Tag Archives: Romans

Romans 16- Victory in Jesus

Leave a reply

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. Romans 16:17-20

As we come to the end of the Epistle of Romans, the Apostle Paul urges a strong warning once again. “Mark them which cause division and offences contrary to the doctrine you have learned and avoid them” As Paul said to the Church of Galatia “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:8) Anyone who is preaching or teaching doctrine against what Christ and the Apostles taught, let them be accurssed!

However we live in a time period in the Church, where false doctrine is rampant! It’s harder to find a Church that actually preaches the Word of God, yet many so called “Christians” have compromised. Instead of marking these false teachers, as instructed by Paul, they conform to them. Many people attend these false Churches, for the sake of peace and unity, however this is very dishonering to your Lord.  As Paul continues “For those who are such, do not serve our Lord but their own belly (flesh)” These “Churches” are carnally minded, not being led by the Holy Spirit but by the flesh. 

Think about it, why would a Church embrace sin? Well the only reason is because they want to satisfy the flesh. They are not Born Again (John 3:3) , they are not led by the Holy Spirit, they are led by their carnal flesh like an animal. “By smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple” But you say “they are so nice”, “they are so friendly” Don’t be deceived, God will not be mocked, what you reap is what you sow” (Galatians 6:7)

So how do you respond to these fake Churches? As the Apostle Paul said, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, “Avoid them, stay away from them, (v17) This idea that we can have “Liberal” and “Traditional” Christians together is a lie from Satan. There is no such thing as a Liberal Christian, because its “contrary to the teachings of Christ” It’s an abomination in the house of God, yet many bow down to the Satanic agenda, and I fear many will lose their soul because you have rejected the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19)

“For your obedience has become known to all” (v19) Have you compromised your soul? Or are you obedient to your Lord Jesus Christ? The important thing is not whether your on the Church membership list, the important thing is your name written in The Lambs Book of Life? (Revelation 3:5) Many people have sold their soul, to please their family, to please their neighbor, to please their flesh

But the God of peace, our Lord Jesus Christ has crushed the head of Satan at the cross! We have victory in Christ, because Christ has already overcome the world (John 16:33) Don’t fear the temporary persecution right now, because we have eternal victory in the Kingdom of God, Amen!

Romans 16- Greet One Another

Leave a reply

I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also. Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ. Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us. Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord. Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus’ household. Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord. Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord. Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them. Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them. Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you. Romans 16:1-16

As we look at our text today, many people probably just skim over this part, figured is not really important, but their is great beauty in what the Apostle Paul is doing here. As I’ve stated previously, even though the Apostle Paul gets much of the credit for spreading the gospel to the Gentiles, for planting many Churches, it was truly a group effort. The body of Christ was never designed to be a one-man operation. Look at all the names that have laboured for The Lord , they share in the same glory as Paul, we share in the same glory , the Kingdom of God being built one soul at a time. The time, the sweat, the blood, all the sacrifices being put in for an eternal purpose! The Kingdom of God is at hand! (Matthew 3:2, Matthew 4:17, Mark 1:15)

We as a Church do a terrible job loving one another, lets be honest. As you look through this list, you see Jew and Gentile, male and female, rich and poor, all one in the body of Christ. Today we divide up into different sects, recently with the death of Charlie Kirk, I heard Christians, even Pastors proclaiming his death had nothing to do with them. These people claim to be part of the body of Christ, but they neglect the body of Christ that doesn’t align with them. Maybe because Charlie was white, maybe because Charlie was a Protestant, maybe because Charlie was too political, whatever maby be the reason , brothers and sisters in Christ decided he was not worthy of being greeted

I believe in the past few weeks, The Lord has been exposing our hypocrisy in the Church. The body of Christ is not made of one race, we are the great multitude. Consider what the Word of God says “After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands” (Revelation 7:9)

What makes a Christian? Our race? Our denomination? No, we were washed by the blood of the Lamb! (John 1:29) Greet your brothers and sisters, love one another because Christ has commanded you too (John 13:34) The Churches of Christ I greet you! Amen!

Romans 15- Peace of God

Leave a reply

Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints; That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed. Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen. Romans 15:30-33

The Apostle Paul is closing his epistle to the Church of Rome, notice how he begins by addressing the Triune God, “for The Lord Jesus Christ’s sake (Son), the love of the Spirit (Holy Spirit), that you strive together with me in your prayers to God (Father) for me” Throughout the Apostle Paul’s letters, you can see him address the Triune God , our God who is addressed as Holy , Holy, Holy (Isaiah 6:3, Revelation 4:8)

We see the spiritual warfare Paul endured throughout his ministry, asking the Church to pray for him, “that I may be delivered from them that do not believe” We see the hostility of the gospel message of Christ, that ultimately led to Paul losing his life for the sake of the gospel. Understand the cost of your calling as a disciple of Christ, as our Lord Jesus taught us to “Count the cost” (Luke 14:28) of being a disciple of Christ. 

Secondly the Apostle Paul asked the Church, “that my service which I have for Jerusalem, may be accepted of the saints” Paul knows he is at the end of his race, he’s asking his brothers and sisters in Christ, to accept his service he has given for the Church, for God’s eternal Kingdom. Everything the Apostle Paul did was for Christ, instead of the Church criticizing what Paul did wrong, rejoice in his service as a faithful servant. As well as our own calling, when our day is called, did our service to Christ impact the Church? Do we finish the race set before us? (2 Timothy 4:7)

So how do we as Christians find joy in this calling? As the Apostle Paul mentioned “The God of Peace be with you all” In Christ we have peace, in Christ we have our eternal victory (1 Corinthians 15:57) In Christ we have our hope! The world can’t understand this peace of God, while the world battles within its own flesh, we have been Born Again and set free in Christ

and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7) The Peace of God , which surpasses all human understanding, a peace like a river that flows through us (Isaiah 48:18) The world can’t understand this peace, because the world doesn’t understand God unless they are Born Again.  Surrender yourself to The Lord, and you will receive the Peace of God which is beyond all human comprehension in Christ, Amen!

Romans 15- Fullness of The Blessing

Leave a reply

It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things. When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain. And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. Romans 15:27-29

As I’m writing this, its been almost a week since the murderer of Charlie Kirk. Many people who are not familiar with Kirks work would just say he was a political activist, but as I documented on my website https://youtu.be/x3cCWUt44xA , Charlie was a bold preacher of the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is the ultimate reason he lost his life.

I’m sure as Satan plotted the death of Kirk, he figured this would put an end to his movement, the movement of reaching millions of young people with the gospel of Christ, however it had the opposite effect, as it sparked a worldwide movement. Many people who haven’t been to Church in years, some decades, went back to Church. Why? Because they witnesses pure evil right before their eyes. They knew Kirk had a light in him, the Holy Spirit, and the world hated him for it.

This has been the history of the Church, the more the world tries to persecute and kill us, the more the gospel of Jesus Christ is spread and the Church grows. It’s very fitting as we look at our scripture here this morning, the Apostle Paul knows he is going to be killed for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. As Paul states “And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ”

You can imagine the Apostle Paul, when he was here on Earth, was a massive figure for Christianity. A trained Pharisee, sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, planting Churches throughout the world. Paul was bold and uncompromising, sometimes he even got in it with the other Apostles, (Galatians 2:11-14) However Paul knew his mission, “To live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21)

The Apostle Paul knew one day that he was going to lose his life for the gospel of Christ (2 Timothy 4:6-8) But Paul pressed on to fulfill his calling, because He knew he had a greater calling by Jesus. When Paul was murdered by the Roman Empire by the Emperor Nero, I’m sure this sent shockwaves through the Churches. Our beloved brother, the Apostle Paul, a man so filled with the Holy Spirit, was larger than life, was executed like an animal. The sorrow and grief that filled the Church must have been overwhelming

However we must then be reminded, Our Lord laid down his life for the Church, and was killed by the world, we as followers of Christ shouldn’t expect any difference, correct? If the world is willing to crucify the Son of God, the world will have no issues killing you! This is the calling in Christ, as Jesus said ““If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” (Matthew 16:24)

So what happened after Pauls death? The Church exploded and grew as usual, the writings and teachings of the Apostle Paul as still carried on today, as we are reading the epistle to the Romans right now! The fullness of the blessing is not found in this world, its only found in Jesus Christ, who has given us victory over death and world! 

I like to just end with the words of Jesus our Lord himself “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Romans 15- Are You A Saint?

Leave a reply

For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you; Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company. But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. Romans 15:22-26

Just recently, the new “Pope” has assigned a couple people the title of “Saint” , including a teenager because of his computer skills to spread the gospel. By these qualifications, am I a saint? While I ask this question sarcastically, the answer to the question is yes I’m a saint, and every Born Again Believer in Christ is a saint! The Pope can’t declare anyone a Saint, its only God who calls and qualifies the Saints!

The Apostle Paul , under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, references Christians as Saints, 40 times! Here in our text, we see him reference the Church of Rome as Saints. So why is he doing this? Well if you look at the original Greek and understand what a Christian really is, its very clear!

The Greek word translated for Saint is “Hagios” this word means to be “set apart, holy” This reminds me instantly of when the Apostle Peter quoted “Be Holy (Hagios) because I am Holy (Hagios) (1 Peter 1:16, Leviticus 11:44) The same Greek word is here, used for Holy and Saint. So how do you be Holy? Does that mean to be perfect or sinless? Most people believe that’s what it means, however it means to be Set Apart! Because there is only One who is perfect and holy, and that’s our Lord Jesus Christ! (1 Samuel 2:2, Mark 10:18)

Next point I want to make is, what is the Church? The Greek word usually translated as Church is Ekklesia, which means “Called Out Assembly of Believers” The Church is a group of people, called out in Christ, that are Set Apart from the world as the Body of Christ, does this sound familiar with Hagios? Yes as a Born Again believer in Christ, you are set apart by God, you are a Saint in Christ, you are Holy in Christ. If you have been washed the blood of the Lamb, you are a Saint!

Now I know it seems like I’m going on a tangent , because I am. As scripture says “My people perish from lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6) When I see that amount of false religion, and easy deceptions of the Church, just because the majority refuse to study the Word of God, they have no interest in their Lord, and so they fall away at the wolf in sheep’s clothing, or the traditions of men, when the truth has already been revealed to you!

As the Apostle Paul states here “I’m going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints” The saints, the Church, the body of Christ, I’m ministering to you, read your Bibles daily, feed on the Manna from Heaven, be led by the Holy Spirit, otherwise you will all likewise perish with the world! Be set apart, be Holy, you are a Saint in Jesus Christ by his grace in faith, Amen!

Romans 15- Glory to God

2 Replies

I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God. For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation: But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand. Romans 15:17-21

Why do we do any of the things we do? Why do we go to Church? Why do we share the gospel with others? Why do we pray for one another? Is it so we can check off the list of “Christian” things to do? Or do we do these things to give Glory to God? The Apostle Paul begins here “ I may glory through Jesus Christ” Everything we do is because Christ lives in us, not because we are righteous or because our flesh even wants to, its because we live to glorify God!

As Paul has also said “Let him who boast, boast in The Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:31) I visited a Church once where the Pastor bragged to me all the people he led to Christ, the reality is we didn’t lead anyone to Christ. People are drawn to Christ by Christ himself, and not of ourselves. If we are going to boast about anything that happened in our lives, or anything that happened in our Church, boast in The Lord. All glory needs to be given to God!

It reminds me when Mose struck the rock in the wilderness, however Moses failed to give glory to God. Moses allowed the people to give him credit for the living water in the wilderness, because of Moses disobedience, he was not allowed to enter in the Promise Land. (Numbers 20:1-12) Let this be a warning to all of us, in all things you do, give the glory to God, because without God there would be no glory. Without Christ, you would be dry bones in the valley of death, without the Holy Spirit, you would be no better than a wild donkey, its only because of God we could possibly see the Kingdom of Heaven

The Apostle Paul continues “For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me” Paul acknowledges anything that He has accomplished, is because of Christ in Him. Any Gentile that has come to faith in Christ, is because of Christ himself. We are the vessels of God, (2 Corinthians 4:7) therefor in all things we do, give glory to God not ourselves!

And remember what our mission is, as the Apostle Paul stated “I have fully preached the gospel of Christ” In all things you do for God, make sure you have fully proclaimed the gospel of Jesus Christ, the only way to salvation, the only hope for a fallen world, and all glory to God our Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, Amen!

Romans 15- The Spotless Church

Leave a reply

And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God, That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. Romans 15:14-16

If The Apostle Paul was around today, he would be writing Churches a letter, he might even be writing your Church a letter. And instead of Christians receiving these letters with great joy, as Paul was an Apostle filled with the Holy Spirit. Christians today would mostly dismiss Paul as a “legalist” and “judgemental” , however the Apostle Paul wrote these letters, not to condemn his brothers and sisters, but to remind and enlighten them with the wisdom of God

Paul begins with a positive note, “my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able or competent to instruct or admonish one another” Imagine the hours and years Paul had to pour into this Church to get them to this point! This is what Jesus instructs us to do “Go Make Disciples” (Matthew 28:19) Yet most Churches today, most Christians don’t want to be discipled or make disciples. This has been the downfall of the modern Church, the lack of love and discipline to The Lord. Paul has labored with many Churches, making many disciples, and He’s ready to let the Church of Rome on their own, as Paul is coming to the end of his life in prison.

But next , since Paul loves these brothers and sisters in Christ, he must tell them the truth, he must rebuke them. As scripture says “For The Lord disciplines those he loves” (Hebrews 12:6) Yet most Christians today don’t want to be disciplined, they don’t want to be discipled, they don’t want to submit to any authority, because most of the Church today is Luke Warm,  it’s carnally centered false religion. The Apostle Paul states “Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God”

Paul admits he had to be hard on the Church sometimes, just as a parent sometimes has to show tough love to their children, not because Paul wanted to condemn the Church, but because he loves the Church and wants them to grow in sanctification. However the flesh for most overcomes the spirit. Many have rejected Pauls instructions, just as many Christians still do today. The Apostle Paul was preparing the Church to be a spotless bride before The Lord (Ephesians 5:27)

The Apostle Paul continues “that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.” Let me ask you , are you Born Again? (John 3:3) And if so, are you being sanctified by the Holy Spirit? Looking back in the past years, have you really grown in The Lord? Or have you become a dead branch? Have you produced fruit of the Holy Spirit? Or are you a dead tree waiting to be cut down and thrown into the fire? (Matthew 7) Answer the calling of our Father,  Submit to The Lord, submit to the Church, be sanctified by the Holy Spirit, Amen

Romans 15- What Is Your Hope?

Leave a reply

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Romans 15:13

My question or challenge you for this morning, is what gives you hope? Many people try to find hope within different places, many people try to find hope in their occupation or in politics, or in their bank accounts. However none of these things will give you hope, because they are here today and gone tomorrow. Many people don’t want to confront the truth about this world, that its corrupted and fading away on a daily basis. 

Our only true hope is Jesus Christ, as the Apostle Paul states “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing” Why is Jesus our only hope? Is it just because I’m a Christian? What is your greatest enemy? Everyday you get closer to the grave, everyday our world is falling further away from Paradise, every day disease and sin overtake our bodies, who can cure such things?

This is why Jesus Christ is your only hope, this is why Jesus Christ is the God of hope, when Christ went to the cross, He defeated sin and death forever. When Christ rose from the dead on the 3rd day, the grave and the devil are left powerless. Oh death where is your sting? Oh grave where is your victory? (1 Corinthians 15:54-57) All enemies have been put under the feet of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:25) Christ has overcome the world (John 16:33)

Because of what Christ accomplished , “you may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit” We are victorious through Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57) So what must we do? As the Apostle Peter said “You must repent, be baptized, and receive the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:37) We are saved by grace through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8) This is your Victory, this is your living hope in our Lord Jesus Christ! As Christ said on the cross “It Is Finished” (John 19:30)

So I’ll ask you, do you have hope today? Have you given your life to Jesus Christ our Lord? Don’t look to the temporary things of this world that are fading away, look to the eternal Son of God who has overcome sin, death, the devil, and this world, our living Hope Jesus Christ, Amen!

Romans 15- Bear Each Others Burdens

Leave a reply

We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:1-6

One of the many purposes of the Church, is to “Bear each others burdens” (Galatians 6:2) The Church is a community of believers, the family of God, that is there to help and support one another during this long road as a Christian. This is why being part of a local Church, is essential to your walk with Christ. Most who forsake the assembly of believers (Hebrews 10:25) typically fall away from the faith. Why? Because you were never meant to go this path alone, this is why Christ built His Church, and the gates of Hell will never prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18)

The Apostle Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, says “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, not to please ourselves” Now we can look at this a couple different ways, we can look at it spiritually and physically. Those who are weak in the faith, you can be an anchor for them. Maybe someone at Church is going through a personal crisis, help guide them through with the Word of God, the prayers of the Church, and the Holy Spirit. One day we will need emotional support also, this is a function of the Church, to bear each others burdens, to be there for one another. Also the Church should watch out for the physically ill, the shut ins, maybe somebody hasn’t been to Church in awhile, visit them and make sure they are alright. A simple phone call can change someons day. You are brothers and sisters in Christ as the Church, we need to act like it!

“Let us please his neighbors for his good, to his edification, for even Christ pleased not himself” We need to have a servant mentality like our Lord Jesus, who washed the feet of his own disciples.(John 13)We shouldn’t have the attitude, that we are too important or the problem is too little, to help these people. If they are part of your Church, they are your brother and sister in Christ, serve your Church just as Christ served the Church! 

“So that through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” The Word of God is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12) Share the scriptures to comfort your brothers and sisters, and also come to Church to hear the Word of God preached. The Sunday Sermon is manna for your soul, feed your soul with the Word of God, be edified by your brothers and sisters in Christ, pray for one another (James 5:16) Because the Church is the body of Christ, we serve because He served us, we love because He loved us first, we forgive because Christ has forgiven us , Amen!

Romans 14- Edify The Church

Leave a reply

Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. Romans 14:19-23

Satan wants to divide and destroy the Church, the Apostle Peter described him as “a roaring lion looking to devour” (1 Peter 5:8) Be careful of divisions started over non-essential issues, don’t allow them to destroy the local Church. With that being said, we must also be careful not to cause divisions ourselves. Satan is looking for any reason to destroy your Church, destroy your family and destroy you! 

The Apostle Paul instructs us here, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, “let us therefor follow pursue after these things which make for peace, and things which one may edify one another” The Church should be edifying one another, are you edifying to your Church or causing division? The word edification in the Bible, greek word “oikodomes” means to build up one another.  The Apostle Paul said to the Church of Thessalonia “Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

I’m going to give an example again at my local Church, there is a family that chooses not to celebrate Christmas, another family brought it to my attention that we should try to correct them. Based on Romans 14, I told them back then everyone has the freedom in Christ whether to celebrate Christmas or not. If they don’t want to celebrate Christmas that’s OK, and if they do want to celebrate Christmas, that’s OK also, everyone will be lead by their own conscience. When I said this, the other family was like, yeah that makes sense. And so we moved on without making an issue or division about it. We could have easily blown this up into a bigger issue, and probably caused division within the Church, however its not necessary. Let us edify one another as the body of Christ and not try to destroy one another

The root of the problem, Paul addresses with a question “Do you have faith?” (v22) Is your salvation so weak that eating pork or celebrating Christmas will send you to Hell? Or is our salvation in the works of Christ on the cross? When Jesus said “It Is Finished” (John 19:30) Do you not believe him? Many of these issues are due to weakness in faith, we must truly put our salvation in Christ alone and nothing else!

As the Apostle Paul ends with a strong rebuke, “for whatever is not from faith is a sin” If we are not living by faith in Christ, then we are trying to live by works, which will not save us! Edify your brothers and sisters in The Lord because Christ Is Risen! The debt has been paid, repent and become Born Again by faith in Christ, Amen!