Grace Family Fellowship

Dr. Roger L. Smith's message explores the book of Malachi, where God confronts the post-exilic people for their apathy and superficial worship. Despite their outward religious forms, the priests and the people offered God their "leftovers"—sick, lame, or stolen animals—while neglecting the honor due to Him as both Father and Master. God expresses deep offense, stating that such half-hearted, ritualistic service is not merely lazy, but evil. He warns that because they fail to offer their best, their worship is rejected. The message emphasizes that true faith requires genuine sacrifice and total commitment. We are challenged to examine our own lives: do we truly honor God, or are we simply going through the motions without a heart of reverence?

Dr. Roger L. Smith's series introduction focuses on the Book of Malachi, the final Old Testament prophet, who speaks after a period of post-exilic disillusionment. Despite the people’s skepticism and their "what have you done for me lately" attitude, God reaffirms His love through His choice of them. Dr. Smith emphasizes that God’s love is not a mere feeling but an active, historical, and covenantal commitment rooted in His sovereignty. Ultimately, the sermon challenges believers to move beyond subjective feelings and outward circumstances by grounding their faith in God's promises and the reality of Christ’s sacrifice. By looking to the cross and prioritizing God’s glory over personal comfort, believers are urged to expand their perspective and remain faithful despite life's inevitable challenges.

Dr. Roger L. Smith opened the service by reflecting on the significance of the Lord’s Supper, emphasizing Christ’s sacrifice as the foundation of God’s plan for all nations. Following this, missionaries Ben and Melody Pahlow shared their journey of 24 years serving in Rwanda and Uganda through their ministry, Africa Family Rescue. Despite enduring significant personal hardships—including dangerous encounters, health crises, and safety risks—Ben and Melody Pahlow testified to God’s unwavering faithfulness. They shared impactful stories of transformation among the widows and families they support. Highlighting their commitment to their calling, they encouraged the congregation to partner with them through prayer and financial support, underscoring that their mission is a shared endeavor made possible by the community’s continued generosity and faith.

In the final part of a three-part series, Preston Sanders explores the process of sanctification—the Christian's journey of becoming more Christ-like after salvation. Preston Sanders emphasizes the challenge of "denying ourselves" and avoiding the temptations of the world, which can hinder one's testimony and spiritual walk. Drawing from 1 John 2:15-17, the speaker warns against loving the world, defining it as the systems, values, and lusts that oppose God’s truth. Sanders encourages believers to find ultimate satisfaction in God rather than temporary worldly pursuits. He concludes by inviting the congregation to seek prayer, practice ongoing confession, and intentionally "put to death" the old nature, urging them to set their minds on eternal things rather than passing worldly desires.

Preston Sanders delivers a sermon emphasizing that "right now counts forever," urging the congregation to recognize that their earthly actions have eternal consequences. He defines the gospel through Christ’s penal substitutionary atonement, explaining that only faith in Jesus’ finished work on the cross—not human goodness—secures salvation. Sanders warns against society’s rejection of divine accountability, asserting that true justification leads to sanctification. He teaches that as believers grow in their love for God, they develop a hatred for sin and a desire for Christ-like obedience empowered by the Holy Spirit. The message concludes with the observance of the Lord’s Supper, symbolizing the new covenant and Christ's sacrifice, while calling believers to live lives that reflect their eternal purpose.

In Romans 15:1–7, Dr. Roger L. Smith emphasizes the importance of church unity, urging believers to move beyond secondary disagreements. Citing Paul, he explains that mature Christians have a non-optional obligation to "bear the burdens" and weaknesses of others, mirroring how Christ sacrificially bore human infirmities. This call to unity is not about superficial niceness, but a commitment to truth and patience. Dr. Smith notes that through the encouragement and endurance found in Scripture, believers gain true hope. This hope, rooted in the Gospel rather than worldly expectations, empowers the community to live in harmony. Ultimately, the congregation is encouraged to welcome one another just as Christ welcomed them, working together to glorify God with a unified voice.

In Romans 14:20-23, Paul concludes his teaching on Christian conduct by emphasizing that unity is essential for the effectiveness of God’s Kingdom. He warns that destroying the Church over "disputable matters"—such as dietary preferences—is an act of rebellion against God’s work. Instead of enforcing personal opinions, believers should prioritize the "mind of Christ," practicing humility and considering others' spiritual well-being above their own preferences. Paul clarifies that while faith has a private dimension to be held between the individual and God, all actions must proceed from faith. Ultimately, believers should focus on glorifying God, maintaining unity in the body of Christ, and ensuring their conduct is driven by faith, as anything done outside of faith is sin.

Dr. Roger L. Smith explores Romans 14, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing essential Christian doctrines over divisive, secondary opinions. Dr. Smith argues that church unity depends on believers consciously choosing to avoid causing others to stumble or feel judged regarding matters of conscience. Instead of focusing on restrictive rules or fault-finding, Dr. Smith urges Christians to engage in active discipleship and transformation. By shifting from self-centeredness to generosity and humility, believers can prioritize the kingdom of God—defined by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, the objective is to move beyond petty disagreements and purposefully pursue mutual edification, ensuring that our actions and thoughts serve to build up the body of Christ rather than creating unnecessary division.

In Romans 14, Dr. Roger L. Smith emphasizes the importance of unity among Christians regarding secondary matters of conscience, such as dietary choices or holy days. Paul instructs believers to be "fully convinced" in their own minds, ensuring their actions are rooted in personal biblical conviction rather than arbitrary preference or mere imitation of others. While believers may reach different conclusions, they must avoid judging one another, as every individual ultimately serves and answers to God. Christians are reminded that their lives belong entirely to Christ, who is the ultimate authority and judge. By focusing on honoring God and maintaining a biblically informed conscience, believers can avoid destructive division and prioritize their shared devotion to the Lord.

Dr. Roger L. Smith analyzes Romans 14, emphasizing that Christian unity depends on distinguishing between essential truths and "disputable matters." Paul instructs believers to welcome one another regardless of differing convictions on secondary issues, such as dietary choices. Because all believers are servants of God, passing judgment on another's conscience is inappropriate and creates unnecessary conflict. While Paul demands strict accountability and expulsion for unrepentant, overt sin, he advocates for grace and humility regarding personal opinions. Ultimately, the focus must remain on Christ. Rather than fostering factions, church members should practice mutual respect and prioritize building one another up, recognizing that we are all accountable to the same Master, who alone is capable of upholding His servants.

Dr. Roger Smith examines Paul’s teachings in Romans 13, identifying agape love as the essential foundation of Christian life. Dr. Smith explains that love is a divine mandate that fulfills the moral law, urging believers to view it as a perpetual debt owed to others. This selfless love is perfectly modeled by Christ’s sacrificial work on the cross. Additionally, the text highlights a spiritual urgency regarding Christ’s return. Believers are called to "wake from sleep," rejecting worldly darkness to "put on the armor of light." By embodying biblical love—characterized by patience, kindness, and humility—Christians fulfill their highest calling. Ultimately, prioritizing love over self-interest allows believers to reflect God’s character and effectively pursue the mission of making disciples in a modern world.

In this sermon, Dr. Roger L. Smith examines the Christian’s relationship with civil authority based on Romans 13. He asserts that all governing power is divinely instituted to maintain social order and execute justice. According to God’s design, governments serve as ministers to punish wrongdoing and protect fundamental rights, including life and property. Dr. Smith emphasizes that believers should be exemplary citizens—paying taxes and honoring leaders—even under flawed or secular regimes. However, he distinguishes between civic obedience and divine worship, noting that Christians must submit only as far as it does not violate their faith. Ultimately, Dr. Smith encourages the congregation to trust God’s sovereignty over history, eschew personal vengeance, and act as "salt and light" within their communities.

In his teaching on Romans 12:17-21, Dr. Roger L. Smith expounds upon the Christian mandate to reject personal vengeance and embrace proactive love. Although humans naturally desire retaliation, Smith argues that genuine faith requires "breaking the cycle" of evil by responding with honor and kindness. This approach does not dismiss justice but entrusts it to God’s ultimate authority. By practicing self-control and serving enemies—metaphorically "heaping burning coals" to soften hearts—believers allow divine wrath to handle retribution while they focus on being "salt and light." Dr. Smith highlights that a renewed mind is essential for choosing peace in a hostile world. Ultimately, by trusting God to balance the scales of justice, Christians can reflect His beauty and transform society through non-reactive grace.

This text defines genuine love—"without hypocrisy"—as the primary mark of a Christian and the core of a transformed life. Based on Romans 12:9-16, Dr. Smith emphasizes detesting evil while clinging to what is good. True love manifests as familial devotion, humility, and a commitment to honor others above oneself. Believers are encouraged to remain "spiritually on the boil," maintaining fervor through constant prayer and patience during tribulation. Practical expressions of faith include generosity toward genuine needs and empathy for others' joys and sorrows. Such unity within the church serves as a powerful testimony of Christ’s mission. By prioritizing humility and focusing on Jesus’ sacrificial example, believers fulfill the command to live in harmony and reflect God’s character through sincere, active love. This text defines genuine love—"without hypocrisy"—as the primary mark of a Christian and the core of a transformed life. Based on Romans 12:9-16, Dr. Smith emphasizes detesting evil while clinging to what is good. True love manifests as familial devotion, humility, and a commitment to honor others above oneself. Believers are encouraged to remain "spiritually on the boil," maintaining fervor through constant prayer and patience during tribulation. Practical expressions of faith include generosity toward genuine needs and empathy for others' joys and sorrows. Such unity within the church serves as a powerful testimony of Christ’s mission. By prioritizing humility and focusing on Jesus’ sacrificial example, believers fulfill the command to live in harmony and reflect God’s character through sincere, active love.

In his message, Preston Sanders addresses the common sentiment of questioning God's methods, even among believers. He recounts his experiences, including a Bible study during Desert Storm, highlighting how people often revert to atheism after facing adversity. Sanders argues that people disbelieve because they dislike God's ways or desire to be in His place. He emphasizes the importance of embracing the cross, acknowledging one's own limitations, and recognizing God's higher perspective, as stated in Isaiah 55:8-9. Quoting from 1 Corinthians, he stresses that the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to believers, it is the power and wisdom of God.

Preston Sanders discusses shifting his planned Pride month lesson to "The Good, the Bad, and the Redeemed," focusing on foundational biblical truths. Beginning in Genesis, he highlights God's creation of all things, humanity as male and female in His image, and marriage. He argues these "very good" creations have been corrupted, leading to "the bad." This stems from pride. He describes pride as prioritizing self will over God's, referencing Satan's fall and the Tower of Babel. Sanders asserts society now suffers from excessive self-focus. Despite this, he offers hope, citing the "proto evangelium" and emphasizing redemption through faith in Jesus Christ, arguing that Jesus is the only way to be saved.