March 8th Worship Service

Paul’s letter to the church in Rome is interesting on several levels.  Paul had never been to Rome, but he did have visions of expanding our Messiah’s message into the Roman Province of Spain.  He was hoping the Church in Rome would help him.  In order to get their support Paul needed the Church in Rome to know about him, and understand what he actually believed concerning Christ and the salvation Jesus offers.

For Paul to communicate his understanding of Christ to the Church of Rome the Epistle to the Romans is different than Paul’s other letters.  Paul’s other letters to the various churches he founded were written in response to specific situations and problems in those churches.  The Epistle to the Romans gave us a unique opportunity to find out a little of what Paul actually believed.

As explained in Romans 5:1-11Paul has a basic belief that Jesus died on the cross, but God brought him back to life.  That in His death Jesus died for the sins of all mankind.  That because of Jesus’ sacrifice our sins have been washed away.  Because God resurrected Jesus, Jesus fulfilled a unique purpose in God’s plan for humanity.  Because Jesus was resurrected, we also will be resurrected from the death of our earthly bodies.  Our resurrection does not require doing good deeds, or following the Torah law as given by Moses.  What is required of us that we believe and have faith in Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection.  

It is because we have this faith that everything else happens to us.  In our lives we are guided by the Holy Spirit.  It is this guidance which leads us to helping other people, supporting our community of believers, to connecting with other communities, to reaching out to non-believers and spreading God’s message of love and forgiveness.  That above all else we are recognized by our actions.

It is bringing about this understanding which is the fundamental basis and purpose of Lent. Join us for our March 8th Worship Service.

Painting: Conversion of St Paul on the Road to Damascus, Hans Speckaert, 1570-1577, Louvre, Paris, France, WGA21655

Musicians: Dean and James.

Praise Team: Lea, Bob, Lucinda, Nancy, Rod, Rich and Aleeya

Gathering Music:                                      Congregation

“Standing on the Promises”

Announcements:                                          Chris Buchanan             

Call To Worship:                                                             Chris

Songs of Praise:                                                              Praise Team

 “Send Me”

“Oceans”

Moment of Witness: Rod Thompson

One Great Hour of Sharing

Congregational Prayer:                                   Rob Schleef

Scripture:                                      Pastor Ron

Luke 13:22-30

Message:                                                                          Pastor Ron

“Narrow Desert Roads Often Precede Places of Promise”

Dedication of Offerings:    Yvette Herrera

Doxology:                                                                   Praise Team

Closing Song: Praise Team

“In Christ Alone”

Blessing:                                                              Pastor Ron

Ron Urzua, Pastor

Bob Ramos and Rob Schleef, Commissioned Lay Pastors

Music Director: Aleeya Flores

Accompanist: Lea Blair / James Gomez / Lucinda Anderson / Deane Terry