How a Christian should live — this was the theme of the sermons at the Sunday meeting of the church “Philadelphia” on August 30. Aleksej Obukhov talked about the importance of trials. To purify gold from impurities one should put it into the fire. Our character needs this purification. God does this in trials. We become more flexible, pliable, yielding to changes from God when He wants to transform some traits. As Paul wrote, “that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”. Difficulties form the traits that we need. They temper us and make us stronger —in spirit, soul and body.

Senior pastor Pavel Zhelnovakov taught the rules of a Christian life. First of all he explained the difference between a rule and a commandment. A commandment is a command that is obligatory; the rule just gives us the right direction in life, helps to avoid mistakes. The source of these rules for a Christian is the Bible. Pavel Ivanovich mentioned three rules from the three life spheres:

The Spiritual Sphere:

We should admit the right of a person for forgiveness. The bright example is a parable about a prodigal son (Luke 15).

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians  4:29).

“But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving” (Ephesians 5:3-4).

The Sphere of Soul:

The right of a person for respect regardless social status, nationality and other things. “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love” (Galatians 5:6).

The right for the private life — for example not visit somebody at his or her place too much.

The right for a mistake — we are not perfect.

The Physical Sphere:

The rule of hygiene —it is important for God (Hebrews 10:19-22).

Purity in intimate relationship between spouses. “Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control” (1 Corinthians 7:5).

Another rule — clothes that are appropriate for age and situation.