Sermon: Because the Heart Comes First by Randy Roberts

Part 2: Why I’m an Adventist...

Pastoral Welcome: Marvin Ponder

Ordination of Elders: Darold Retzer

Scripture Reading: Matthew 23:23–26, TNIV - Timothy Boskovic

INTRODUCTION TO THE SERMON Does how we behave matter? Many of us grew up knowing that it did. It mattered. A lot. In fact, it mattered so much that it overshadowed most other things about our religious experience. In this generation, maybe as a result of that, the pendulum has swung. Parents have determined not to make the same mistake with their children as they felt their parents made with them. It should be no surprise, then, that how we behave has been de-emphasized. But it has been de-emphasized to the point that, at least in some circles, it seems not to matter. So I ask, does how we behave matter? The early Seventh-day Adventists believed that how we behave matters. A key text in their theological understanding was this one: “This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep his commands and remain faithful to Jesus” (Revelation 14:12, TNIV). They believed that the followers of Jesus would be faithful to him and would keep the commandments of God. Any group of believers who places an emphasis on such realities will face the temptation to legalism. Throughout its history, Adventist has not been immune to that temptation. Sadly, we have too often succumbed to it. So how are we to maintain an emphasis on the grace of God by which alone we are saved, as well as an emphasis on growing toward maturity in Christ, which is the outgrowth of our salvation? Such is the theme we tackle today. May God bless us with his grace and the strength to be faithful to him.

Randy Roberts
Senior Pastor

MEDITATION In the Christian life, nothing, nothing at all, can be purchased at the do-it-yourself shop. – Author Harry Blamires The proud heart strives to earn salvation; but both our title to heaven and our fitness for it are found in the righteousness of Christ. – Ellen G. White

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