Loving God, Loving People, Living Free
Thursday June 6th, 2019
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Pastor Ethan's Weekly Message to our Extended Church Family
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Been a while since I've done a good Lord of the Rings reference. SO, now that that's out of the way (smile)...
Hello everyone, I hope you all are well! Spring has finally arrived here in the valley- we haven't had a snowstorm in over a week! If you plan on coming to the valley this summer, we can't wait to see you.
Sunday we are wrapping our three week look at Romans chapter 14, the passage often referred to as 'The Weak and the Strong". So far, we've established the following super important truths. When it comes to debatable areas of the Christian life where we may have disagreement, how then shall we live?
- We don't judge each other!
You then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat...
Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Romans 14:10,13
- We won't be a 'stumbling block' to a friend! In other words, we will consider how our choices and actions impact other people who may struggle with issues that are not a problem for us. We may choose to limit our own freedom in such a way not because of moral law or religious rules, but as an expression of love.
...make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister... If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love... For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit... Romans 14:13-17
- Rather than a focus on claiming our own rights, our focus- as active members of the community of faith (the Body of Christ)- our focus will be on engendering peace with each other, encouraging one another, and building each other up.
Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. Romans 14:19
It's worth considering what the church would look like- the blessing we would be to each other, and the influence we would have on culture around us- if just these three convictions were the sincere and present ethic of our faith community. The famous song "I can only imagine" by 'MercyMe' speaks of heaven, but the title could apply here as well. In fact, that's good theology, as Jesus called us to be bringers of life 'as it is in heaven' into our own world, right now.
But Paul doesn't stop there. Sunday we will continue on through Romans 5:6, and see Paul speak emphatically about the importance of our individual conscience before God. He will then reiterate our points above, and wrap up this section with a very encouraging promise. YES, living in community can be challenging! Especially in the community of the church where unfortunately we at times get offended way too easily. But even then, we possess the great hope that God has given us everything we need to not only cope in our relationships with difficult people (you know, like you and me), but flourish!
In Romans 15:4-6 Paul is still speaking to the 'weak and the strong'- these two groups predisposed to disagreement and even conflict- and he proclaims that they will with one mind and voice bring Glory to God. That's quite an assertion on Paul's part, but it's not all spiritual rainbows and unicorns. It's the unavoidable reality that flows from a people whose Love for God leads them to truly, sacrificially, without judgment, and with a transforming self-awareness, love one another.
Like bringing life as it is in heaven into the world we are in today.
Love you all, see you Sunday if you're in the valley, and blessings wherever you may be.
Ethan
p.s. Aragorn's actual quote from the Lord of the Rings is as follows (from the final epic battle before the black gates of Mordor): "A day may come when the courage of men fails, when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship, but it is not this day!"
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This Sunday's Message: With Great Power Comes Great...
Primary Scripture: Romans 14:20-15:4
Messages in this series
Week 1, April 28th: Respect for Government. Really?
Week 2, May 5th: Law, Love and One True Debt
Week 3, May 12th: How Then Shall We Live?
Week 4, May 26th: The Weak and the Strong
Week 5, June 2nd: Why We Do What We Do
Week 6, June 9th: With Great Power Comes Great...
Week 7, June 16th: Hope Overflowing
Visit the 'sermons' tab at www.trinityvail.com for Pastor Ethan's weekly study/reflection guide, scripture reference links, message audio links, and more. Ethan’s message audio is also available through various podcast apps on both your iPhone and Android devices. Just search for “Trinity Vail Valley Ethan” in your podcast app.
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If you are coming into town soon and would like to learn about Trinity's upcoming events, visit our 'coming events' tab at trinityvail.com, or just click HERE!
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Trinity Church
P.O. Box 2676, 90 Lariat Loop
Edwards, CO 81632
Phone:(970) 926-1759
Fax:(970) 926-1754
Email: trinity@trinityvail.com
Website: www.trinityvail.com
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