When in Rome: Week 2

Mountain City Church

When in Rome: Week 2

July 16, 2023 • Pastor Preston Gagnon

As children of God, we often find ourselves seeking His divine presence, not in a building or a particular place, but in the person of Jesus Christ. Mr. Kobach once encapsulated this beautifully with his statement: "Whereas in the past, God had a temple for His people, today God has a people for His temple."

His words echo the scripture in 1 Corinthians 3:16, where Apostle Paul writes: "Do you not know that you yourselves are God's temple, and that God's Spirit dwells in your midst?" And again, in 1 Corinthians 6:19, he reminds us, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?"

This is not a one-off assertion. In 2 Corinthians 6:16, it is again emphasized, "What agreement can a temple of God have with idols? For we are the temple of the living God. Just as God has said: 'I will dwell with them and walk among them; I will be their God, and they will be My people.'"

How profoundly beautiful it is that, as believers in Christ, we bear God's presence within us. Unlike in the Old Testament times, when God's presence was confined to a physical building, we are blessed with the privilege of carrying His presence wherever we go. Imagine the joy of never being devoid of God's presence. As we walk with Jesus, God's Spirit dwells with us. Isn't that incredible?

Yet, this is not the end of the revelation. The Apostle Peter goes further to describe how we, like living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5). Here, he suggests that something within us is being constructed as we continuously seek Jesus. Not just in terms of numbers, but in a spiritual transformation that occurs within us, an ongoing process of spiritual growth and enlargement, leading to a deeper experience of God's presence.

It reminds me of Paul's instructions in 1 Thessalonians 5:11, "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up," and again in 1 Corinthians 10:23-24, "Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial... No one should seek his own good, but the good of others." The building up Paul refers to is an internal process that each believer undergoes, akin to a spiritual building project.

There is an encouraging promise in Ephesians 1:13, "In Him, you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit." This sealing implies an indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Still, as Peter suggests, there is a sense in which we can experience more of God's presence.

Paul's prayer for the Ephesians in Ephesians 3:14-19 perfectly encapsulates this longing for a deeper, more intimate experience of God's presence, ending with the plea: "...that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." Why would Paul pray for the Ephesians to be filled with all the fullness of God unless it were possible to have God but not experience Him in His fullness?

The challenge for us, then, is to continue coming to Jesus, continually being built up into a spiritual temple, a place in which God more and more fully dwells.

Moreover, as we come to Jesus and receive more of His presence, we also become conduits through which God leads others in worship. We become a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices (1 Peter 2:5). We get the unique privilege of leading others to a deeper relationship with God, not through ritualistic sacrifices, but through sacrifices of our bodies (Romans 12:1-2), our praise (Hebrews 13:15), and our giving (Philippians 4:18).

In essence, we are not mere observers or bystanders. We are active participants, living stones in God's spiritual house, priests in His holy priesthood, carrying His presence wherever we go, and facilitating others to experience His presence. So let's not be content with a mere "watered-down" experience of God. Let's seek the fullness of God in our lives, and let's be those through whom God leads others in worship.

When in Rome: Week 7

August 20, 2023 • Pastor Ron Hoffman

"The Eternal Essence of Time and Truth: Lessons from Peter's Letters" Greetings, dear members of our church family, In the bustling rhythm of life, it's easy to overlook the significance of each ticking second. Our recent sermon, drawing inspiration from Peter's heartfelt letters from Rome, serves as a poignant reminder of the value of every moment and the importance of using our time wisely. Time: The Unseen Current Each day, as the sun rises and sets, we're subtly reminded of the relentless march of time. Personal reflections from our pastor, intertwined with Peter's urgency in his letters, emphasize this constant flow. As Peter was acutely aware of his nearing end, he felt an urgency to impart the wisdom and faith he held dear. Similarly, we should recognize and cherish every moment, making the most of our time on Earth. Embracing Fellowship and Pursuing Christ One of the most resonant messages from our sermon was the profound bond of fellowship. Our connection with fellow believers, deeply rooted in our shared knowledge and love for Christ, provides solace, guidance, and strength. Peter's letters underscore the importance of this bond, urging us to pursue a life in Christ. This pursuit not only promises a perfect afterlife but also guides us toward a virtuous, sinless journey here on Earth. Guarding Against Deceptive Voices In a world brimming with myriad voices and teachings, discernment becomes crucial. Echoing Peter's warnings, our sermon sheds light on the perils of false teachers. Those who preach without genuine faith or intent can lead many astray. Drawing from the scriptures, we were reminded of the eventual fate that awaits these deceivers. It's our collective responsibility to seek the true Word and remain anchored in genuine teachings. Amid these lessons, we were also reminded of our dear Linda Fuller, who recently joined the Lord. Her dedication to her family, children, and our church community is a testament to a well-lived life. We invite everyone to join the celebration of her life, cherishing her memories and drawing inspiration from her journey. As days turn into nights and seasons, change, let our faith and love for Christ remain unwavering. Join us in our next service or revisit this sermon on our website as we unite to uplift and support one another in our spiritual journey. Sending blessings and love to each one of you.

When In Rome: Week 8

August 27, 2023 • Pastor Ron Hoffman

When In Rome Week 6

August 13, 2023 • Pastor Ron Hoffman

Finding Victory in Faith: A Reflection on ‘Winning in Rome’ As we have journeyed together through the epistles of Peter, I have been struck anew by the power and relevance of these ancient letters. Last week, as Nate masterfully reminded us, even in persecution, God still wins. This week, as we turned our attention to the second letter of Peter, I felt the weight of a truth we must all grapple with: our faith in Christ is central to everything. Before diving into the scriptural depths of Second Peter, I felt compelled to share with our congregation the story of Mrs. Fuller, a beloved member of our community. She is in her final days, losing her battle with cancer. In the face of this profound sadness, I am inspired by her and her family’s faith. In their sorrow, they are singing and praising God for her life. It’s a reminder for us all: when we think about life and its trials, there is nothing like preparing to meet Jesus. Second Peter is a rich and challenging text. It’s structured around profound themes: the qualities needed to pursue spiritual perfection, the consequences of our commitment to Christ, and the magnitude of living in the present moment with an eye on eternity. As I prepared this sermon, I found myself continually returning to a central question: When we say we have faith in Christ, what does that mean to us? This isn’t a rhetorical question. Our faith in Christ should be the assurance that, when our earthly life ends, we will be raised with Christ into eternal life. It’s a faith that is relationally driven and absolutely necessary for our pursuit of a life that mirrors Christ’s perfection. If you’re sitting in doubt, unsure of Christ’s role in your life, I urge you: consider placing your faith in Jesus, the King of all kings. But our faith does more than secure our future; it shapes our present. It’s this faith that brings us grace and peace in our daily lives. Our faith grants us divine power for living godly lives, here and now. It’s not about waiting for the sweet by and by; it’s about living in the light of God’s truth today. "Winning in Rome" isn’t about a triumphalist Christian life devoid of suffering. It’s about finding victory through our faith in Christ amidst the trials we face. It’s a call for us to lean more deeply into our faith, to pursue godliness with the divine power that God has granted us, and to live in the grace and peace that knowing Christ brings. In a world that can often feel like a relentless storm, this message is a timely reminder that our anchor holds firm in Christ. So, what are our next steps? We can deepen our faith through prayer and Bible study. We can extend grace to others and foster peace in our communities. We can align our lives more closely with God’s character. And we can encourage those who do not yet know Christ to explore His love. In closing, I’m reminded that this isn’t just theology; it’s life. It’s the life Christ is calling us to live, deeply rooted in Him.