So, if these rules don t define the distinctively Christian life, what does? There may be some variation given that we are talking about the transformation of lives and since we start out at different places, the specific shape of transformation may vary as well. But if we are looking for a concise summary, a snapshot of the Jesus way, it would be difficult to find a better description than what we have read today from Romans 12. In the reading from Matthew, Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow him. In the reading from Romans, Paul provides a detailed picture of what following him is all about. One thing Paul says here is that love is a high priority on the Christian journey; if we take other writings of his into account, perhaps the highest priority of all. Let love be genuine, he says, hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection, outdo one another in doing honor. At the beginning of this chapter, in verses we read last week, he charges us not to be conformed to this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This is a part of what he is talking about. We don t treat each other like people all around us treat each other in our schools and workplaces, in the board meetings and town hall 2

3 settings, on Facebook and on Twitter. We love each other and treat each other with respect. In fact, we love all people and treat each child of God with respect, no matter who they are, what they have said or done, what they look like or what they believe. And if we are to follow Jesus, we love not simply with our thoughts and emotions but our actions, on behalf of the other, in the best interest of the other. The chorus is right. They will know we are Christians by our love. But to state the obvious, it is not always an easy task. A wellknown author was asked if he could ever kill another human being. He replied, Strangers, I m not sure, but some of the people I know, definitely! We understand the feeling. Many of the people we have a difficult time loving are people close to us. It should come as no surprise that most murders are crimes of passion, committed by people who know their victims. It s biblical. It started with Cain and Abel. And yet, some of the people we have difficulty loving are complete strangers - people who embrace other faiths, immigrants who come to our land in mindboggling numbers, people we interact with every day by pure chance. I will never forget a sermon illustration used by Pastoral Care Professor Wade Rowatt at Broadway Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky during the mid-1980 s. He was preaching on love, I think out of 1 Corinthians 13, and he used a confessional story. That week, while he was working on this sermon, he went to the Mall in St. Matthews, where I owned a store at the time, to buy something. It is a busy mall with too few parking spaces, and when he finally found a spot, just as he started to pull into the space, a car quickly came from the other direction and pulled in ahead of him. Many of us have been there on one side of this story or the other He found himself starting to scream at the driver, from inside the car, gesturing with his hands, but before he could get out or roll down his window and make a scene, he caught himself. Here I am, preparing a sermon on love, and this is how I react to a parking lot incident?! Then, he saw the older lady, who probably needed the space more than him, get out of her car, and he was thoroughly convicted. Sometimes it s difficult to love the person closest to us and other times it s difficult to love the complete stranger because both are capable 3

4 of causing us great offense, or what we think is great offense at the time. Of course, just as often we are the one causing the offense. We are not perfect, we all fall sort of the goal, but those who seek not to be conformed to this world, those who seek to deny themselves, take up their cross and follow Jesus, do our best to love others no matter what, love all others from our closest friends to complete strangers. Love is a high priority in the distinctively Christian life, according to Paul. So is grounding our life in habits of spiritual discipline. Do not lag in zeal, Paul says, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord, rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer, contribute to the needs of the saints, extend hospitality to strangers. If Paul were standing here today, proclaiming this message, many of us would say, Slow down! You re covering a lot of ground here. Say more about all of this. But Paul is not here. So, let me try to pull this together. What Paul is talking about is spiritual discipline, habits of faith, an inner life and an outer life that form us as disciples of Jesus. Prayer, devotion, service, stewardship and hospitality are spiritual practices, forms of spiritual discipline. Joy, patience and perseverance are qualities we reveal and develop when we center our lives in Christ. But the larger point Paul is making is that people who want to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, people who seek to be different from the world around us as we follow Jesus, engage in habits of discipline. It doesn t happen magically. It is an ongoing intentional process which connects us with God and makes us different. We are not talking about a difference in the kind of life experiences that come our way. Christians experience loss and sadness like everyone else. Be patient in suffering, Paul says, assuming that we will suffer. Christians also struggle with financial challenges like everyone else. How much material wealth did Jesus have? What we are talking about is a different way of greeting life s challenges with perseverance and hope because we have centered our lives in Christ. Our resilience in the midst of challenges, not our aloofness or immunity from struggle, our stubborn refusal to give up 4

5 faith and hope, even as tears pour down our face, is what sets us apart and provides a witness to the world. We are also not talking about making a show of our faith in a way that bumps up against Jesus warning in The Sermon on the Mount. Rather we are talking about authentic practices of faith that have a natural way of shining through our lives without having to make a show. The story was told in another setting of a pastor who served the church decades before me. If a group was out to eat at a restaurant, he would not only insist on a blessing, but shout until the whole restaurant was quiet, say, We re going to have a prayer now, and effectively force everyone there to join him. I am not judging that practice, and this was another time, though the church members who told the story were made to feel awkward by the practice, but I do wonder whether there is not a way to honor our faith without making a show. I am much more moved by a person bowing briefly in silent prayer, trying to honor his/her beliefs without calling attention to him/herself. There is no right and wrong here but the kind of spiritual discipline Paul talks about has a natural way of bubbling up in our lives. We don t need a neon light all the time. And Paul goes on to talk about not being haughty, living in harmony with others, associating with the lowly and not claiming to be wiser than we are. In a word, he is talking about humility. This is, after all, the way of appropriate self-denial, the way of the cross. Authentic spiritual discipline begins in humility. But it is a part of the distinctively Christian life. In Paul s snapshot of our calling, followers of Jesus are always seeking to love one another and this love is grounded in habits of faith that connect us to God prayer, service, stewardship and hospitality all bathed in humility. There is one other priority Paul names in this text, the priority of grace, not repaying evil for evil, blessing those who persecute us, leaving vengeance to God, feeding our enemies, overcoming evil with good. Again, it is the way of cross. Rather than overwhelming his opponents with military power, Jesus sacrifices his life in love, and in the end this love overcomes all fear, hatred and evil. It even overcomes 5

6 death itself. If we want to consider living in a way that is different from the world around us, this is it! Yet, who among us is willing to go there? It seems crazy. Let our personal enemies do their worst and just take it, bless them for their efforts and offer hospitality? Not fight back against people with different agendas, people up to no good? And how about our enemies on a global scale, how will this philosophy play out? Some might argue that Paul isn't talking about this. He's talking about interpersonal enemies. That certainly would make the text easier to embrace. But it is an interpretation of convenience. Paul writes to believers who live under oppression, people whose faith in Christ makes them enemies of the state, people whose enemies have the power to lock them up and throw away the key or put them to death, all of which they do to Paul. And Paul says, "Bless those who persecute you... Do not repay anyone evil for evil... Never avenge yourselves... Overcome evil with good." It just sounds crazy. And yet, what is the alternative? Consider the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. Thank God for the current ceasefire but how long will it last? On either side, Paul's counsel seems ridiculous. To let the other side do its worst and not fight back is national suicide. But to keep fighting is to continue a vicious cycle that will never end. Each party wants to keep fighting until the score is even, but the score will never be even because the parties don't agree upon who started it much less who has a right to the land. The only way out of this cycle is a radical departure from the ways of this world, a willingness to embrace the crazy suggestions of people like Jesus and Paul, to stop repaying evil for evil and start feeding the enemy who is hungry, to overcome evil with good. Crazy or not, this is happening already. The Interreligious Coordination Council of Israel (ICCI), a group made up of Jews, Christians and Muslims, brings together Israeli and Palestinian youth to learn a different way of relating to each other. They do not engage political issues. Their hope is that the political issues will get worked out, but when they do, the people will have to live together. How will they be able to do that if they do not know each other? The ICCI is preparing for that day, building bridges, overcoming evil with good. 6

7 Desmond Tutu says he is often asked how The Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South African can work. How can people hear about the atrocities committed against loved ones during Apartheid and forgive the people who committed them? He says they do so, following a rabbi who said of his enemies from the very cross they had put him on, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." Then, he goes on to say that practicing forgiveness is not crazy. It is practical politics. For without forgiveness there is no way forward. This is the case whether the conflict is personal, national or international. The way forward involves forgiveness. There must be truth telling for genuine reconciliation to occur, but there must also be a willingness to not repay evil for evil. It is not a path many pursue, but it is the way of the cross, the way in which we are called to live. There is more to the distinctively Christian life than Paul can include in a snapshot and there is more in the text than I can explore today. But if we pursue these qualities, our lives will be different and the transforming power of the Gospel will be revealed - to love everyone we meet, to ground that love in humble habits of genuine devotion and to respond to every insult and slight we receive with grace. I think of the agnostic journalist who was witnessed to by a couple of ministers when he was on his deathbed. When they finally came up for air, he said, "Christianity, life lived according to the teachings of Jesus? I'm all for it! When does it begin?" We are surrounded by people who say the same thing. We need to keep working on our verbal witness. This is not an either-or consideration. But we also need to keep working on our manner of life. Imagine how much different the world might be if every person who claims the name of Jesus would embody the qualities we see in Paul's snapshot! Imagine how much more effective our witness to Christ would become! 7

Sermon Peace, IV: Peace as Active Nonviolence November 11, 2018 Matthew 7: 12-14, Romans 12:9-21 Title: Nonviolence as God s Strategy

Sermon Peace, IV: Peace as Active Nonviolence November 11, 2018 Matthew 7: 12-14, Romans 12:9-21 Title: Nonviolence as God s Strategy Sermon Peace, IV: Peace as Active Nonviolence November 11, 2018 Matthew 7: 12-14, Romans 12:9-21 Title: Nonviolence as God s Strategy Matthew 7:12-14 12 In everything do to others as you would have them

More information

HOLD FAST TO WHAT IS GOOD

HOLD FAST TO WHAT IS GOOD HOLD FAST TO WHAT IS GOOD ROMANS 12:9-21 LETHBRIDGE MENNONITE CHURCH BY: RYAN DUECK AUGUST 31, 2014/12 TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST We have arrived at the last Sunday of summer. The days are growing shorter

More information

Wednesday with the Word Wheat Street Baptist Church

Wednesday with the Word Wheat Street Baptist Church Wednesday with the Word Wheat Street Baptist Church Rev. Ralph Basui Watkins, MFA, DMin, PhD Teacher / Pastor There is Power in Praise: Praise & Worship Makes the Difference We were created to praise God.

More information

GOD IS LOVE. 1 John 4:7-21 Preached by Dr. Cahill Babcock Presbyterian Church Sunday, May 3, 2015

GOD IS LOVE. 1 John 4:7-21 Preached by Dr. Cahill Babcock Presbyterian Church Sunday, May 3, 2015 GOD IS LOVE 1 John 4:7-21 Preached by Dr. Cahill Babcock Presbyterian Church Sunday, May 3, 2015 This morning I will be making some observations about what s happening in Baltimore City but first I want

More information

Proper 12 July 29, 2018

Proper 12 July 29, 2018 Title: A Time for Every Purpose under Heaven To everything (turn, turn, turn) There is a season (turn, turn, turn) And a time to every purpose, under heaven. And now it is time for me to retire for the

More information

Overcome Evil With Good Romans 12:9-21 September 3, 2017 First Presbyterian Church

Overcome Evil With Good Romans 12:9-21 September 3, 2017 First Presbyterian Church Overcome Evil With Good Romans 12:9-21 September 3, 2017 First Presbyterian Church 9Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; 10love one another with mutual affection; outdo one

More information

People: Let us rejoice and be glad, for God has created this day and this time.

People: Let us rejoice and be glad, for God has created this day and this time. 46 Copyright 2004 Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University Worship Service B Y K A T I E C O O K Call to Worship: Leader: Welcome to you in the name of Christ, for this is God s house and God s

More information

How To Offer A Living Sacrifice

How To Offer A Living Sacrifice How To Offer A Living Sacrifice I am sure all of us have experienced the situation in which we wanted to do something, but did not know how to do it, whether it was baking a cake, or tuning your car, or

More information

Prayer Calendar April 2018 Spiritual Gift of Hospitality

Prayer Calendar April 2018 Spiritual Gift of Hospitality Prayer Calendar April 2018 Spiritual Gift of Hospitality We have been given our gifts to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body until all of us come to the unity of the faith

More information

A Week of Spiritual Exercises

A Week of Spiritual Exercises A Week of Spiritual Exercises This is a week of prayer, scripture, reflection and some light journaling laid out in daily form Monday through Sunday. Please take some time today to prepare for the coming

More information

The Book of Romans A RIGHTEOUSNESS FROM GOD!

The Book of Romans A RIGHTEOUSNESS FROM GOD! The Book of Romans A RIGHTEOUSNESS FROM GOD! Trinity Lutheran Church Norman, OK. www.tlcnorman.org Pastor David R. Nehrenz Date: 10-13-09 Text: Chapter 12 Lesson: 15 TEXT: A Living Sacrifice 12:1 I appeal

More information

STRANGERS IN A FAMILIAR LAND Sermon by Paul R. Powell St. Charles Avenue Baptist Church, New Orleans Sunday, April 22, 2012

STRANGERS IN A FAMILIAR LAND Sermon by Paul R. Powell St. Charles Avenue Baptist Church, New Orleans Sunday, April 22, 2012 STRANGERS IN A FAMILIAR LAND Sermon by Paul R. Powell St. Charles Avenue Baptist Church, New Orleans Sunday, April 22, 2012 Sometimes in conversations I say to people that I wish they could have known

More information

Philippians: Moving Toward Togetherness Sacrificing Together Lesson Scripture: Philippians 2:12-18

Philippians: Moving Toward Togetherness Sacrificing Together Lesson Scripture: Philippians 2:12-18 October 11, 2015 Philippians: Moving Toward Togetherness Sacrificing Together Lesson Scripture: Philippians 2:12-18 18 Step by Step through the Week Monday: Read Philippians 2:12-18; 18; focus on 2:12

More information

a single commandment, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. If, however, you bite and devour

a single commandment, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. If, however, you bite and devour Religious Freedom: Grounded in Love For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another.

More information

Blessed Are the Peacemakers Matthew 5:8-12 March 20, 2016 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church

Blessed Are the Peacemakers Matthew 5:8-12 March 20, 2016 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church 1 Blessed Are the Peacemakers Matthew 5:8-12 March 20, 2016 M. Michelle Fincher Calvary Presbyterian Church This morning we come to Jesus eighth Beatitude, Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be

More information

Sunday, July 22, Time after Pentecost Worship at 9:30 AM GATHERING

Sunday, July 22, Time after Pentecost Worship at 9:30 AM GATHERING Sunday, July 22, 2018 Time after Pentecost Worship at 9:30 AM GATHERING Hymn Sing Gathering Song You Are Holy (Prince of Peace) You are holy (ECHO) You are mighty (ECHO) You are worthy (ECHO) Worthy of

More information

In Defense of the Seemingly Reckless Sower Matthew 13:1-9; Dr. Christopher C. F. Chapman First Baptist Church, Raleigh July 16, 2017

In Defense of the Seemingly Reckless Sower Matthew 13:1-9; Dr. Christopher C. F. Chapman First Baptist Church, Raleigh July 16, 2017 In Defense of the Seemingly Reckless Sower Matthew 13:1-9; 18-23 Dr. Christopher C. F. Chapman First Baptist Church, Raleigh July 16, 2017 I have documented before my limits in regard to horticulture.

More information

12:9 - Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.

12:9 - Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Romans 12:9-21 1. Love must be sincere 2. Hate what is evil 3. Cling to what is good 4. Be devoted to one another 5. Honor one another above yourself 6. Never be lacking in zeal; keep spiritual fervor

More information

Beatitudes. Your rules of engagement with evil is an example! It seems to be the WORD and the WAY of the Cross

Beatitudes. Your rules of engagement with evil is an example! It seems to be the WORD and the WAY of the Cross President Obama My job to the Muslim world is to communicate that the Americans are not your enemy. We sometimes make mistakes. We have not been perfect. Karl Rove Our president apologized for America,

More information

LIVING A PROPHETIC LIFE On this Labor Day Sunday, I d like to introduce into the Lake Edge

LIVING A PROPHETIC LIFE On this Labor Day Sunday, I d like to introduce into the Lake Edge 1 LIVING A PROPHETIC LIFE On this Labor Day Sunday, I d like to introduce into the Lake Edge lexicon the twin phrases living prophetically and living a prophetic life. I ll be using these two phrases interchangeably

More information

Devotional Journal. Presbytery of WV, RHINO Mission Trip, Feb. 8-16, 2009

Devotional Journal. Presbytery of WV, RHINO Mission Trip, Feb. 8-16, 2009 Devotional Journal Presbytery of WV, RHINO Mission Trip, Feb. 8-16, 2009 (Prepared by Frank Mansell based on a guide created by Christa Brewer, Seminary Intern at Village Chapel Presbyterian Church, Charleston

More information

Paradise United Church of Christ Prayer Journal

Paradise United Church of Christ Prayer Journal Paradise United Church of Christ Prayer Journal 2018 www.paradisechurch.org Prayer Journal HOW TO USE THIS 40-DAY PRAYER JOURNAL... 2 Steps to Follow... 3 1. Decide What to Pray For... 3 2. Pray Every

More information

Readings and Sermon notes, Sunday 29 April 2018, Easter 5, St Philip s Collingwood.

Readings and Sermon notes, Sunday 29 April 2018, Easter 5, St Philip s Collingwood. Readings and Sermon notes, Sunday 29 April 2018, Easter 5, St Philip s Collingwood. Note: This is a fuller version than that which was preached on Sunday. +PW EASTER 5 Acts 8:26-40 Philip and the Ethiopian

More information

What's the Purpose of Spiritual Power?

What's the Purpose of Spiritual Power? Scripture and the Church What's the Purpose of Spiritual Power? Dr. Paul M. Elliott From the TeachingtheWord Bible Knowledgebase The believer and the church are to pursue true knowledge of God's will through

More information

Romans 12:9-21 Overcoming evil with a Renewed Mind

Romans 12:9-21 Overcoming evil with a Renewed Mind Romans 12:9-21 Overcoming evil with a Renewed Mind 1. Paul begins this chapter with the call to have our minds renewed so as not to conform to the world. He applies this to our relationships where we face:

More information

Over 2.16 million people live here in the city of Houston--and here within a 5 mile radius

Over 2.16 million people live here in the city of Houston--and here within a 5 mile radius 1 Over 2.16 million people live here in the city of Houston--and here within a 5 mile radius of the corner of Willowbend and Bellfort live ½ a million people. People are drawn to live and grow and raise

More information

The Things That Make for Peace

The Things That Make for Peace The Things That Make for Peace Leaders Guide: Bible Study Session 4 A Season of Title: Extending Peace So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them Texts: Hebrews 13:1 3, Romans 12:13 21 Goal for

More information

The Christian Essential Components

The Christian Essential Components The Christian Essential Components What are the 15 Christian Essential Components? Christ Episcopal Church is on a mission to equip and empower people to love God, care for each other, and serve the world

More information

Guidance for How We Might Pray for the Church John 17:6-19 Dr. Christopher C. F. Chapman First Baptist Church, Raleigh May 13, 2018

Guidance for How We Might Pray for the Church John 17:6-19 Dr. Christopher C. F. Chapman First Baptist Church, Raleigh May 13, 2018 Guidance for How We Might Pray for the Church John 17:6-19 Dr. Christopher C. F. Chapman First Baptist Church, Raleigh May 13, 2018 There have been times when I would have thoroughly enjoyed a book if

More information

Charism and Worldview

Charism and Worldview MODULE 2 FACILITATOR S GUIDE: Charism and Worldview CONTENTS Module Goals... 2 Welcome and Brief check-in (5 minutes)... 2 Centering Prayer (10 minutes)... 2 Sharing the State of the Heart (20-30 minutes)...

More information

In looking at it one way, v. 9 could be his thesis. 9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.

In looking at it one way, v. 9 could be his thesis. 9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. THE VIRTUES OF CHRISTS S BRIDE Romans 12:15-21 We are Spirit filled members of the family of God who obey His Word and equip people to be fully devoted and empowered followers of Christ. As we continue

More information

Judy Hartman s Health in a Nutshell Series. Lesson #1 Live and Breathe in the Scriptures, the Bible

Judy Hartman s Health in a Nutshell Series. Lesson #1 Live and Breathe in the Scriptures, the Bible Judy Hartman s Health in a Nutshell Series Lesson #1 Live and Breathe in the Scriptures, the Bible Lesson #1 Live and Breathe the Word of God, the Bible Understand that if you have received Jesus Christ

More information

Romans 12:9-21 English Standard Version August 19, 2018

Romans 12:9-21 English Standard Version August 19, 2018 Romans 12:9-21 English Standard Version August 19, 2018 The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School Lessons Series) for Sunday, August 19, 2018, is from Romans 12:9-21. Questions for Discussion

More information

1 John 4:7-21 John 15:9-17 May 6, 2018 Preached by Philip Gladden at the Wallace Presbyterian Church, Wallace, NC FAMOUS LAST WORDS

1 John 4:7-21 John 15:9-17 May 6, 2018 Preached by Philip Gladden at the Wallace Presbyterian Church, Wallace, NC FAMOUS LAST WORDS 1 John 4:7-21 John 15:9-17 May 6, 2018 Preached by Philip Gladden at the Wallace Presbyterian Church, Wallace, NC FAMOUS LAST WORDS Let us pray: Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart

More information

Warnings and Encouragement Sermons From Pastoral Rule, Book 3 July 24, 2016

Warnings and Encouragement Sermons From Pastoral Rule, Book 3 July 24, 2016 Warnings and Encouragement Sermons From Pastoral Rule, Book 3 July 24, 2016 I. Exhorting and encouraging those who are often in conflict with someone and those who live in peace. A. Scriptures 1. Psalm

More information

Living as a Community of Peace Scripture Text: Romans 12:14-18

Living as a Community of Peace Scripture Text: Romans 12:14-18 Delivered Date: Sunday, July 5, 2015 1 Living as a Community of Peace Scripture Text: Romans 12:14-18 Introduction Over two hundred years ago, the English colonies in North America wanted freedom. There

More information

The Gospel Story: Overcome Evil with Good Romans 12:9-21 Pastor Bryan Clark

The Gospel Story: Overcome Evil with Good Romans 12:9-21 Pastor Bryan Clark March 16/17, 2013 The Gospel Story: Overcome Evil with Good Romans 12:9-21 Pastor Bryan Clark I doubt too many people would argue with the statement, There is evil in the world. Probably where we would

More information

Jesus Prayer for Us John 17:6-19

Jesus Prayer for Us John 17:6-19 1 Natalie W. Bell Mother s Day May 13, 2018 Jesus Prayer for Us John 17:6-19 6 I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have

More information

By Pastor YAU Text: Matthew 5:43-48 October 25, 2015.

By Pastor YAU Text: Matthew 5:43-48 October 25, 2015. HOW TO HANDLE ENEMIES? By Pastor YAU Text: Matthew 5:43-48 October 25, 2015. INTRODUCTION: 1) Teaching of a grandma: When I was a small child, grandma lived with us and she was a blessing to all of us,

More information

Hosts, you re up first! Take 10 minutes to share your life story with the group.

Hosts, you re up first! Take 10 minutes to share your life story with the group. Week 1: Application is Everything Discussion Starter: Sharing your story is a great way to get to know more about one another. Each week we will have one person or couple share their story. Feel free to

More information

Sermon for Pentecost XII Year A 2017 Except For That One Thing...

Sermon for Pentecost XII Year A 2017 Except For That One Thing... Sermon for Pentecost XII Year A 2017 Except For That One Thing... Don t you just hate it when everything is just like you would dream except for only one pesky detail, one flaw in the plan or fly in the

More information

Luke 10:38-42 A Word about Priorities

Luke 10:38-42 A Word about Priorities Luke 10:38-42 A Word about Priorities The ancient Greeks had a saying - know yourself. It was not a bit of pop psychology about getting in touch with your inner feelings, but rather it meant to know what

More information

Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45c

Psalm 105:1-6, 23-26, 45c : ART: Moses and the Burning Bush, 1985 by Keith Haring Proper p 17 September 3, 2017 THE LITURGY OF THE WORD Opening Hymn: Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing Acclamation & Collect for Purity The Glloria

More information

September 3, 2017 Come to the Table Text: Romans 12:9-21 Matthew 16:21-28 Title: Come to the Table

September 3, 2017 Come to the Table Text: Romans 12:9-21 Matthew 16:21-28 Title: Come to the Table Wesley United Methodist Church Rev. Beverly E Stenmark September 3, 2017 Come to the Table Text: Romans 12:9-21 Matthew 16:21-28 Title: Come to the Table I invite you to think for a minute about some of

More information

New Year s Message 2016

New Year s Message 2016 New Year s Message 2016 A New Year s Challenge (1/3/16) This morning we stand at the beginning of a new year. What makes a new year special is the fact that it s new! Every New Year brings with it new

More information

Did you know? Grace-Full Living. A resource from Women of the ELCA

Did you know? Grace-Full Living. A resource from Women of the ELCA Grace-Full Living Many women are motivated to act by a fairly simple type of value: a hope to leave the world better than they found it. This idea is sometimes described as giving back based on a woman

More information

Living Worthy of the Gospel Philippians 1:27-28

Living Worthy of the Gospel Philippians 1:27-28 Living Worthy of the Gospel Philippians 1:27-28 When you think of gospel preaching, what comes to mind? Evangelism? Handing out tracts? Talking about eternal things with co-workers, neighbors? Perhaps

More information

John 13:34 (NIV) "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

John 13:34 (NIV) A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. Beyond Just Getting Along January 13, 2013 It's the start of a new year. It is a natural time to look back and ahead. It is a good time to look back at our year and see how cluttered it has become. It

More information

First Mount Zion Baptist Church Small Groups Leader Training Facilitated by: Stephanie M. Craddock Small Groups Director

First Mount Zion Baptist Church Small Groups Leader Training Facilitated by: Stephanie M. Craddock Small Groups Director Equip Yourself to Lead First Mount Zion Baptist Church Small Groups Leader Training Facilitated by: Stephanie M. Craddock Small Groups Director Small Groups Defined Small Groups are relational communities

More information

GOD S ABUNDANT PLAN GENESIS 12:1-3 GOD S DESIRE FOR US IS THAT WE LIVE FULL AND ABUNDANT LIVES.

GOD S ABUNDANT PLAN GENESIS 12:1-3 GOD S DESIRE FOR US IS THAT WE LIVE FULL AND ABUNDANT LIVES. GOD S ABUNDANT PLAN GENESIS 12:1-3 GOD S DESIRE FOR US IS THAT WE LIVE FULL AND ABUNDANT LIVES. I. GOD CREATED US FOR RELATIONSHIP WITH HIMSELF. God Wants To Be In A Personal, Passionate, And Intimate

More information

The Hard Work of Life Together September 13, Oxford Christian Church James 3:17-18; 1 Corinthians 13:1-7

The Hard Work of Life Together September 13, Oxford Christian Church James 3:17-18; 1 Corinthians 13:1-7 The Hard Work of Life Together September 13, 2015 - Oxford Christian Church James 3:17-18; 1 Corinthians 13:1-7 The crowds grew louder and more intense in their chants, shouting back and forth at one another.

More information

The Summer of Psalms By Doug Hamilton

The Summer of Psalms By Doug Hamilton 3) Service for God In the series on the Psalms we have thus covered two themes of Christianity, Praise to God and Protection from God. The songs that we have sung for our worship service have all come

More information

BEING GRACIOUS TO OTHERS

BEING GRACIOUS TO OTHERS BEING GRACIOUS TO OTHERS In this teaching I will be looking at the importance of being gracious in the way that we relate to and speak to others The Apostle Paul wrote, Let your speech always be with grace,

More information

Love for Enemies Romans 12:14-21

Love for Enemies Romans 12:14-21 Love for Enemies Romans 12:14-21 In Romans 12:2 Paul challenged us to be transformed by the renewing of [our] minds ; as we learn new patterns of thinking our lives are transformed. Over time we become

More information

M&M May 2015 Romans 12:1-21

M&M May 2015 Romans 12:1-21 New American Standard Bible (NASB) Dedicated Service 12 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual

More information

THE WORD IS VERY NEAR YOU

THE WORD IS VERY NEAR YOU THE WORD IS VERY NEAR YOU 2016-2017 BIBLE MEMORIZATION CHALLENGE WEEK of SOURCE VERSE Sept. 18 Deuteronomy 30:14 The word is very near to you; it is in your mouth and in your heart for you to observe.

More information

But let justice run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream. Amos 5:24

But let justice run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream. Amos 5:24 Act Justly But let justice run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream. Amos 5:24 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meiu6txyscg Does Justice Mean Equality and/or Equal Treatment? Does Justice

More information

One Thing Philippians 1:27-30

One Thing Philippians 1:27-30 One Thing Philippians 1:27-30 Introduction (2 Minutes) I want you to imagine that you are in a foreign prison. You can write one small letter to someone close to you. As far as you know, this may be the

More information

Mission and Consultation Journal

Mission and Consultation Journal Mission and Consultation Journal Prayer for the V Encuentro God of Mercy, You that went out to encounter the disciples on the way to Emmaus, grant us a missionary spirit and send us forth to encounter

More information

Psalm 37:12 - The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them;

Psalm 37:12 - The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; Text: Psalm 37:1-9 Title: Do Not Fret SERMON BUMPER Let s open our Bibles today to Psalm 37. In case you haven t noticed it there s a lot of anger in the air across our nation, particularly over the issue

More information

CROSSING OVER PSALM 46; ROMANS 12:9-21 LETHBRIDGE MENNONITE CHURCH BY: RYAN DUECK NOVEMBER 8, 2015/24 TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (PEACE SUNDAY)

CROSSING OVER PSALM 46; ROMANS 12:9-21 LETHBRIDGE MENNONITE CHURCH BY: RYAN DUECK NOVEMBER 8, 2015/24 TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (PEACE SUNDAY) CROSSING OVER PSALM 46; ROMANS 12:9-21 LETHBRIDGE MENNONITE CHURCH BY: RYAN DUECK NOVEMBER 8, 2015/24 TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (PEACE SUNDAY) When I saw this passage from Romans listed in the MCC Resources

More information

A Life? Or THE Life? Bill Loveless. Christ Is Life Ministries. Website:

A Life? Or THE Life? Bill Loveless. Christ Is Life Ministries. Website: A Life? Or THE Life? Copyright 2016 by Bill Loveless All rights reserved. This book may not be copied or reprinted for commercial gain or profit. The use or copying of this material for personal or group

More information

A Closer Walk With God

A Closer Walk With God 1 - Are You A Disciple of Jesus 1 A Closer Walk With God Are You A Disciple Of Jesus? INTRODUCTION: I. This evening, I'm beginning a series of lessons I'll be preaching over the next two months that deals

More information

what do you do more than others? Matt. 5:47

what do you do more than others? Matt. 5:47 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Matt. 5:20 what do you do more than others? Matt.

More information

THE BIBLICAL FOUNDATIONS OF DISCIPLESHIP As Presented at the EuNC Leadership Conference 2014

THE BIBLICAL FOUNDATIONS OF DISCIPLESHIP As Presented at the EuNC Leadership Conference 2014 THE BIBLICAL FOUNDATIONS OF DISCIPLESHIP As Presented at the EuNC Leadership Conference 2014 Rev. David Leeder, Kokomo First Church of the Nazarene 28 January 2014 THE BIBLICAL FOUNDATIONS OF DISCIPLESHIP.

More information

Romans An In-Depth Study [Chapters 9-16]

Romans An In-Depth Study [Chapters 9-16] Romans An In-Depth Study [Chapters 9-16] [Part 6] Romans 12:12 [NIV] Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. The letter to the Christians in the church in Rome is full of practical

More information

PURPOSE AND SITUATION OF THE ROLLO

PURPOSE AND SITUATION OF THE ROLLO PURPOSE AND SITUATION OF THE ROLLO ENVIRONMENTS is the first rollo of the third and last day of the Weekend. It begins the third phase of the Weekend, the re-entry into the world. The first day presents

More information

What Do We Value? Dr. Robert F. Browning, Pastor. First Baptist Church. Frankfort, Kentucky. June 20, 2018

What Do We Value? Dr. Robert F. Browning, Pastor. First Baptist Church. Frankfort, Kentucky. June 20, 2018 What Do We Value? By Dr. Robert F. Browning, Pastor First Baptist Church Frankfort, Kentucky June 20, 2018 Healthy churches have a clear sense of identity, mission, purpose, uniqueness and methodology.

More information

Printer Friendly Version: Week 19

Printer Friendly Version: Week 19 Online Retreat http://www.creighton.edu/collaborativeministry/cmo-retreat.html The Collaborative Ministry Office - Creighton University Printer Friendly Version: Week 19 Guide Journey from Nazareth to

More information

Summing it all Up. Romans 12:9-21 Rev. Nick Larson

Summing it all Up. Romans 12:9-21 Rev. Nick Larson Summing it all Up Romans 12:9-21 Rev. Nick Larson Some of you may be aware that a group of American Evangelical pastors and leaders put out a statement this week that they innocuously called The Nashville

More information

Overcoming Evil With Good Pastor Joe Oakley GFC

Overcoming Evil With Good Pastor Joe Oakley GFC 1 Overcoming Evil With Good Pastor Joe Oakley GFC 7-9-16 We are in a sermon series on hearing God called The Voice. I had a sermon all prepared for today on that and then I heard the Voice! I felt the

More information

Here are the songs we sang this Sunday. This shows the song name, the artist who performed the song, and the cd that contains the song.

Here are the songs we sang this Sunday. This shows the song name, the artist who performed the song, and the cd that contains the song. Here are the songs we sang this Sunday. This shows the song name, the artist who performed the song, and the cd that contains the song. Open Up the Heavens Meredith Andrews Worth it All Lion and the Lamb

More information

The Beatitudes Matthew 5:3-12

The Beatitudes Matthew 5:3-12 The Beatitudes Matthew 5:3-12 Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit

More information

Before the start of General Synod 2013, consider joining other delegates and RCA congregations in a 21-day

Before the start of General Synod 2013, consider joining other delegates and RCA congregations in a 21-day Transformed and Transforming A er Guide for the 2013 RCA General Synod Before the start of General Synod 2013, consider joining other delegates and RCA congregations in a 21-day journey of prayer, or prayer

More information

Last week: KEYSTO A FRUITFUL LIFE 9/10/2016

Last week: KEYSTO A FRUITFUL LIFE 9/10/2016 Last week: KEYSTO A FRUITFUL LIFE Mark 4:1-20 Mark 4:8-9 (NIV) 8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times. 9 Then

More information

Confession and Repentance

Confession and Repentance Confession and Repentance Review In the last session we spent time learning the practice of gazing upon Christ. Have you been able to incorporate gazing upon Christ into your time with God? How did that

More information

And over all these put on love, that is the bond of perfection.

And over all these put on love, that is the bond of perfection. Colossians 3:12-17 And over all these put on love, that is the bond of perfection. A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Colossians Brothers and sisters; Put on, as God s chosen ones, holy and

More information

The Cost of Discipleship + Miscellaneous Questions

The Cost of Discipleship + Miscellaneous Questions + Miscellaneous Questions 23 Oct, 2016 Andy Lewis Courtesy of www.biblestudymen.com Hard Questions of the Bible A Closer Look 1 Multiple Parables on same topic. Family vs God Building a Tower King Going

More information

Confronting the Gap James 1:22-25

Confronting the Gap James 1:22-25 Confronting the Gap James 1:22-25 The Church at Canyon Creek, Austin, Texas Monty Watson June 11, 2017 CONFRONTING THE GAP James 1:22-25 Norman Rockwell is one of the most famous painters in American history,

More information

EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN SOUTHERN AFRICA (NATAL- TRANSVAAL) EVANGELISCH-LUTHERISCHE KIRCHE. IM SODLICHEN AFRIKA (NATAL-TRANSVAAL)

EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN SOUTHERN AFRICA (NATAL- TRANSVAAL) EVANGELISCH-LUTHERISCHE KIRCHE. IM SODLICHEN AFRIKA (NATAL-TRANSVAAL) EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN SOUTHERN AFRICA (NATAL- TRANSVAAL) EVANGELISCH-LUTHERISCHE KIRCHE. IM SODLICHEN AFRIKA (NATAL-TRANSVAAL) EVANGELIESE LLITHERSE KERK IN SUIDER-AFRIKA (NATAL- TRANSVAAL) NTS503198

More information

~ Choices for the Second Reading ~

~ Choices for the Second Reading ~ ~ Choices for the Second Reading ~ D1 ~ What will separate us from the love of Christ? Romans 8:31b-35, 37-39 Brothers and sisters: If God is for us, who can be against us? He did not spare his own Son

More information

Caring for God s Creation. Job 12: 7-10

Caring for God s Creation. Job 12: 7-10 Caring for God s Creation Job 12: 7-10 I will tell you that I struggled to write this sermon this week, which is odd for me because creation care is such a huge part of my call as a person of faith as

More information

Forgiveness LEADER OVERVIEW

Forgiveness LEADER OVERVIEW DISCOVER Jesus made it very clear that forgiveness is an essential part of Christian life. Understanding true forgiveness helps us understand the depths of God s love for us. Understanding our responsibility

More information

NEW TESTAMENT Romans 8:31b-35, What will separate us from the love of Christ?

NEW TESTAMENT Romans 8:31b-35, What will separate us from the love of Christ? A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans If God is for us, who can be against us? He did not spare his own Son but handed him over for us all, how will he not also give us everything else

More information

Scripture Work Sheets

Scripture Work Sheets Scripture Work Sheets Philippians Chapter 1 Scripture Work Sheets Chapter 1 1 Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus: To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and

More information

Grace Expectations! God s Grace & My Pain 1/13/19 Pastor Randy

Grace Expectations! God s Grace & My Pain 1/13/19 Pastor Randy Last week we started talking about the expectations we should have as a church, as the children of God, living in between the first and second coming of Christ. What should we expect as people who have

More information

ROMANS A Devotional Guide of Romans for Individuals, Families, and LifeGroups to Accompany the Sermon Series

ROMANS A Devotional Guide of Romans for Individuals, Families, and LifeGroups to Accompany the Sermon Series ROMANS 12-16 A Devotional Guide of Romans for Individuals, Families, and LifeGroups to Accompany the Sermon Series ROMANS: THE GOOD LIFE Week 1 Week of April 28/29, 2018 Romans 12:1-2 DAY 1 Sermon Title:

More information

Valley Bible Church Study on Stress

Valley Bible Church Study on Stress Keys To Peaceful Relationships Key Verse: If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone Romans 12:18 I. Conditions for Living at Peace A. Understanding Where True Peace Comes

More information

Foundational Facts about Relationships

Foundational Facts about Relationships by Bonnie Detwiler A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have

More information

Do No Harm July 2, 2018

Do No Harm July 2, 2018 1 Do No Harm July 2, 2018 Romans 12:14-19 and Romans 13:8-9 14 Bless those who persecute you. Don t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those

More information

Our lives can be oppressed by our unchangeable past and our fear of the future.

Our lives can be oppressed by our unchangeable past and our fear of the future. Alpha and Omega Alpha and Omega Our lives can be oppressed by our unchangeable past and our fear of the future. The eastern world it is explodin', violence flarin', bullets loadin' You're old enough to

More information

1 P age. Introduction

1 P age. Introduction Introduction There s almost too much groove in that song; I might get a little distracted (Laughter) and forget to preach. Good morning, again. I m not the senior pastor here, so if you re visiting with

More information

Spiritual Gifts Inventory

Spiritual Gifts Inventory Spiritual Gifts Inventory What are Spiritual Gifts? A Spiritual Gift is an ability, skill or talent given through the activity of the Holy Spirit working in the life of each individual Christian. Collectively,

More information

A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans

A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans D1 Romans 8:31b-35, 37-39 A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans Brothers and sisters: If God is for us, who can be against us? He did not spare his own Son but handed him over for us all,

More information

I. Discerning God's Will Is All-important to Those Who Desire to Walk With Him.

I. Discerning God's Will Is All-important to Those Who Desire to Walk With Him. DISCERNING GOD'S WILL Purpose: To communicate the importance of seeking God's will and how to discern His will when making decisions. Learning Objectives: 1. To understand God's desire to lead us in His

More information

BASIC DISCIPLE MAKING. The Plan, Process & Practice of Making Disciples

BASIC DISCIPLE MAKING. The Plan, Process & Practice of Making Disciples BASIC DISCIPLE MAKING The Plan, Process & Practice of Making Disciples EXALTING CHRIST PUBLISHING 710 BR0ADWAY STREET VALLEJO, CA 94590 707-553-8780 www.cbcvallejo.org email: publications@cbcvallejo.org

More information

WEDDING SCRIPTURE READINGS

WEDDING SCRIPTURE READINGS WEDDING SCRIPTURE READINGS Scripture Topic Genesis 1:26-31 Male and female created by God 26 Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and

More information

NT-1. A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans (8: 31-39)

NT-1. A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans (8: 31-39) NT-1 A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans (8: 31-39) Brothers and Sisters: If God is for us, who can be against us? He did not spare his own Son but handed him over for us all, will he

More information

Lesson 113 Obedience is Key

Lesson 113 Obedience is Key Lesson 113 Obedience is Key 11/28/12 BT Obedience is key. Without obedience you have chaos. The creation has order and man has a place. A place under God not equal, not above. The enemy has led man astray.

More information

The glory of God is the human person fully alive.

The glory of God is the human person fully alive. The glory of God is the human person fully alive. Today we are invited to a life with God that opens us to all that is alive. It makes us celebrate life; it enables us to see the beauty of all that is

More information