There's Really Only One Family - Romans 12

1. A Prayer for the People of God
Your voice burns within the depths
of our being, O God of our ancestors,
and draws us into your presence and service.
Hear the cries of your people
and speak a word of comfort,
that we may proclaim to all the earth
the glory of your name.
Amen.

2. Romans 12:1-8
There’s REALLY Only ONE Family

3. So, my dear family, this is my appeal to you
by the mercies of God: offer your bodies as
a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.
Worship like this brings your mind into line
with God’s. What’s more, don’t let yourselves
be squeezed into the shape dictated by
the present age. Instead, be transformed
by the renewing of your minds, so that
you can work out what God’s will is—
what is good, acceptable, and complete.
ROMANS 12:1-2 (KNT)

4. Through the grace which was given to me,
I have this to say to each one of you: don’t
think of yourselves more highly than you
ought to think. Rather, think soberly, in line
with faith,
the true standard which God has marked out
for each of you. As in one body we have
many limbs and organs, you see, and all the
parts have different functions, so we, many
as we are, are one body in the Messiah, and
ROMANS 12:3-5 (KNT)

5. Well then, we have gifts that differ
in accordance with the grace that has
been given to us, and we must use them
appropriately. If it is prophecy, we must
prophesy according to the pattern of the
faith.
If it is serving, we must work at our serving;
if teaching, at our teaching; if exhortation,
at our exhortation; if giving, with generosity;
if leading, with energy; if doing acts of
ROMANS 12:6-8 (KNT)

6. 1. The mind of the Triune God is selfless;
Paul invites/challenges in that direction
A FEW QUICK REFLECTIONS

7. 1. The mind of the Triune God is selfless;
Paul invites/challenges in that direction
2. Faith should lead to humility/meekness,
not judgment over/against others
A FEW QUICK REFLECTIONS

8. 1. The mind of the Triune God is selfless;
Paul invites/challenges in that direction
2. Faith should lead to humility/meekness,
not judgment over/against others
3. Whatever gifts we’re given, we’re called
to use them for the betterment of others
A FEW QUICK REFLECTIONS

9. 1. The mind of the Triune God is selfless;
Paul invites/challenges in that direction
2. Faith should lead to humility/meekness,
not judgment over/against others
3. Whatever gifts we’re given, we’re called
to use them for the betterment of others
4. We’re all part of the same family;
we’re not Democrat or Republican,
liberal or conservative, etc., etc.;
we are all one in Christ
A FEW QUICK REFLECTIONS

10. Romans 12:1-8
There’s REALLY Only ONE Family

11. I prefer a church which is bruised, hurting and dirty
because it has been out on the streets, rather than
a church which is unhealthy from being confined
and from clinging to its own security…More than
by fear of going astray, my hope is that we will be
moved by the fear of remaining shut up within
structures which give us a false sense of security,
within rules which make us harsh judges, within
habits which make us feel safe, while at our door
people are starving and Jesus does not tire of
saying to us, “Give them something to eat.”

12. - Started the vision process for this in 2017
- Expanded it in 2018
- Launched process in 2019
- Unanimous vote by our hiring team,
fully affirmed by our ST/TT
- John Flynn will start around the beginning
of October
- I’ll primarily lean into UP & OUT,
John will primarily lean into IN & OUT,
Jill will continue pastoring kids
COMMUNITY LIFE PASTOR

16. - I’m free to openly share my perspective
on human sexuality/marriage, in the same
way I do w/other difficult topics
- You are free to disagree; no litmus test
- All are free to fully pursue Jesus within
the full scope of life at Vintage; i.e.
baptism, communion, marriage,
volunteering, leadership, etc.
- Pastors/Vintage are free to perform/host
weddings as they/we see fit…
IN PRACTICAL TERMS

17. “I'm grateful the journey to this spot wasn't
taken alone, and honored that each of you (and
the team members before you) have been willing
to walk this path with me... sometimes following
me despite the unknown path ahead, sometimes
taking
the lead and pointing out danger-spots along the
way, sometimes pointing out
paths I wouldn't have seen or wanted to take,
and always desiring the best for the people we
were leading in the process.”

18. Romans 12:1-8
There’s REALLY Only ONE Family

19. Closing Prayer
Redeeming Sustainer,
visit your people and pour out
your strength and courage upon us,
that we may hurry to make you welcome
not only in our concern for others,
but by serving them generously
and faithfully in your name.
Amen.