Our Common Life - Romans 1:1-15The Christian life is, by definition, a shared life-a life lived in common with other believers. This reality is both the great strength and struggle of every church. From the very beginning of Romans, Paul models a godly expression of real-life Christianity.1. Celebrating Our Shared Calling (vv. 1-7) a. Set Apart for the Gospel b. Recipients of Grace c. Summoned to Mission2. Celebrating Our Shared Family (vv. 8-13) a. Thankful Spirit b. Concerned Spirit c. Submissive Spirit d. Loving Spirit e. Humble Spirit f. Fruitful Spirit3. Celebrating Our Shared Responsibility (vv. 14-15) a. External Motivation b. Internal Motivation

Paul's letter to the Romans is the crown jewel of the New Testament, the grandest explanation of the Gospel ever given! From the spiritual depths of the human condition to the eternal heights of God being "for us," this letter spans the full breadth of the good news for mankind. Before exploring in greater detail, we will first survey the majesty and scope of this breathtaking revelation.1. Gospel Announced (Chapters 1-5)2. Salvation Unfolded (Chapters 6-8)3. Key to Everything (Chapters 9-11)4. Life Well Lived (Chapters 12-16)

Jesus Christ is resurrected from the dead. This fact is the foundation of the Gospel and the security of the Christian hope for salvation and eternal life. The Gospel is grounded in theological revelation, historical reality, and personal testimony. Every Jesus-follower requires a solid grasp of the content that is the Gospel. This is the heart of our "good news."1. Gospel Progression (vv.1, 2) • Proclamation -"which I proclaimed" • Regeneration-"which you received" • Sanctification - "in which you stand' • Glorification - "by which you are saved" • Endurance - "unless you believed for nothing" 2. Gospel Foundation (vv.3-7) • Death, Burial, Resurrection • According to the Scriptures • Eyewitness Verification 3. Gospel Transformation (vv.8-10a) • Evaluation of Sinfulness • Experience of Grace

Practical ministry is not merely a program in the church or even just an aspect of a healthy Christian life. Touching the world in the name of Jesus is commanded by God, and ministry is meant to make an impact for the Kingdom of God in every generation. Doing good works is not just what we do. It's who we are!1. Remember Who We Are (vv. 1-2)2. Remember Who We Were (v. 3)3. Remember What God Did (vv. 4-7)4. Remember What We're to Do (v. 8)5. Remember What We're NOT to Do (vv. 9-11)6. Remember What We Share (vv. 12-15)

Paul does not leave believers with a simple list of religious duties to perform. Rather, he calls us to a noble purpose, to a higher life. He now explains the theological foundation and eternal motivation for living the Christian life and taking the Gospel to the entire world. Motivated by grace, authentic Jesus-followers do amazing things!

1. Authenticity of a Follower (vv. 9-10)

2. Announcement of Salvation (v. 11)

3. Application of Grace (v. 12)

4. Anticipation of Return (v. 13)

5. Ambition of Redemption (v. 14)

6. Authority of God's Word (v. 15)

Having identified both elders (biblical leaders) and enemies (dangerous influencers). Paul now describes what regular church members ought to look like. emphasizing seasons of life, he shows how individual spiritual maturity is designed to have positive impact on the entire family of faith. At Evergreen, it's called "sharing life."1. Truth Delivered A. Convincing Message (v. 1) B. Compelling Model (v. 7)2. Truth Displayed A. Older/Younger Men (vv. 2, 6) B. Older/Younger Women (vv. 3-5) Godly Character Godly Mentoring3. Impact of a Credible Witness (v. 8)

Considering Eternity - Luke 14:12-35

Paul next explains why the selection of godly elders is so necessary for a healthy church—because there are always individuals with ungodly agendas who masquerade as devout believers. This challenge demands careful confrontation by the pastors as well as Spirit-filled discernment by the church family