Hello Church at Litchfield Park family!

I hope you're all feeling encouraged and uplifted by God's grace. Today, I'd like to dive into Romans 5:1-11 (NIV), an incredible passage that reveals the depth and power of God's love for us. Let's take a closer look:

"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

In this passage, Paul paints a beautiful picture of God's love and grace. Let's explore some key insights from this text and how they can inspire and transform our lives as followers of Jesus.

Justification through Faith

Paul begins by reminding us that we have been justified through faith in Jesus Christ. This means that, through our belief in Jesus, we have been declared righteous in God's eyes. We are no longer separated from God by our sin, but have been reconciled to Him through faith in Jesus.

Peace with God

Through Jesus, we have gained access by faith into God's grace, and we now stand in a position of peace with God. This means that we no longer have to fear or be anxious about our standing before Him. We can rest in the knowledge that, through faith in Jesus, we have been reconciled to God and have peace with Him.

Boasting in Hope

Not only do we have peace with God, but we also boast in the hope of the glory of God. This means that we have a confident expectation of the future, knowing that we will one day share in God's glory. We can boast in this hope, knowing that it is certain and secure.

Glory in Suffering

Paul then says that we can also glory in our sufferings. This may seem counterintuitive, but Paul explains that suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope. As we endure through difficult times, we grow in our faith and become more like Jesus. And as we see God's faithfulness in the midst of our trials, we can hold onto the hope that He will see us through.

God's Love Poured Out

Through it all, we can be confident in the knowledge that God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. This love is not something we have to earn or deserve; it is a free gift that God has given to us through faith in Jesus. As we receive this love, we are transformed from the inside out, becoming more like Jesus and reflecting His love to the world around us.

Christ Died for Us

Finally, Paul reminds us that, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. This is the ultimate expression of God's love for us. We did nothing to deserve it, yet God sent His Son to die for us so that we could be reconciled to Him. As we meditate on this truth, we are filled with awe and gratitude for the incredible love of God.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Romans 1:1-17 is a powerful passage that reminds us of the transformative message of the Gospel of Salvation. As we reflect on Paul's words, let us be inspired to share the Good News with others, trusting in the power of the Gospel to bring salvation to everyone who believes. May we be bold and courageous in proclaiming the message of God's love and grace, and may our lives be transformed by the righteousness that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. Let us embrace the Gospel and live by faith, confident in the knowledge that it truly is the power of God that brings salvation to all who believe.

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Join us on Tuesday from 10:30-11:30 or Wednesday from 6-7 as we go deeper into God's Word. 

Jesus teaches that in God's kingdom, things are different than we might expect. Sometimes, it even seems as though it is upside down when we hear that the last will be first and the first will be last, and the greatest in the kingdom are the ones who serve others. In God's kingdom, mercy triumphs over fairness, and grace abounds. We are called to be extravagantly generous and relentlessly forgiving. Entrusted with gifts and grace, we learn to live out these kingdom ways, sharing God's love with others and using all that we have to bring glory to God.

This is our last OVERFLOW of the year. Come enjoy a bounce house, games, worship and ICE CREAM SUNDAES! Don’t forget to bring school supplies to donate as well! 

Join us for fellowship and Bible study! Share a family meal and enjoy time in God's Word while the kids do the same in Overflow! Our children's worship service.

There will be a meeting for everyone who is going on, or is interested in learning more about, the 2023 mission trip to Navajo Nation on Sunday, May 21 at 11:45am in Souers Hall. Please contact Pastor Lynne for more information. 

Join us for Vacation Bible School June 5-9 2023 6-730pm 
Kids in preschool-5th grade are welcome to join us each night as we
learn about how following Jesus changes the game! 
This is a FREE community event! We hope you can join us! 
Registration is now open! If you would like to volunteer contact Aimee at awickersham@clp.church 

The Mission Committee is offering a trip to Navajo Nation (Black Mesa) July 23 – 28, 2023 through Experience Mission. We will be working on a new Food Bank Warehouse and possibly a local community member’s home. The cost is $200 person, due by May 31. Sign up online or contact Pastor Lynne for more information. 

THANK YOU for the many ways you give support to The Church at Litchfield Park. 

You, the congregation approved the 2023 operating budget in the amount of $971,133.  To meet that goal, it requires $80,928 a month in total income.  The congregation also approved using the Willis Endowment Fund as needed to cover part or all of the salaries for the Children and Youth Ministry Director, CLP Kids and Adult Education. To date we have not dispersed any Willis Endowment Funds.  

One of our Core Values is Stewardship:  We have grateful hearts so we value stewardship.  We acknowledge that all we have comes from God.  As stewards of God’s gifts, we manage ourselves and our possessions in service to God.  Thank you to all who share their gifts and talents in service to God and others.  Giving financially is an act of worship and can be done through Sunday’s plate offering, the app, website or mailing a check.  Whether it be a commitment of $1 a week or $1,000 a week all monies received go toward the annual operating budget unless otherwise designated.   

We give because the Lord first gave to us. Your leadership team is GRATEFUL, THANKFUL, PLEASED, OVERWHELMED, and APPRECIATIVE.   

Demand at TheShop@CLP has been high and we are in need of donations! If you have items to donate, or know of anyone who does, please bring them by TheShop any Friday between 8am-11am. Thank you!

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES
8 and 9:15am in Sanctuary
10:45am in Souers Community Hall

OFFICE HOURS
Monday through Thursday ~ 9am to 4pm

300 North Old Litchfield Road
Litchfield Park, AZ  85340
(623) 935-3411
info@clp.church
https://clp.church