When in Rome: Week 4

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When in Rome: Week 4

July 30, 2023 • Pastor Ron Hoffman

When in Rome: Overcoming Mistreatment

Welcome, dear readers. Today, we delve into a topic that is as old as humanity itself—mistreatment. We've all felt it, and truth be told, we've all dished it out in one form or another. The aim is to shed light on this issue, drawing from insights found in the book of 1 Peter.

In the ancient Roman world, the atmosphere was particularly hostile to Christians. To the Romans, life was fantastic and wonderful, but for the Christians, it was a tale of continual mistreatment. Just like the early Christians, many of us can relate to feelings of being wronged, cheated, and taken advantage of. The question is: How do we overcome this? How do we respond to being mistreated?

In 1 Peter 3, we find insights on how to handle mistreatment. Peter calls us all to unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. He advises us not to repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, to bless. It is our calling to bless others so that we may obtain a blessing ourselves. This approach asks us to rise above the natural instinct to retaliate and instead respond with love and understanding.

Peter further encourages us to turn away from evil and do good, to seek peace and pursue it. He promises that the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers. Even in the face of adversity, we are called to honor Christ the Lord as holy, to be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks us for the reason for the hope that we have, and to do so with gentleness and respect.

This is not a call to passivity, but rather an invitation to a higher road - one of courage, resilience, and deep faith. It reminds us that it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.

Concluding with a powerful prayer for everyone who has experienced mistreatment, we are reminded of the peace and wisdom that comes from forgiveness. As we seek to overcome mistreatment, let's remember that the answers are in God's word, offering victory in our circumstances, no matter how dire.

Overcoming mistreatment is a journey that requires understanding, patience, and a lot of grace. But with these insights from 1 Peter, we can begin to navigate this difficult path. In the face of mistreatment, we are called to respond with love, forgiveness, and a pursuit of peace. This is the victory we have in Christ - not one of vengeance, but one of grace and love.

Remember, if you feel like you're being thrown to the lions, much like the early Christians in Rome, you have the tools to not just survive, but to thrive. Let's take these lessons from 1 Peter to heart, as we seek to live out our faith in our everyday lives.

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.