In Romans 16:17–18, Paul urges the church to “watch out” for people who threaten the health and unity of the body of Christ, and this sermon identifies three particular dangers: those who divide, those who promote contrary doctrine, and those who are self-serving. Drawing from Jesus’ warnings about persecution and false teachers, the sermon emphasizes that threats to the church can come both from outside and from within, particularly through people who use smooth speech and flattery to deceive others. Believers are called to recognize divisive individuals who elevate secondary issues or obscure biblical truth, to remain grounded in sound doctrine that clearly defines the gospel and exposes false teaching, and to be cautious of leaders who pursue authority, influence, money, or power for their own benefit rather than shepherding God’s people sacrificially. Ultimately, the sermon calls the church to be watchful without becoming suspicious or divisive itself, striving instead for unity, sound doctrine, accountable leadership, and faithful shepherding so that Satan does not gain a foothold among God’s people.
11 Oct 2026
A Normal Church
Romans 16:3–16 gives us a picture of what the sermon calls a “normal church”—not one defined primarily by impressive buildings, programs, or ministries, but by ordinary believers living out their faith together. Paul’s greetings reveal a church that is gathered, coming together for worship, Scripture, prayer, singing, and the sacraments; diverse, bringing together people from different ethnic, social, economic, and personal backgrounds who find their unity in Christ; and part of the worldwide church, recognizing that a local congregation is connected to brothers and sisters in Christ across every nation and place. Paul’s personal relationships with the believers in Rome also demonstrate the importance of genuine affection, sacrifice, service, and mutual encouragement within the church. Ultimately, the passage invites us to find joy and gratitude not in being an extraordinary or “special” church, but in faithfully being a normal church—a gathered community of diverse people who love Jesus, love one another, and participate together in God’s much larger worldwide story.
4 Oct 2026
A Worthy Welcome
In this message, Paul commends Phoebe to the church in Rome and calls them to “welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints,” giving us a picture of the distinctly Christian practice of hospitality. From the biblical example of Abraham and God’s command to love and care for sojourners, to Jesus’ teaching that welcoming others is an expression of welcoming Him, hospitality has always been central to the life of God’s people. A worthy welcome begins with recognizing that every Christian is a servant and minister of the gospel, called to serve others as Christ served us, and it flows from the lavish grace and welcome we ourselves have received from God. Rather than offering a minimal or reluctant welcome, Christians are called to practice generous, joyful, and sacrificial hospitality—welcoming one another, caring for those in need, and extending kindness to everyone, especially fellow believers. Such hospitality does not merely bless those who receive it; it becomes a witness to a watching world, demonstrating the radically different love of Christ and creating opportunities for those far from God to encounter His grace. The challenge is simple: open our homes, tables, lives, and hearts to others through “radically ordinary hospitality,” trusting God to use our everyday acts of welcome to build His church and bring people into His family.
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