On Sunday Pastor Dustin preached from 1 Peter 1:10-12. We are often tempted to wish for a different life. But we occupy a privileged position in God’s plan of salvation. We know what prophets longed to know. We experience what angels wish they could experience. We enjoy a clear view of the glorious grace of God displayed through the saving work of His Son.
On Sunday Pastor Eric asked us to ponder that question as he preached from Job 1:6-2:10. We should not attempt to compare our suffering to Job. It’s likely that his suffering is worse. But Job serves as a model of how to suffer well. We need to learn from him, not compare ourselves to him.
On Sunday Pastor Eric finished off the book of Romans preaching the doxology at the very end, Romans 16:25-27. He reminded us that Romans is designed to turn us into worshipers. Not scholars. Not intellectuals. Not good citizens. But worshipers. Our thoughts about God must turn into heartfelt love and adoration of God. That’s what the book of Romans has done for us.
On Sunday church intern Dylan Sohie preached from 1 Corinthians 11:1. He reminded us that the Christian life is a life of imitation. Originality is overrated. We want our lives to inspire others to love and serve Jesus.
Pastor Eric preached from Paul's personal greetings in Romans 16:1-16. He reminded us that we cannot afford to be unaware of the saints who've gone before us. Otherwise, we may think our experiences are unprecedented rather than ordinary. As Paul wraps up his letter, he addresses a list of beloved saints who have done the extraordinary yet ordinary work of gospel ministry. And God has the same kind of work for us to do as well.
Pastor Eric preached from Romans 15:14-33 this past Sunday. He reminded us that affirming the grace of God in one another brings God much glory. When we look at each other, we see what God sees: His Son. The things Jesus has called us to do, we do together. The gospel has bound us to one another.
This past Sunday Pastor Dustin reminded us that God is preserving our diversity as we reach maturity. We are not all the same, and that is a good thing, even though it can create tension. God has provided everything we need to persevere as a community comprised of very different people.
On Sunday Kyle Houlton, our Santa Ana church planter, preached on John 1:35-51. He asked us to remember what made us decide to devote our lives to Jesus. He provided four glimpses of the glory of Jesus that make Him worthy of our allegiance.