This week we will continue the message series called “What is the Gospel.” As a church, our ability not only to answer that question but know what it means, and how that effects our lives is central. Today we are turn to the second half of Romans 5 and hear about the state of people, and how that shapes the arch of the gospel story.
Paul in Romans 14 tells the Christians in Rome that they need to be a community of peace, not arguing and judging, but instead do whatever we can to make peace for the benefit of our neighbor.
In more than one place in the gospel of John, Jesus used this word abide. Abide in me, as Jesus abides in the Father. Stay connected, apart from God we cannot bear fruit. In John and other places in scripture we get a picture that connection to God happens intentionally, through habits and practices.
In a world where independence and self-sufficiency are held as positive and important values, how do we contrast the call from scripture to meet together, encourage each other, and be shaped by the people around you?