Romans 13

Central Church - IA

Romans 13

April 7, 2024 • Jon Nelson • Romans 13

When Paul is writing this letter, he is under the government leader, Nero, a man who executed Christians in the most inhumane of ways. Paul doesn't instruct the believers to reject the government, but to honor it instead. In Romans 13, we see two main points: honor the government, and love your neighbors well.

Romans 16

April 28, 2024 • Jon Nelson • Romans 16

As Paul concludes the book of Romans, he spends intentional time thanking people that encouraged him in his faith. He gives a warning against those who want to cause unity among the believers, enforcing the importance of unity within the body. Pastor Jon summarizes the chapter in two points: the need that we have for others in the faith, and the need for unity in the body.

Romans 1

January 7, 2024 • Jon Nelson • Romans 1

We begin our series in the book of Romans, talking about the righteous life that Paul details throughout this whole book. Just as Paul's life was changed and transformed because of the gospel, so our lives are changed, and Paul uses these words in verse 16 to encourage us to have the same attitude: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek."

Romans 2

January 14, 2024 • Jon Nelson • Romans 2

Judgment plays an active role within our lives, whether it's trying to discern a situation or it's through harsh words and actions. Romans 2 details God's righteous judgment, and Paul excuses us as believers from casting judgment onto one another for 2 main reasons: we practice the same things in which we condemn in others, and God is the ultimate One who can cast judgment. Pastor Jon breaks down this passage through questions, the words of Paul, and the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15) and the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18).