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Good morning!
We're so glad you chose to join us today!
When we meet together, we take time to share any joys or concerns we have. If you have a prayer request, please add it as a comment on this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below to get started.
God, All peoples have their origin in you and it is your will to gather them as one family in yourself. Fill the hearts of people with your love and the desire to ensure justice for all their brothers and sisters. Amen
Today's lesson is on Romans 10:1-17.
Just how comprehensive is the good news of Jesus the Messiah? The entire book of Romans is concerned with this question. Romans 1-8 sets forth proof of the need and extent of God's mercy available to those who trust him with their lives. God has announced salvation for all who trust. The gospel of grace has come to light for all. The extension of God's offer of salvation to Gentiles does not exclude Jews. The depth of God's love extends to Israel as well as the Gentiles.
Romans 10 reflects on Paul's hope that the good news that Jesus is the Messiah and Lord will also come to his fellow Jews. God promised salvation to Israel, and God keeps promises at all times. Therefore, the promise of salvation must come to Israel. The hard division between Jews and Gentiles did not occur until several generations after Paul's lifetime. Paul himself never used the word “Christians” in his writings, though it had begun to circulate within the church. He likely did not anticipate the centuries of hostility between the two groups or the habit of those thinking themselves to be Christians of insulting and even persecuting Jews. The hard division that Paul's experience and wrote about was between Jews (whether Christs-followers or not) and Gentile (whether God fearing or not). The gospel of reconciliation and peace in Christ reaches all, allowing God both to keep the ancient promises of Israel and to add the Gentiles to the faithful community. Praying for God's salvation for the Israelites was probably habitual for Paul. His concern for his people – including his family and friends – was reason enough to pray for the nation. The Scriptures he long had studied modeled praying for deliverance for Israel from its various foes. And there was an expectation, found particularly in the prophets' writings, that the nation would be restored after suffering for their sins. Paul's prayers expanded to include that his people would turn to Christ and find eternal salvation in him. Paul does not suggest that his fellow Jews were all pursuing evil ends, because that was clearly not true. Jews who did not follow Jesus still desired to follow God, But, Paul asserts, they misunderstood the trajectory of God's work and how their own Scriptures pointed to Jesus as their Messiah. Paul does not dismiss zeal for God as insignificant; he knew from personal experience that misdirected zeal could be turned to God's purpose. Still, his people's zeal without knowledge of Christ prevented them from recognizing that God's long anticipated provision of deliverance of his people (and indeed to all people) had finally been revealed. Paul has argued the righteousness of God consists of extending salvation to all on the basis of trust in the work of Christ. Paul criticized the attempt to make Jews out of Gentiles. Attempts to come to God on the basis of anything other than Christ, and especially on the basis of any human achievement, fail. An approach to saving the Gentiles that tried to compel them to keep the Law of Moses neglected the deeper reality that the relationship with God always depends on faithful trust, not on the works themselves. The word translated culmination has the sense of “ultimate goal” in Greek. The coming of Christ and his activity in revealing God's salvation to all human beings was always the goal of the Law. And the Law of Moses itself pointed to the work of God, as opposed to the law existing for its own sake. Paul did not expect the abolition of Torah but the completion of God's promises. Those who trust God's work through Jesus have fulfilled the Torah's overarching objectives. Paul quotes Leviticus 18:5: "The person who does these things will live by them." Paul did not oppose Jews keeping the Law, and he accepted the idea that its instructions can guide a person to a wiser, more faithful life. In this way, Jews who kept the Torah in faith did live by them and could experience limited righteousness of striving to accomplish God's will. Paul next quotes Deuteronomy 30:12-13: "Do not say in your heart,..'Who will descend into heaven... Who will descend into the deep?'". These verses are part of God's promise that he would extend mercy to Israel after the nation experienced the consequences of breaking covenant and turned to him in repentance and faith. Paul adds to these quotations two comments, the first being that is to bring Christ down. Paul's point is that Christ's descent into the human world was God's work, not that of striving human beings. Salvation, therefore, comes from God and not from humans. The second comment, to bring Christ from the dead, connects the ancient text to the core Christian story of Jesus' resurrection. Paul links the confession of faith from one's mouth with the belief in one's heart and thus to the commitments of the whole person. To believe that God has raised Jesus from the dead also means to trust that God has overcome the power of death itself. Salvation involves both the present and the future. We can understand being saved as a shorthand for the entire relationship that the redeemed person enjoys with God. The effects begin in our Spirit-led lives now and will culminate in everlasting life in Heaven. Confession of Christ's lordship occurs daily, both in the face of opposition or hardship and in more peaceful times. It also involves witnesses, making a public commitment. The message of the gospel connects deeply to real lives, and those who hear it must internalize it and proclaim it. When the heart and the mouth align in acknowledging the saving work of Christ, it becomes possible to experience both righteousness and salvation. Paul quotes Isaiah 28:16, which is part of a promise that God would rebuild Zion after its destruction. The Bible often conceives of shame as a social condition, visible to all, rather an inner, more private emotion. Paul understands trust in God as the opposite of public humiliation. At the final judgment, those who trust in Jesus for deliverance from sins will never be put to shame because our hope of salvation will be fully realized. Paul then quotes from Joel, "For Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Both Joel and Paul understand God as one who answers the sincere cries of people longing for help. Because Jesus is “Lord of all” everyone may call on him. An important characteristic of Christian's preaching is the proclamation of peace between God and humanity. When one experiences reconciliation with the Lord, it becomes possible to reconcile to other people as well. Christian teaching and preaching should, therefore, be filled with joy about hope because of the good things God wants to accomplish in us and through us. Verse 16 & 17. But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. Paul quotes Isaiah 53:1 that is part of the prophetic reflection on the fact that people do not always listen to God's Word. In its immediate context continues the account of the Suffering Servant, noting the disbelief of many. In spite of that disbelief, Paul's job and the job of Christ followers, is to keep celebrating the good news and to live lives that reflect our faith in Jesus. After all, we might plant the seed and water it, but God makes it grow. Our responsibility is not the outcome but our faithfulness to report the good news. There is a contrast between the two verses. Verse 16 emphasizes the negative side of unbelief, while verse 17 understands the power of the message to be so great that it leads people to trust Christ. Paul was confident that both Jews and Gentiles would learn to trust God once they understood the nature of the gospel. 
Conclusion
The offer of salvation comes through the preaching of the Word as one of hope and expectation. God is for us and wishes to be with us. When we trust the reliability of that offer, we can enter into a life of joyful hope, which is the Bible salvation. That life begins now and extends into eternity. In Romans 10, Paul speaks of those who cry out to God, confess Jesus as Lord and so receive salvation. Like the prophets of Israel, who called on their people to turn from evil towards good, Paul makes a direct connection between the words that humans speak and God's willingness to save. The words must be sincerely uttered, but the key actor in this drama of salvation is God. Preaching connects closely to prayer as we seek to conform our desires to God's desires. It must be full of hope, inviting listeners to trust a gracious God. This readiness to hear comes from God's passionate love for the creation. In truth, God created the world originally out of love, and he sustains the creation out of the same love. In an environment of love, a needy humanity crying out for help receives a willing ear.
Prayer
O God who makes promises and keeps them over generations and long centuries, our prayer is for all the people near and far to come to know Jesus. Send us! In Jesus' name we pray. Amen
Questions for discussion
Benediction
Next week, we will be starting the summer quarter. If you have been reading the lessons, we would love for you to join us in person, at 10 am. The topic for the summer quarter is Hope in the Lord.
The lesson for next week will be on Colossians 1:24-2:3.
Prelude: Ron Dobscha
ANNOUNCEMENTS CALL TO WORSHIP: Through faith we have overcome the world. It’s not by our doing but through faith in Jesus, the Son of God. We are not bound to sin and the punishment of sin like we once were. God has shown great kindness to us and we love Him! Though we are imperfect, we live lives wanting to obey and follow Him. God has done and continues to do a great work in us. He changes our outlook, our direction and shows us what leads to life. Praise God for His work in us. Worship Him for His faithfulness shown toward the people He loves. INVOCATION
* HYMN “God of Grace and God of Glory” # 307
* PRAYER OF CONFESSION: Heavenly Father, You make it clear that to love You is more than just something we say. To love You means that we submit to You. That we are to deny the things we want or the things we believe about the world in exchange for Your commands and outlook. We know this to be true yet we are so quick to reject it. At times it seems like You require too much, that we are sacrificing too greatly when in truth Your ways are not burden-some and open us to true living. Forgive us for speaking of our love for You without actions that reflect that love. Forgive us for being stubborn and proud to believe that what we want comes before what You want. Restore our affections and obedience to You through the love and forgiveness we receive. Amen * Time of silent prayer *Assurance of Pardon *Response – Gloria Patri *Passing of the peace Children’s Chat Prayer for Illumination Scripture reading: Psalm 1 Lois Miller Sermon Text: 1 John 5: 1-5 *HYMN “Jesu, Jesu. Fill us with Your Love” # 203 *Apostles Creed Presentation of our tithes and offering Offertory *Doxology *Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the People The Lord’s Prayer INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE * “Let us “Break Bread Together” # 525 Communion INVOCATION * ”A Hymn of Joy we Sing” (see insert) *Benediction Postlude Ron Dobscha
Birthdays:
Cindy Ward Anniversaries: None this week Sympathies: To the Family of Frank Baker Remember our food collection, and Jesus said, “You give them something to eat”. Please let Betty Fisher know of anyone within the community that may be in need at this time. Our Christian brother and friend, Frank Baker went to be with the Lord. We need prayer for Nellie and her family thru this rough time. We are going to try something a little different today and for the next 3 weeks. We will be singing same song. Today we are learning a new song. Christine Welling will be up front to lead us thru learning it.
Continuing Prayer List
Chuck Dicks, Ricci Amos, Sandy Stone, Frank Huffman, Tom Westfall, Sarah Wilson, Carl Weber, Chuck Harton, Suzy Smith, Fred Wilkinson, Donna West, Marley Smith, Haley Diedier Bedillion, Helen Provenzano, Carol Pierce, Jim King, Johnny Yurko, Mary Stoey, Ron Poznic, Tim Knabensue, Betty Fisher, Ron Westfall, Carol Bentrem, Norma Jean Kelso, Chuck Kapaika, Doug Ward, Marilyn Ward, Nellie Baker, Karla Horner
Good morning!
Happy birthday to the church!
When we meet in person, we share our joys and concerns with each other. If you have prayer requests to share, you can add them to the comments on this post. When you are ready, you may use the prayer below to get started:
Heavenly Father, I ask you to help me to continue to grow in You so I may find joy amid my suffering. Help me to know You can use my suffering to grow me and encourage others. In Your name I pray. Amen
Today's lesson is on Romans 5:1-11.
Romans 5 depends entirely on Paul's previous discussion of the human response to the gospel found in Romans 4. Paul has argued, based on the experience of Abraham, that the true basis for a relationship with God is trust in his promises, that is, faith.
Our text today makes an important argument about why followers of Jesus both build their lives based on trust in God's promises yet still experience hardship. Those suffering might wonder whether the new era of God's mercy had dawned or not. In the past, prophets had revealed certain hardships to be God's judgment on sin. Is a Christian's suffering also God's judgment? Elsewhere, Paul boasted about his own suffering as evidence of God's work in his life. Paul would go on to be executed in Rome in AD 67 or 68. In his estimation, this surely was another opportunity to imitate Christ. The transformation to be like Christ has several parts, including a new understanding of suffering, reconciliation, growing friendship with God, and ultimately rescue from the power of sin and death. Paul explores each dimension of these implications in today's text.
Effects of Justification
Because God declares us accepted based on our faith in the Messiah, Jesus, this trust yields certain effects. Justification is not simply an accounting trick God makes. It begins a transformation of life. This includes Jews and Gentiles, with God showing no partiality to either. Because of God's work to keep the ancient promises to Abraham, everyone can have the kind of peace of which Paul speaks. In contrast to peace enforced at the point of the sword, God offers genuine reconciliation of all people to himself through Jesus' faithful obedience. Paul exhorts the Romans to have peace among themselves. Peace with God leads to (or should lead to) peace among followers of God when exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit. Access to God's grace does not derive from an accident of birth or even from doing good deeds. It comes by faith in God's gracious offer of mercy. We take confidence in God's promise, building our lives on it. Because Jesus trusted God, those who follow him may do so as well. The glory of God comes to light in the saving work of Jesus in his crucifixion and resurrection. God's glory is also evident in the life of the church and at the final judgment, when all things will become subject to God and open to his full presence (Romans 8:18) For this reason we boast in expectant hope that God has forgiven us and given us new life now and in Heaven. Paul opens the possibility that Christians might celebrate, not only while experiencing pleasant things but also in suffering. These words do not refer to mild annoyances or everyday problems but to devastating experiences. We think of tribulation that confronts the faithful who overcome it by the power of Christ's love and patience. Such hardship is an opportunity for God's grace to be revealed. Troubles and pain need not diminish our joy in Christ nor define our self-understanding. Suffering can nurture perseverance if we face the tribulation with the proper spiritual attitude. For Paul, growth occurred in the context of the mutual love between God and humankind. It does so because the suffering itself is part of God's movement in the present age to bring about the new era that commenced in Calvary and comes to full blossom at the Last Judgment. A willingness to endure hardship strengthens a person's character and makes it possible to hope in a better future. The overall idea is that of being tested to determine (or improve) one's mettle or your ability to continue despite difficulties. Character should be understood in the positive sense of a high level of integrity that has developed through difficulties. Those who have hope in God's saving work, even if they experience isolation or persecution, still have God's approval. God's love is the source of honor. The evidence of Paul's claim that suffering produces spiritual growth comes from the life of Christ himself. Christ suffered patiently and voluntarily in part because he knew what would be accomplished through his death. His followers may imitate his action, Christ did not die for righteous but the wicked. We were helpless to overcome death and evil before God's presence among humankind overcame those dangerous forces. God's mercy extends to those who need it most. Christ died for those who had done nothing for him and never could. The sustained human commitment to sin necessitated Christ's saving work. God shows love toward us by the radical nature of Jesus' death for strangers and enemies. God has overcome the power of sin and death. Since Jesus had already done the hard work of saving us from the power of sin and death, he can do much easier work of saving us from God's wrath against unrighteousness. Wrath in this context refers to the last judgment, in which the true distinctions between good and evil become unmistakable to all. In that moment of truth telling, the truth of God's mercy shown in Christ's death will win through. Those who trust God's promises to save through his Son will see their hope become a reality. Jesus' death paid the price we could never pay on our own. Rather, by entering the world of sin and death that humans experience, God in Christ overcame those great evils and ended the estrangement that separated humanity from our creator. The end of that alienation from God came about because of his actions, not ours. We can be at peace with God. We are new creatures, we wear a new name and we have a new destiny. 2 Corinthians 5: 17 The final two verses of this section build on the idea of salvation in two ways. First, Paul asserts that Christ's death has made possible our reconciliation to God. While Paul did consider humans as active participants in the process, here he emphasizes God's work rather than human responses. Paul's new thought is that humanity can be saved by Christ's life. We participate in the life he has brought about through his actions in Calvary. Those who trust God can anticipate rescue from the forces of evil. They will experience Christ's life in their own lives. Salvation has tangible results in one's attitude toward daily life. Verse 3 raised the possibility of celebrating even the worse parts of life as opportunities to experience God's mercy. But here, the rejoicing focuses on the mercy itself. Those who rejoice focuses on the mercy itself. Those who trust God celebrate the fact that God's mercy extends to all, not just to themselves. They see themselves as part of the grand story of redemption from the power of evil and share that joy with others. Most importantly, their joy comes through our Lord Jesus Christ. That is, he is the author, inspirer, and basis of their words of celebration. God's act of reconciliation involved not counting our sins against us. He refuses to let them define the relationship with us. 
Conclusion
All human groups believe certain actions are respectable and others unrespectable, with many gradations in between the two poles of honor and shame. Because they followed a crucified Messiah, early Christians had to rethink their cultures' understanding of honor and shame from the ground up. This rethinking allowed them to endure the suffering that families and governments impose on them for their faith. They concluded that human life was not a contest for a limited supply of honor and that the true fount of honor was God. The God who raised Jesus from the dead would raise them too. They endured suffering, not for its own sake, but because in suffering, they could imitate Jesus Christ. That radical hope allowed them to face public disgrace or private strife with generous hearts and confident minds. It still can today. The ability to endure suffering as Christ did shows that the new era is in the process of dawning and that God's promises to protect those who trust him are reliable.
Prayer
God of our Lord Jesus Christ and of all who follow him, we thank you for not allowing us to be shamed by our failures or even our sins. You have welcomed us into your household as honored members, and for that, we are grateful. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen Thought to remember: We have peace with God because Christ paid sin's price for us.
Question for discussion
Benediction
Next week's lesson will be on Romans 10:1-17.
Prelude: Ron Dobscha
ANNOUNCEMENTS CALL TO WORSHIP: God is love. Through all of God’s characteristics, we are shown what love is. There is no greater love than this, God lays down His life in place of ours. We are people who have been shown great love and we are to be people of great love. God’s redemption through perfect love is the reason we can stand confidently in the judgement. The love of God casts out all of our fear. In life and death we stand firmly in God’s great love for us. Come and worship Him for His love endures forever! INVOCATION
* HYMN “Faith of Our Fathers (Mothers)” see insert
* PRAYER OF CONFESSION: Heavenly Father, we praise You for Your grace. Once dead in our sins, You extended Your merciful love to us and we are now made alive together in Christ. Yet we confess that we are still prone at times to follow the desires of our own flesh, and for this we are sorry. Please forgive our forgetfulness of Your gracious love. We are grateful that You do not judge us according to our sins, for we would not stand the scrutiny of Your absolute holiness. Because Christ died for us, He has been judged in our place and punished for our sins. May we now, in faith, fully identify with Christ’s perfect righteousness, simply by trusting in Him. We gratefully pray this in Jesus’ name. AMEN. * Time of silent prayer *Assurance of Pardon *Response – Gloria Patri * passing of the peace Children’s Chat Prayer for Illumination Scripture reading: Psalm 47 Ruby Hathaway Sermon Text: 1 John 4: 7-21 The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God! *HYMN “Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart” # 804 *Apostles Creed Presentation of our tithes and offering Offertory *Doxology *Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the People The Lord’s Prayer *HYMN “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” # 835 *Benediction Postlude Ron Dobscha
Birthdays:
Cassandra Clifford, Caleb Cummings, Brynn Hathaway, Diana Donaldson Anniversaries: Tom & Nancy Molinaro Bob & Honey Moore Remember our food collection, and Jesus said, “You give them something to eat”. Please let Betty Fisher know of anyone within the community that may be in need at this time. The session will meet the 13th of May at 7:00 pm. Missionary meeting is scheduled for the 14th of May at 9:30 am. Please come and enjoy the fellowship. The Meeting for the 250th Anniversary is this Wednesday, May 15th at 7;00 pm. Please come if you would like to help. Let’s wish all of the mothers a Happy Mother’s Day today.
Continuing Prayer List
Chuck Dicks, Ricci Amos, Sandy Stone, Frank Huffman, Tom Westfall, Sarah Wilson, Carl Weber, Chuck Harton, Suzy Smith, Fred Wilkinson, Donna West, Marley Smith, Haley Diedier Bedillion, Helen Provenzano, Carol Pierce, Jim King, Johnny Yurko, Mary Stoey, Ron Poznic, Tim Knabensue, Betty Fisher, Ron Westfall, Carol Bentrem, Norma Jean Kelso, Chuck Kapaika, Frank and Nellie Baker 
Good morning!
We're so glad you chose to join us today!
Next Sunday is Pentecost! Remember to wear red!
When we meet in person, we share our joys and concerns with each other. If you have prayer requests to share, you can add them to the comments on this post. When you are ready, you may use the prayer below to get started:
In humility and thankfulness, we come to you, Lord God. We thank you for your grace and forgiveness, knowing that even “our best efforts are grease-stained rags,” but because of what Christ has done for us, you count us righteous by faith. And so we give you praise, in Christ’s name. Amen.
Today's lesson is on Romans 4:13-25.
Lesson Context
Romans 4 is part of Paul’s argument in support of the well-known statement he makes in Romans 1:16-17: “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed — a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’” The good news is that God’s will is that there be a way of reconciliation between God and humans. But there is an obstacle that prevents it — namely, the profound sinfulness of all human beings. Paul explores that obstacle in chapters 1 to 3. Then in chapter 4, Paul begins his discussion of the remedy to universal sin. Far from facing a hopeless situation, we human beings have model available to us of how to approach God — the life of Abraham. When God promised God would bless the world through Abraham, Abraham chose to respond in faith. Paul’s readers, especially his readers of Jewish heritage, would have agreed that Abraham’s legacy was important and valuable. The question in dispute is precisely what that legacy is. Paul argues that Abraham had a relationship with God because he placed his faith in God and trusted in God’s promises. Nothing else. In the New Testament, faith equals trust in God as the one who has promised to bless humanity. Jesus modeled that trust by submitting to his sacrificial death on a cross, being confident that God would work for good through Jesus’ shame and suffering. That trust is the basis for any relationship with the same merciful God.
True heirs of Abraham (verse 13)
Paul does not exclude the Jewish people from God’s concern or minimize the importance of the Law. But Paul builds on the insight that God’s promise to Abraham predates the Law because Abraham lived hundreds of years before Moses and the giving of the Law. Faith — which biblically might be defined as trust in God and God’s intention and ability to keep God’s promises — can characterize any person, not just those who were given the Law. Therefore, Paul argues, the relationship between God and humans rests on something deeper than the Law. That deeper reality is faith in Jesus Christ.
Supporting arguments (verses 14 to 25)
Nothing that we can do can save us. That radical confession has its roots in the Old Testament, which also affirms that human achievement does not deliver in the final analysis. The reality of earthly deliverance (such as in Psalm 44:3, and Hosea 11:7-11) is a precursor to the reality of eternal salvation (such as in Numbers 21:4-9 and John 3:14-15). Rather, the Law of Moses leads one to love God and his fellow human beings. Paul does not mean that Jews or Gentile converts who keep the Law cannot also trust God. Instead, he means that law-keeping cannot substitute for the primary requirement, which is faith. It is important to recognize that Paul does argue against Jews’ keeping the Law. He only argues against the insistence that Gentiles must do that as well. It’s an unfortunate irony that, after the Judaism and Christianity became separate religions, Christians persecuted Jews and used passages such as this to justify it. But that was never Paul’s position. In verse 15, Paul points out that the Law has limitations. It can point out sin and the effects it has, but it cannot save people. The Law of Moses emphasizes God’s sense of justice and God’s desire for people to live together in justice and righteousness — the appropriate response when we have a genuine love for God. Faith is what both Christians of Gentile and Jewish heritage have in common. Trusting in God’s promise, just as Abraham trusted God, is what makes us all children of Abraham and heirs of the promise that God made to him. Abraham was a very old man and his wife, Sarah, was beyond the age of reproduction. While Abraham recognized the reality of his and his wife’s physical states, he did not see that natural limit as the end of the possibilities available to God. Just as Abraham trusted God in spite of his seemingly hopeless situation, those who trust in Christ acknowledge they are hopelessly separated from God and can do nothing to remedy the situation. But, like Abraham, they trust God will be true to God’s promises and that God will respond by giving life and creating a new reality. It was because of that trust, Paul writes, that God counted Abraham as righteous. In the same way, when we trust in God’s son and in the promise of life that we believe Jesus’s death brings, God imputes his righteousness to us. 
Conclusion
God counts us righteous when we, like Abraham, trust the promises of redemption and live accordingly. We are not righteous because of the good we do or the evil we avoid, but because God acknowledges us as loyal to him, staking all our hopes on his promises. And his offer of salvation extends to all because sin has wrecked us all. We stand together in both our need and our hope. This unity of humanity may show itself in different ways. We might wallow together in our sin, growing increasingly hostile to each other and sacrificing our common humanity on the altar of greed, envy, pride and hatred. Or we might acknowledge our need, trust in God’s mercy, and so join in a community built on such a faith. The choice belongs to us. How do we build a community on such a basis? A church full of people who trust in God’s promises live generous, open-hearted, kind lives. They, like Abraham, show hospitality to strangers as though they were angels (Hebrews 13:2). Such a church values the whole trajectory of a person’s life of faith, emphasizing neither failures nor heroic successes but faithfulness in the face of adversity (James 1:2-3) and God’s seeming slowness to act (2 Peter 3:9). This community of believers knows itself to be saved, not because of its own merits but because of God’s mercy.
Prayer
God of Abraham and all who trust you, focus our minds not on our own limitations but on your great love for your creation. Thank you for Jesus’ sacrifice, which we accept in faith as reconciling us to you. In his name we pray. Amen.
Questions for discussion
Benediction
Next week's lesson will be on Romans 5:1-11.
Prelude: Ron Dobscha
ANNOUNCEMENTS CALL TO WORSHIP: Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music and song. We come to worship God. For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. In His hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to Him. The sea is His, for He made it, and His hands formed the dry land. We come to worship God. Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for He is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under His care. God, our creator and sustainer. We are Yours and we worship You. INVOCATION
* HYMN “Crown Him with Many Crowns” # 268
* PRAYER OF CONFESSION: God of grace, love, and hope: We confess we have failed to love You with all our heart, soul and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. We ignore Your commands; we stray from Your way. We follow other gods. Have mercy on us, O Lord, and forgive us. Through Your grace, love, and hope, restore and transform us. Help us to serve You faithfully and give honor to Your holy name, we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen * Time of silent prayer *Assurance of Pardon *Response – Gloria Patri * passing of the peace Children’s Chat Prayer for Illumination Scripture reading: Psalm 98 Mary Esselstyn Sermon Text: 1 John 4: 1-6 The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God! *HYMN “Rejoice, the Lord is King!” # 363 *Apostles Creed Presentation of our tithes and offering Offertory *Doxology *Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the People The Lord’s Prayer *HYMN “Lead On, O King Eternal!” # 269 *Benediction Postlude Ron Dobscha
Continuing Prayer List
Chuck Dicks, Ricci Amos, Sandy Stone, Frank Huffman, Tom Westfall, Sarah Wilson, Carl Weber, Chuck Harton, Suzy Smith, Fred Wilkinson, Donna West, Marley Smith, Haley Diedier Bedillion, Helen Provenzano, Carol Pierce, Jim King, Johnny Yurko, Mary Stoey, Ron Poznic, Tim Knabensue, Betty Fisher, Ron Westfall, Carol Bentrem, Norma Jean Kelso, Chuck Kapaika, Frank Baker
Good morning!
We're so glad you chose to join us today!
Each week, we meet in person. We take some time to share joys and concerns, and have a little fellowship. If you have a prayer request, please add it as a comment to this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started.
Heavenly Father, thank You that I have been justified by faith, without deeds of the Law or works of the flesh. Thank You that I am accepted because of the Lord Jesus Christ. By faith in Him, I have been clothed in His righteousness and set free from the bondage of the Law. May I live my life by faith and not seek to gain Your approval through deeds of the Law or works of the flesh. Thank You that Christ has set me free so that I may live my life by faith in Him, Who loved me and gave Himself for me. In His name I pray, AMEN.
This week's lesson is on Romans 3:21-30.
Lesson Context
Paul's letter to the Romans was written about AD 58, most likely from Corinth during his third missionary journey. The church in Rome had been influenced by an edict, issued by Emperor Claudius in about AD 49, that had forced Jews living in Rome to leave. The Roman history Suetonius says that Claudius, "banished from Rome all the Jews, who were continually making disturbances at the instigation of one Chrestus," probably referring to Christ. Our book says that this probably caused a divide within the Roman church between Gentile and Jewish believers, with each group contending that it had a better claim of salvation in Christ than the other. Because the Jews were expelled from Rome, the Gentile Christians were the majority in the church there. Their majority status seems to have continued after Jews were allowed to return in Rome, in about AD 54. Much of Paul's letter was directed specifically to the Gentile believers there. Most of the letter to the Romans is gospel. It is perhaps the closest thing in the Bible to a systematic exploration of Christian doctrine. Today's lesson cuts straight to the heart of the matter: what is required for salvation.
God's Righteousness (verses 21-24)
The verse previous to our passage says that, "no one will be declared righteous in God's sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin." For some, the law offers a surefire way to become righteous in God's eyes. All that is required is perfect obedience! Paul separates the law from righteousness. The purpose of the law was never to make a person righteous and thus justify that person. The law was intended to make people aware of their sin. It teaches what God is like, and acted as a guardian until Jesus came to reveal the righteousness of God. The righteousness of God is the gift believers receive. Faith is not just a collection of beliefs but is connected to the person of Jesus Christ. By faith in Jesus, we are eligible to and to receive the gift of being called righteous. This is being made right with God, despite our continued imperfect efforts. Paul makes an aside that everyone has sinned and fallen short. Everyone is lost in sin and living counter to God's will, so salvation for everyone must be attained in the same way. The glory of God can be defined as his presence with his people. God reveals himself through his glory so that people might experience him and honor him. It is a true and holy representation of God's character, in contrast to any idol or other falsehood. As his image-bearers, we were meant to reflect well on our creator by living lives that reflect his holy character, his glory. Sin prevents us from doing this. All who believe are justified. This means God considers that person righteous. It is important that Paul means justification by grace, freely given. This contrasts with a works-based salvation, where one hopes to work hard enough to earn God's pardon. We can never hope to work perfectly hard enough to achieve this.
Christ's Sacrifice (verses 25-26)
In Israel, sacrifices were offered throughout the year for various purposes. A sacrifice of atonement was required by God in order to forgive his people. The mercy seat of the ark of the covenant was the center of the sacrificial system. Only the head priest could go into the holy of holies, and only once each year on the Day of Atonement, to sprinkle blood on the mercy seat. This sacrifice was a mercy from God so that he would forgive their sins. The sacrificial system was a temporary solution. It was made obsolete by Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross. By faith, Jesus' blood accomplishes the atonement we require for the remission of sins. God's forbearance, his patience, was seen in his allowance for animal sacrifice to forgive sins. When Paul says, "at the present time," he is referring to the time since Christ's sacrifice, before the age to come. God desires both justice and mercy for sinners. He could not accurately be called just if he simply turned a blind eye to wrongdoing. Those who have faith in Jesus experience God's mercy and are justified when they are covered in Christ's blood and made new.
Human Boasting (verses 27-30)
Some Jewish people took great pride in their own success in following the law faithfully. If anyone could boast about his adherence to the law, it was Paul. Since salvation is not accomplished by anything a sinful person can achieve, no person has the right to boast. For this reason, even Paul counted all things, "garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him." The law that requires faith supersedes the prior laws and accomplishes what a law of works could not: salvation in Christ. Keeping the law does not accomplish righteousness; trying to keep the law makes us aware of our shortcomings. Justification only comes by faith. The works that result are evidence of faith; they are integral to a living faith, but they are not saving actions. Since there is only one God, he chose only one way to justify all people: by faith. There is only one way to the Father, no matter one's background: Jesus Christ himself. 
Conclusion
All human brokenness and sorrow can be traced back to sin. It is sad that we are all united in this, but fortunately, the cure is also something we all have in common. Our own efforts cannot heal us. We all need Jesus. He is the one person we can all have in common and in whom we can find unity outside of our sinfulness. He is the only one who can transform our effort from futility in sin and death to Spirit-led works of hope and life.
Prayer
Gracious Lord, thank you for your gift of salvation through faith in Jesus. Thank you that it is a gift offered to everyone. Forgive us when we think we have to earn this gift. In Jesus' name through whom we have our salvation. Amen.
Questions for Discussion
Benediction
Next week's lesson will be on Romans 4:13-25.
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