This week we jump back into our study of the book of Romans. And in our passage in Romans 14, the Apostle Paul tackles an issue that is as relevant for the contemporary church as it was for Roman believers in Paul’s day: “What do you do when followers of Christ disagree?”

This week:
Welcome & Gathering
Call to Worship: an Epiphany Collect
Songs: Build My Life / King of Kings
Peace of Christ
Community Life & The Lord's Prayer with Jesus Salazar
Call to Listen
Message Text: Romans 14
Benediction

In a survey of young adults who were not part of a church community, 92% of them said that one of their primary impressions of Christians is that they are “anti-gay.” That was one of their main perceptions of followers of Jesus. Which makes you wonder, “Would Jesus have been viewed as anti-gay?" In a previous teaching series we looked at what Scripture teaches about sex and sexuality. That’s not the focus of this message. In this message we are asking, “How do we walk with those who identify as LGBTQ?” We therefore want to consider together how Jesus would have walked with them.

"...always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it gentleness and respect." 1 Peter 3:15

How do we have these pivotal conversations with friends or family of other faiths? Today we explore two very significant questions around this issue. First, what happens from an eternal perspective to people of other faiths? And second, what is our witness as we walk with those of other faiths?

In this week's message, we examine how we can be Christ in the midst of difficult times. How do we respond when tragedy strikes? First, we consider our Christian theology around tragic and difficult circumstances in life. And second, we explore how we can walk with those experiencing grief, loss and upheaval in their lives.

Who is God calling us to be in 2021? Perhaps in the moments of silence and reflection God is speaking to us, to look deep into our hearts and consider who we are as his followers. Is there a place or part of us that is missing the mark in our journey of discipleship? Though it is scary to ask such questions, it is God's amazing grace and kindness (Romans 2:4) that make it possible. So let's be fearless and even bold in asking God to "search us and try us" (Psalm 139:23-24). Because what we want with him is genuine relationship and not just performance based religion.

Do you ever come to the end of Christmas and think, “Well, . . . that cost way more than I expected!” This message focuses on the cost of Christmas. Not merely in monetary terms, but in the impact and challenges that are always present at Christmas and in the Christmas season - including at the first Christmas in Bethlehem.