Unity
In studying Romans 14, we’ve been reminded that our unity is based upon essential doctrine not preferential opinion. The gospel which transforms our lives, also forms the basis for our unity. God desires that we humbly come together in love around the main things instead of dividing in arrogance over non-essential things. This was important in Paul’s day and remains so in ours.
Bearing Up Under the Wait – Psalm 40
When we face incredibly difficult circumstances, we need to continually remind ourselves of God’s past faithfulness as we wait for God to resolve our present struggle.
Unity not Unanimity
Our unity is based upon essential doctrine not preferential opinion. We’ll see that the gospel that transforms our lives, also forms the basis for our unity.
“I don’t understand how someone could really love Jesus and still go to the movies, drink wine, or approve of dancing. I mean, are they really serious about the Lord?” Comments like these reveal a reality that has existed from the beginning of the church. The reality that Christians have many differing opinions on issues that the Bible doesn’t explicitly speak to. And as the above quote reflects, sometimes these opinions are very strongly held.
So, how does the church handle things like this? Do we duke it out in the hallway? Do we fire pastors and stiff arm members with whom we disagree? Do we flaunt our freedoms and label everyone else as legalists? Do we start new churches around our preferred opinions? I mean, how can the church work when we bring together so many different opinions on lots of different issues? Well, that’s exactly what Romans 14 is about.
Dresses a New Way in Light of a New Day
Have you ever started your day and not checked the weather forecast? You sprang out the door thinking it was going to be a beautiful day and soon discovered you were not appropriately dressed? You found yourself caught between two seasons. You were more appropriately dress for the season behind than the season ahead. Thinking of this illustration are you caught between two seasons (or ages/eras) spiritually? Are you more appropriately dressed for the one behind you, than the one your heading toward? Today in Romans 13:11-14 we will see in this text Paul is describing two ages or eras.
The Debt of Love
We understand that we owe love to those around us. Not just those in our family, church or those we like, but everyone that comes into our sphere of influence. Jesus removes all the debt we are responsible for as it pertains to our sin, but we puts the debt of loving others square on our shoulders.
Psalm 123 – A Song of Ascents
Listen as Micah Blowers (our Heritage Bible intern) shares several passages in the Bible where God’s people are in some sort of need and they cry out to the Lord for his help. God’s people knew that God would hear them, and they knew that he would act. That same God now indwells us, knows what we need, and hears us when we call out to him.
Transformed Citizens
Sometimes people will seek to ban discussion about the topics of religion and politics at family gatherings or dinner parties. They make these topics off limits because they’re too inflammable…an argument might break out. Well, Romans 13:1-7 is a veritable mashup of religion and politics (or civil authority to be more exact.)As we continue to see how the true gospel transforms our lives, today we look at the change it makes in us with regard to our attitudes and actions toward governmental and law enforcement officials. We trust and pray that you will come prepared to subject your hearts and lives to this relevant Word from God.
Love in Reaction
It’s in our nature to respond to hurt and injustice with anger or vengeance, wishing those who make us suffer or do evil will “get there due”. However, the Gospel should lead us toward transformation that does the opposite and helps us shun our natural impulses and act supernaturally.
The Lost Art of Christian Meekness
Please join us today as Pastor Clint Eberspacher teaches from Romans 12:14-21 “The Lost Art of Christian Meekness”.