This passage closes out the section on how the church needs to come together in the midst of sharp disagreements. We have already seen calls to both the weak and the strong through chapter 14. This passage brings it all together with a call to live in harmony with one another. What a perfect way to think about things! That means that Christians can be singing distinct notes and melodies with their lives that are able to complement one another and come together to make a more beautiful whole. This is a timely passage for us in the uncertainty and division around us. The Church has hope to cling to and to offer to others that can’t be found by any other means.
Hospitality and Hope
Romans 15:2-13
November 8, 2020 • Pastor Bill Riedel
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Romans: The Power of the Gospel
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.