Paul closes this section of his teaching by reminding his readers that Israel is now a group of Jews and Gentiles. They have gathered together now to worship one Shepherd as one flock, though they come from different folds. This is a very important doctrine that can bring great comfort to God's people as they seek to do the hard work of being together for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Paul begins the closing arc of his great letter by reminding the strong in faith that they are meant to use their gift for the salvation and safety of others, not just themselves. Jesus is our perfect example in this, and our motivation for it.
Paul closes Romans chapter 14 by reminding the Church and reminding us that the strong in faith are not to push the weak, and the weak in faith are not to violate their conscience. Both will appear before God in the end.
What happens when the gentile Christians are not welcoming to their weaker Jewish brothers and sisters? What happens today when we try to push fellow Christians farther than they are preapred to go? Paul explains and warns the Church about this dangerous and potentially lethal mistake.
The Church is the New and restored Israel, full of both Jews and Gentiles. Since these two cultures are about to come together, they are going to need to make room for each other in love. They are going to need to be patient with the extra baggage that each culture brings to the table. Paul explains how they can not just tolerate each other, but welcome each other into Christ's Church.
Paul ends chapter 13 by reminding believers of the "Already But Not Yet." Christ has secured our salvation and we are redeemed, but we live in a world that is still suffering under nightfall. Time for Christians to wake up and share the light.
Paul now moves outward and widens his scope. Christians have learned how to interact with the empire. But how do they take God's Law and use it in society?
How does a Christian stay faithful to Christ in a difficult political world? How does the Church respond to political persecution or political crisis? Paul has important words for us on this ever-relevant topic.
Paul has shared with us how to stay healthy within the walls of the church, but what about when we interact with the world? How do we handle persecution? How do we love our enemy? Paul shows what it really looks like to be a part of a culture that truly can change the world....and did!
Paul knows that the most important part of the Church is not their gifting, but their genuine love for one another. This love is what will keep the new Church together. He now explains what that genuine love looks like.
Paul shifts his focus from inner transformation to the community of the Church. The healthier the community, the deeper the transformation. In order to be a healthy Christian, being a part of a healthy church is vital.
Now that Paul has established the Church of Jesus Christ as the new Israel, how are these Jews and Gentiles meant to interact with one another? Paul goes back to the beginning. Before our actions can change, our heart must be transformed.
(Sunday Sermon) - In one of the most famous passages of Scripture, Jesus shows us two things: Who we truly worship, and who He truly is.
(Youth Camp Sermon) - We end our time in the 7 Churches of Revelation with the only 2 churches that Jesus does not correct. Philadelphia & Smyrna are in deep trouble with the world. Some of them are even about to die. But Jesus goes with them, even into death, and He will bring them out again.
(Youth Camp Sermon) - The Churches at Pergamum and Thyatira relate to our own day and age perfectly. While both churches are doing several things right, they struggle in 2 main areas: sexual immorality and idolatry of politics. The American Church has much to learn from these two groups.
(Youth Camp Sermon) - The 7 Churches of Revelation begin with Ephesus. They are a church that is doing many things right, but idolatry has crept in and hardened their heart. Could the same be true of us?
What should a Church stand on? What should a Christian build their life on? What did Jesus think about the Bible? Ryan walks us through the importance of God's Word.
Paul concludes this section of Romans reminding us of God's beautiful, incredible plan for the resurrection of Israel. Jew and Gentile alike, all who put their faith in Christ get to be a part of this breathtaking plan of God.
Paul continues to explain to the Jews that God has not abandoned them. In fact, He is showing grace to the Gentiles as part of an even bigger plan: to draw the Jewish people back and create a new, better, multiethnic people of God.
Israel has turned their back on God, but has God turned His back on Israel? By no means! Paul shows in these opening verses that God is dealing with New Israel the same way that He always has: through keeping a faithful remnant for Himself.