Friday First - Welcome One Another

We have had such a great summer of learning and growing together as we have focused on church unity. During June we spent our time in Ephesians 4.11-16, discussing the role of ministers and shepherds equipping the saints for the work of ministry … for the purpose of growing into maturity where we all become more like Christ … leading to doctrinal stability … heartfelt, loving evangelism, and numerical growth. During July we talked about the foundation upon which unity thrives: brotherly love. We all have room for improvement and growth in this area. May we all commit to more brotherly love.

Now, during August, we will spend our time examining Romans 14-15. How should we act when we disagree? Anytime you get a plurality of humans together there is a strong possibility for disagreement to rise. This is why one of the most prevalent teachings of the apostles centered around the need to get along well with each other. This is what is under consideration in our text. Paul is working to solve conflict that arises between the legalistic and liberated believer.
Romans 14.1-15.13 is unity in action. Paul charges Christians to welcome each other. They are to build one another up. They are to try to please each other. And finally, they are to rejoice with one another.

In our lesson on Sunday, we will talk about the need to welcome each other.

• First we will examine the directive in v. 1.
• Then we will look at 4 reasons why we need to welcome each other:
  • God accepts both the weak and the strong.
  • God sustains each believer.
  • Both the weak and the strong belong to God.
  • The Lord will judge every believer.

As you prepare for worship on Sunday, please give consideration to these questions:

• How would you define a strong brother?
• How would you define a weak brother?
• What does it mean to welcome one another?
• Who’s job is it to judge? What is our job?
• Why should we not argue about disputed matters?

OPENING / WELCOME
Kody Pritt

SONG LEADER
Jim Grushon

PRAYER OF PRAISE
Boyd Hastings

LEAD LORD'S SUPPER
Paul Braden
 
SCRIPTURE READING
Nathan Armstrong
Romans 14.1-12

PREACHING
Matthew Allen

CLOSING PRAYER
Randy Mullins

CLOSING COMMENTS
Dan Spargo

WELCOME CENTER
Emily McDonald / Vicki Mullins

USHERS
Chris Fles / Jeremy Price

CLOSING THE BUILDING
Shane McLaughlin