Rome & Corinth – Speaking Truth to Power

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God—the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake. And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.  -Romans 1:1-6

Christ died for all.  That is the message Paul was called by God to share with the world.  His ministry was not only for the people of Israel, but also to be an apostle to the Gentiles.  He was given incredible opportunities to speak of the gospel of Jesus Christ to powerful leaders.  He was given an audience with kings and judges; common people and learned ones.  Paul’s letters to the people in Rome and Corinth give us a blueprint for faith.  “Here are the basics” is what Paul desired to give these new baby churches of brand new believers.

Are we faithful to this same calling, sharing the gospel (good news) of Jesus to all?  The elders of our church will spend time this weekend considering how God calls us to reach our community for Christ.

We welcome Rev. Heather James this Sunday to preach this Sunday.  Pastor Heather works with churches all over the country in transition and coaching.  She has come to lead our Session in a training “Becoming Spiritual Leaders in the Church.”  Pastor Heather and her daughter, Hana, live in Tacoma.  Pastor Heather currently serves as Transitional Pastor at Japanese Presbyterian Church in Seattle.

Lord, You call us to love you with all our heart, all our mind, all our strength – but there are so many obstacles.  Sometimes we just can’t see, even when your work is in plain sight.  Sometimes we don’t want to hear your word, because we are afraid it will change us.  Sometimes we can’t imagine another way, so we walk past your path. We forget to look to you, and even when we look, our vision is clouded.  Forgive us. Clear the chaos within us, O God, that we may focus on you.  We will seek you with our whole hearts.  Amen.