May 20, 2017 - Church at Worship

Sermon: "Step Out" by Randy Roberts

Pastoral Welcome: Darold Retzer

Children's Feature: Shawna Campbell

Child Dedication: Camden James Charles Hartnell

Scripture Reading: Romans 12:9-16, TNIV

Sermon Notes: 

The Next Step. What is the next step in your discipleship journey with Jesus? Maybe the next step you need to take is in the area of your relationship with other people. On the one hand, it is so tempting to think that growing as a disciple is what happens in your personal life with Jesus. You know... the quiet moments of the early morning, before the Word of God, kneeling in prayer; the late-night reading of rich spiritual material, the times of peaceful communion with God...

But then you read Scripture and realize that mountaintop experiences with God are only one part of the journey. The other part comes in the crush of life, in the context of relationships, in moments of frustration and conflict and needy people and competing demands. The other part of the journey, in other words, comes in real life.

And that might be where your next step with Jesus needs to take place. In order to deepen in your discipleship journey with Him, it might require a new attitude in your relationship with other people. That is what this text calls us to. Today’s passage consists of Paul’s instructions to his Roman readers to put their faith into action. In fact, the Today’s New International Version of the Bible gives today’s passage the heading: “Love in Action.”

And how is love to be put into action? Well, consider just a few of the statements this passage of Scripture makes: Be devoted to one another in love. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not take revenge. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Is that enough to take your breath away?

Today, as we consider the call to take the next step with Jesus, remember that your next step might be the step you take to put your love into action with that difficult person in your life.

May God bless us each as we respond to His call.

Randy Roberts, senior pastor