This week we start a new section of the book of Romans, the final section of the letter. This is the point in Romans that things get practical. Chapters 12-16 show us that the reality of the gospel transforms our lives as we follow Jesus. This week we start it off with Romans 12:1-8, which gives us an overview of what is to come and focuses on the importance of every member of the body of Christ, the church.
Living Sacrifice
Romans 12:1-8
September 13, 2020 • Pastor Bill Riedel
To the Church
December 13, 2020 • Pastor Bill Riedel
This week we close our series with Romans 16:25-27. This closing benediction to the letter gives us a beautiful, gospel-rich, densely packed summary of the entire letter that precedes. It’s a chance for us to be reminded of everything we have seen and learned over the past year in our study of Romans together.
Watch Out
December 6, 2020 • Pastor Bill Riedel
Our passage this week is a closing warning to the church in Rome about the dangerous potential of divisive people in the church. It’s an important passage for us as we walk through one of the most divisive times in many of our lifetimes. The beauty and unity of the church is itself a witness to the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and a reflection of our hope that the day is coming when Satan will be crushed.
Servants and Fellow Workers
November 29, 2020 • Pastor Bill Riedel
This passage lists a whole bunch of names and people that Paul sent personal greetings to in Rome. At first blush, it may be tough to see how it applies to us, but it does! Paul’s ministry is deeply interconnected with people who were fellow-workers. There is a lot we can learn about the makeup of the early church, who were key contributors, and what it looks like for us to work alongside each other even through to today. The church is a crazy mashup of men and women from different cultural backgrounds and ethnicities, different economic levels, across generations, all working together as a family on mission. This week is a much-needed encouragement to us this week.