Romans: No Lone Ranger Christianity
Names matter because people matter. Our God is a God who values each person, and Christianity is a faith centered on people — loving, encouraging, and discipling each other. In Romans 16, Paul is taking the time to call out and commend those who labored alongside him in ministry. He acknowledges their faithfulness, their sacrifices, and their influence on his life and the church.
Romans: Dream Big and Pray Hard
In Romans 15:20-33, Paul shares what can only be described as his “big dream” for ministry. His heart’s desire? To see the gospel spread to unreached people, wherever Christ’s name is still unknown. This passage challenges us to look beyond the ordinary and dare to dream for the kingdom of God, sharing the gospel with the world around us.
Romans: The Blessing of Our Calling
In Romans 15:14-19, we see Paul’s deep love for the church, his commitment to his calling, and his desire to see the believers continue to live with the same confident humility he himself embraced. Paul’s words resonate with us today, reminding us to remain steadfast in our faith and our calling.
Romans: Accept One Another Because Christ Accepted You
Whether it is a simple act of kindness or a commitment to make disciples, there is a profound joy that comes from serving others without expecting anything in return. Why does it feel so good? I believe it is because when we serve selflessly, we connect to the very heart of Christ. But before we can serve others, we must first welcome and accept them into our lives, just as Christ has welcomed and accepted us.
Romans: Live in Harmony With One Another
In Romans 15, Paul highlights the vital theme of harmony within the body of Christ. Harmony is not merely about agreement or avoiding conflict; it is about living in a way that reflects Christ’s sacrificial love for others.
Romans: Build Up, Don’t Trip Up
For the past year, we have been walking through the book of Romans, and now we are in the home stretch. The book of Romans is Paul’s letter to the church in Rome, written as he prepared for a visit and hoped to continue his journey to Spain. In this letter, Paul lays out his […]
Romans: The Right Hills to Die On — Love over Judgment
In Romans 14:1-12, Paul explains how Christians should respond when opinions and minor disagreements threaten to disrupt our unity. As we dive into the specifics of this chapter, we will explore how Paul instructs us to manage personal convictions and the disputes that arise from them, emphasizing that love must prevail over individual judgments.
Romans: Running Out of the Darkness and Into the Light
Romans 13:11-14 is a profound summons to transformation. Paul urges us to abandon the deeds of darkness and step into the light, fully clothed in the armor of Christ. Let’s dive deeper into what it means to live in this new light, exploring how to actively “put off the deeds of darkness” and “put on the armor of light.”
Romans: The Debt of Love
In Romans 13 Paul suggests that just as we feel compelled to settle our financial debts, we should feel an even greater compulsion to fulfill our debt of love towards one another. Here, love is more than an emotion; it is a testament to our faith.
Romans: Living as a Citizen of Heaven Under Human Authority
In Romans 13:1-7, we are commanded to submit to governmental authority. As we dive into this passage, it is crucial to keep in focus the ultimate priority in our lives — our relationship with Christ. This perspective does not diminish the significance of our roles within our earthly citizenship but rather frames them within the larger context of our eternal citizenship in God’s kingdom.
Romans: Christian Living Part 2 — Loving When It’s Hard
As we study Romans 12:14-21, we confront some of the most challenging aspects of Christian living — extending love in the face of adversity and opposition. Let’s explore how we can live out this high calling, not by our might, but by the Spirit of God who empowers us to love radically and sacrificially, even when it is hard.
Romans: Christian Living Part 1 — Love One Another
In Romans 12:9-13, Paul challenges us to embody the Gospel in every aspect of our behavior and interactions. As we explore how Paul instructs us to use our gifts in the context of love, it is clear that our actions towards one another should not only reflect our faith but should be driven by it. Love, as Paul outlines, is not just a feeling but an active, engaging force that must permeate every interaction within the community of believers.