This Sunday we had the privilege of hearing a dear friend and pastor of Sovereign Grace Church of Sydney, Dave Taylor, preach from Ephesians 2:19-22. He reminded us that the church is the dearest place on earth. Together we’re a temple where God dwells. Together we’re a family with God as our Father. Together we’re a bride whom Jesus cherishes and is preparing for her wedding day. The key is that we can only be these things together.
On Sunday, Pastor Dustin preached from 2 Timothy 3:16-4:4 reminding us why we prioritize the preaching of the Bible. It ensures we have genuine encounters with God. It protects us from our own unhealthy passions. It prepares us for our future and final encounter with God. The simple truth is that we prioritize the preaching of God’s Word because we need it.
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.
On Sunday, Pastor Eric reminded us that our greatest enemies are those we fail to recognize. We are influenced by what we listen to, what we sing, and what we read. Are those things Christian or are we being subtly led astray by our enemy? We need to be discerning. Discernment is a crucial skill in order for us to more fully live in the good of the gospel.
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.