When In Rome
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 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.
When in Rome: Week 5
August 6, 2023 • Nate Crew
Rekindling Faith in a Modern World: Reflections on a Stirring Sermon Last week's sermon, delivered by Pastor Nate, provided a profound testament to the vitality of faith in our modern world. The pastor, visiting from Washington D.C., drew from his own experiences and the Bible to emphasize the importance of faith, perseverance, and the need to connect with God amidst the distractions of our daily lives. Pastor Nate's passion is palpable as he recounts his time at Fusion, where young people openly displayed their dedication to faith. It's inspiring to hear about a generation of young people, often stereotyped as being disinterested in religion, turning towards God in search of meaning and purpose. This only underscores the universality and timelessness of the Christian faith, resonating across generations and cultures. The pastor's message is an important one: God's grace is freely given to all, and His love endures in all circumstances. Pastor Nate implores us to remember this as we navigate our lives, filled with trials and tribulations. The faith that the youth showed at Fusion serves as a testament to this. They were not just praying; they were weeping, rejoicing, and growing in their faith. This emotional and spiritual intensity is what our faith should inspire in all of us. Furthermore, the pastor's sermon was a call to action. He challenged us to break free from the shackles of worldly distractions and make time for God, to let our faith guide our actions and decisions. This message resonates particularly in our time, where the noise and chaos of the modern world can often drown out the still, small voice of God. The sermon also touched on the importance of the Christian community. As Christians, we are called not only to strengthen our own relationship with God but also to support one another in our faith journeys. The community at Fusion is a prime example of this, showing the power of collective faith and communal worship. Pastor Nate's sermon was a powerful reminder of the relevance and importance of faith in our modern world. He urged us to stay connected to God, rely on His love and grace in all situations, and strengthen our Christian community. The experiences shared from Fusion serve as a powerful example that our faith is very much alive and relevant, even in these complex times. As we face the challenges of today's world, let us strive to keep God at the center of our lives, just as the young people at Fusion have shown. Their faith is a beacon of light, guiding us towards a deeper relationship with God.
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 3
July 23, 2023 • Pastor Ron Hoffman
When in Rome: Navigating Faith in a World of Diverse Rules The joy of returning to one's spiritual community after a brief hiatus is incomparable. Whether one is returning from a vacation or a business trip, the absence often magnifies the beauty of worship. It's in those moments of singing hymns, like "He's Worthy of It All", that we are reminded of the profound emotional and spiritual resonance that worship brings. However, as Christians, we sometimes find ourselves in environments that present different rules, norms, or expectations than what we're accustomed to. This isn't just about geographical relocation or cultural immersion. It's about navigating our faith in a world where spiritual and moral guidelines might differ from our own beliefs. Think about it. Have you ever felt out of place because the principles or values around you were vastly different from your own? Perhaps it's the way you were raised, the traditions you uphold, or simply the moral compass that your faith has instilled in you. The Book of First Peter provides invaluable insights into this very dilemma. While delving into its chapters, we encounter lessons on how early Christians grappled with being in places that had varying rules and cultural norms. The guidance offered isn't just historical; it's timeless. As believers, it's imperative to remember that while our surroundings may change, the core tenets of our faith remain steadfast. We're called to be ambassadors of Christ, irrespective of the cultural or moral milieu we find ourselves in. This doesn't mean we impose our beliefs on others, but rather, we live our truths with grace, humility, and love. In conclusion, "When in Rome" shouldn't be an excuse to abandon our spiritual principles. Instead, it's an invitation to deepen our understanding, expand our compassion, and steadfastly live our faith. For in doing so, we become beacons of hope and love, illuminating the path for others in their spiritual journeys.
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 1
July 9, 2023 • Pastor Preston Gagnon
Living as Christians in a Pressure-filled World Greetings, dear brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, I'd like us to ponder upon an age-old adage, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." Although an anachronism to cite in the context of the Early Church in Rome - it hadn't been coined at that time - it effectively captures the intense social pressure faced by early Christians. The Roman government, alongside the Christians' own families and friends, beseeched them to fit in, to follow the crowd, to conform. And if they resisted, if they sought to live a Christ-centered life, it came with grave costs. As one historian describes, they faced social ostracism, verbal abuse, rejection, shame, and even economic persecution leading to the loss of property. That was the backdrop against which the Apostle Peter penned his first epistle. Interestingly, Peter's advice to the Roman Christians did not resemble the Roman adage in the slightest. Instead, he offered guidance that stands just as relevant to us today as it was two millennia ago. Yes, our culture might not be as openly hostile as that of Rome's, but we are steadily inching towards it. The world may not verbalize the phrase "When in Rome, do as the Romans do," constantly, but it certainly imposes its meaning onto us ceaselessly. Like the early Christians in Rome, we, too, face societal pressure to conform, to live like the rest. But, as followers of Christ, we are called to a different path. So, what did Peter advise those Roman Christians? And how can we apply his wisdom to our lives today? In 1 Peter 1:13-19, Peter provides three essential instructions for Christians - both for his contemporaries and for us. Let's read the passage in its entirety: "13 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.' 17 Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your days as foreigners here in reverent fear. 18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect." Guided by the Holy Spirit, Peter gives the Christians in Rome - and us today - three commands. Each one can be summed up as, "When in Rome, do as Christians do." Let's unpack each of these three instructions: 1. When in Rome, Cultivate Hope in Christ's Return: Peter exhorts his readers to "set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." This speaks to the ultimate hope we have as Christians: the promise of Christ's return and the unimaginable grace we will receive when that glorious day arrives. It's a grace so profound that it transcends our comprehension, a grace that God will generously bestow upon us for all eternity through His Son, Jesus Christ. 2. When in Rome, Live Holy: As believers, we are called to resist conforming to the world's ways and instead, live according to God's holy standards. We are to be set apart, embodying Christ's righteousness in all aspects of our conduct. 3. When in Rome, Embrace Reverent Fear: We are to walk each day on this earth with a healthy, reverent fear of God, fully aware of the price that Jesus paid for our redemption. We weren't bought with perishable silver or gold, but with Christ's precious, sacrificial blood. As we strive to live out these instructions, let us remember to approach our heavenly Father in prayer. We must beseech Him to clear away distractions, grant us wisdom, and help us understand His word more deeply. By the grace of God, we can stand firm, just like our brothers and sisters in Rome did, and live not according to the world's standards, but as the holy people that God has called us to be. Let's be emboldened to live as Christians, no matter where we are or what pressures we face. May God guide us as we strive to follow His ways, not just "when in Rome," but wherever we are and whatever circumstances we face.