Make God’s Name Great

Hope is essential if we are to endure life's difficulties and face the future with confidence. But true hope isn't based on human promises or circumstances; it comes from God – from who he is, his promises and his presence with us. Romans 15 reminds us to carry those who are struggling, build one another up, accept one another and follow Jesus' example of serving others. We are called to stand together with one mind and one voice, united in our worship of Jesus. As we learn to trust God in our present circumstances and for our future, he fills us with joy and peace through the Holy Spirit, enabling our hope to overflow into the lives of others. Sermon Notes: - Slides: https://www.goldhill.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Romans-15v1-13-slides.pdf

Paul reminds us that being right is not as important as being loving. We should not judge one another over things that are not central to our faith, but consider how our words and actions affect others. Even when we have the freedom to do something, love may mean choosing not to, if it could harm someone else. Our words have the power to build people up or tear them down, and small disagreements, gossip and grudges can cause great damage. As a church, we need to put things right where necessary, let go of bitterness and become more intentional about encouraging one another, so that we remain united and grow stronger together.

Christians will not always agree, even when we are all seeking to follow Jesus. In Romans 14, Maria reminds us not to judge one another over matters where the Bible does not give a clear answer. We can easily turn our own preferences and convictions into rules for everyone else, forgetting that each of us is answerable to God. Instead, we should make room for one another, act with love and avoid putting obstacles in the way of others’ faith. The challenge is to put love before being right and to seek to build one another up rather than criticise.

If we knew Jesus was returning tomorrow, would we live differently today? Stephen reminds us that Paul's words in Romans 13 are a wake-up call: we need to be ready for Jesus by living lives shaped by love. Loving our neighbours is not just about avoiding harm, but about showing kindness, generosity and faithfulness, especially when life becomes difficult or uncertain. We cannot wait until a crisis comes to develop these habits; we need to cultivate them now, making room for others, noticing their needs and loving even when we disagree. Sermon Notes: - Slides: https://www.goldhill.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Romans-13v8-14.pdf

God calls us to respect governing authorities, fulfil our responsibilities and pray for our leaders, because his heart is for people to be protected, cared for and well led. Romans 13 teaches us that our submission to authority is not unconditional: when governments command what God forbids, or forbid what God commands, we may need to resist, following the example of Jesus rather than resorting to violence. We need to search Scripture, ask the Holy Spirit for discernment and engage with those in authority humbly and courageously, rather than simply reacting to the news or repeating our opinions. Stephen challenges us to become people who pray faithfully for our leaders, speak up wisely and seek to see our nation shaped by God’s ways. Sermon Notes: - Slides: https://www.goldhill.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Romans-13v1-7.pdf

Are we ready to live out our faith when the people around us are watching our lives before they listen to our message? Romans moves from what we believe about God's grace to how that grace should shape the way we live: loving one another, showing honour, refusing to judge, welcoming people in their mess, and choosing reconciliation. Terry then takes us to the harder challenge of loving our enemies — blessing rather than cursing, praying rather than retaliating, seeking peace, and overcoming evil with good — not in our own strength, but through the Holy Spirit. The invitation is to let go of our need to be right, see even difficult people with compassion, and choose the path of love so that the way we live makes the difference.

How does our faith become visible in the way we live and love others? James explores Romans 12:9–13, challenging us to let Christ-shaped love become genuine, honouring, passionate, persevering and practical, especially when love requires patience, sacrifice and forgiveness. He encourages us to put this into practice through hospitality and simple acts of service, highlighting ten practical ways to show welcome: invite someone for a meal, welcome newcomers at church, visit those who are lonely, provide accommodation when appropriate, prepare food for someone in need, offer practical assistance, include those who are often overlooked, use everyday opportunities to welcome others, listen with patience and compassion, and serve without expecting repayment. Ultimately, James reminds us that we do not produce this kind of love through human effort but because Christ first loved us, and encourages us to ask God to show each of us one person and one action through which we can make his love visible this week.

Stephen Walker-Williams teaches from Malachi 1:11

How do we see ourselves, our gifts and our place among one another? Liz takes us through three things Paul wants the church to understand: Get our thinking straight — we are to see ourselves and the gifts God has given us through grace, rather than through pride, comparison or a sense of our own importance. The greatest gifts are for all of us — God gives gifts to each one of us, and every person has a part to play in the life of the church. Our gifts are to bless others — our gifts are not for keeping to ourselves but for serving, encouraging and building up others, both when we gather and when we scatter. As we recognise what God has given us, we are invited to ask whether there are gifts we are using, neglecting or being called to use again, and how they can bless others and strengthen our life together.

What does it mean for us to be part of the church God has created and placed us in? Alfred takes us through four themes: Church is special — it is not simply a club or gathering of like-minded people, but something Jesus created, owns and builds, bringing together people with very different backgrounds, gifts and perspectives. God has a plan — God has chosen the church to demonstrate his love, share the good news, care for the vulnerable, carry one another’s burdens, guard truth and bring his purposes into a broken world. We have a role to play — God has given each of us gifts, skills and perspectives for the benefit of others, so we should recognise them, use them and allow them to grow rather than dismissing or burying them. We need resilience — our differences can create friction, but they also make us stronger and better able to respond to the world around us; when we disagree, we should ask whether our feedback is necessary, kind and true. We are not here by accident or lacking what we need: God has brought together this diverse community and given us what is needed to serve one another and the world around us, so the question is what we will do with what we have been given. Sermon Notes: - slides: https://www.goldhill.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Rooted-Resilient.pdf