It's absolutely essential to safeguard the purity of the church, foster unity within the community, and ensure that our message is impactful. When we encounter individuals who sow discord, it's crucial to address the issue directly instead of brushing it aside. If someone is spreading rumors or causing conflict, it's important to confront the situation and encourage them to communicate directly with the person they're talking about. Even if they don't take our advice and perhaps even turn against us, it's important to remember that their actions are not aligned with Christ's teachings. They are closed off to learning and may use deceptive tactics such as smooth talk and flattery to serve their own hidden agendas.

As Paul wraps up his letter, he takes the time to acknowledge specific individuals for their dedication and unwavering commitment to the church. These individuals labored tirelessly for the Lord and were a tremendous source of blessing to him. In a world where many pursue material success and fleeting pleasures, Paul reminds us that our ultimate legacy should be centered on our love for the Lord and our unwavering devotion to glorifying Him for eternity. So, how do you aspire to be remembered?

In his letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul commended the church for their faith, highlighting their goodness, willingness, sincerity, teachability, and knowledge. These characteristics are what the church should exemplify today. Paul's attitude towards the Romans was genuine because he was faithful to God first and foremost. However, today, we see a watered-down gospel that lacks the truth of the gospel, sin, repentance, and faith in Christ. We must ask ourselves, what kind of offering are we bringing to the Lord? Is it a self-help message or the full preaching of the gospel that leads to salvation? Our offerings to the Lord must be pleasing to Him, just as Paul's offering was the Gentiles to whom he preached the gospel. Paul knew that it was not him but God the Father who drew people to Christ, and his role was to be faithful. We don't need charismatic preachers who boast about their successes. Instead, we need faithful preachers who serve their people well in both word and deed. Paul was an excellent example of this in his ministry. Pastors and elders must be accessible, approachable, and available to serve their congregations.

As we mature in our Christian faith, we are called to exhibit charity, which leads to unity. Achieving maturity requires consuming and conforming to God's word and then understanding and practicing it. This process of maturity is not simply a matter of how long you have been a Christian. Charity is not about compromising truth but embodying wisdom, understanding, patience, and grace. Unity is our ultimate goal, involving deep fellowship and caring for one another.

Our lives are not just about us but the kingdom of God. We must love and respect each other, focusing on the needs of others and letting go of hatred or resentment. Let us love with the same love that Christ has placed in our hearts, allowing it to cover over a multitude of sins.  Salvation is closer to us now than when we first believed. Therefore, we must be alert and ready, living properly according to the Lord and avoiding anything that takes us away from Christ. Let us put on the Lord Jesus Christ and not allow ourselves to be tempted by the desires of the flesh. We should live with a holy urgency and do nothing that would harm our witness. We must prioritize our faith over distractions that do not bring us closer to God and live our lives with a sense of urgency. Let us remain steadfast in our faith, even when life gets busy, and not let the mundane aspects of life rob us of the gift of Christ.

As believers, we recognize that God has established the government, magistrates, and authorities. Therefore, we show respect in our dealings and abide by the lawful laws. Our response to the authorities should be peaceful, and we should pray for their salvation while also serving as a corrective influence by reminding them that they are appointed by God and must obey Him and His laws. We must also be proactive at all levels where we are called to serve. In rare cases, when all other options have been exhausted, we may need to exercise civil disobedience to stand up in obedience to God. This may include a situation where the magistrate requires us to do something forbidden by God or to refrain from doing something that God commands us to do. Nevertheless, we must always uphold everything that God commands us to do. Scripture: Daniel 3:8-18, Romans 13:1-7

We must be humble toward others, not look down on them, have little patience, or take advantage of weaknesses. Who we are, and the gifts/talents that we have don't come from something within our flesh but are given to us by God.

Christians have been adopted into the family of God and have access to all the rights and privileges that come with it.  In light of this truth, we need to cultivate our "family" of brothers and sisters in Christ by caring for one another as we would for a biological family and forge deeper familial relationships as we stand together to face the issues of our day.  

There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.  For the sinner saved by grace, this gives us great assurance and confidence in our salvation in Christ, and it can never be lost.  This frees us from worldly expectations and motivates us to live freely and bravely for Jesus Christ.

Sunday, April 30th, 2023 www.redeemerchurchofsouthhills.org

You are either a slave to sin or a slave to God.  Sin blinds the one who serves it, leading them to death.  The person set free from sin is enslaved to God and set apart for eternal life.  Is sin your master, or is God?

People are either guilty in Adam or righteous in Christ. Because Jesus perfectly obeyed the law, salvation through Him is a free gift that provides us justification and the guarantee of eternal, glorified life. Scripture: Isaiah 1:18-20, Romans 5:12-21

Suffering is not something that must be avoided at all costs but rather has vital benefits to Christians. Therefore, we must prepare for suffering and be ready to imitate Christ in how we handle it.

This week's sermon explains the benefits of the believer's justification: peace with God, assurance of salvation, and the joyful hope of the glory of God.

Paul makes clear in Romans 4 that any reliance on obedience to the law to make us right with God is hopeless. God's law increases our knowledge of sin and brings wrath. It is only through faith that one can be reconciled to God.