Reflecting the Image (by Carla Sunberg)

On the wall at the new residence for  missionaries in training in Clearwater, Florida.  Scripture Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Observation Paul has been quoting the Scriptures to affirm God's plan for both Jews and Gentiles. He makes it clear that the gospel is for all people. Then, almost unexpectedly, he breaks into a benediction. Perhaps he is extending this blessing over the diverse community of believers in Rome, praying that they would find their unity in Christ. This blessing centers on a new kind of hope, one that stands in sharp contrast to the hopes offered by the Roman Empire. Rome even had a goddess of Hope, but Paul points instead to the  God of hope , who fills His people with joy and peace.  Joy and peace are fruit of the Spirit, evidence of His transforming work in the lives of those who believe. Although Paul uses different language than ...

My parents' Bibles from when they served as missionaries in Germany.  Scripture Romans 15:4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Observation Paul reminds the Roman Christians that they are not to be concerned with pleasing themselves but with serving others. Right in the middle of that discussion, he pauses to emphasize the importance of the Scriptures. Everything that had been written before was given by God for the instruction of His people. The Scriptures are not merely a record of God's dealings with humanity. They are the foundation upon which the Christian life is built. Through them we learn steadfastness, receive encouragement, and discover hope. God's Word has always been His means of forming His people. Application A little over a week ago, I was asked to preach a sermon on Scripture based on Article IV of the Articles of Faith of the Church ...

A peaceful garden!  Scripture Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Observation Paul continues to be concerned that the Christians in Rome are judging one another. In fact, they seem to have become legalistic. They are arguing about food and drink in ways that reveal a very self-centered faith. Some insist they should be free to eat and drink whatever they choose. Others argue that faithful followers of Christ must abstain from certain foods or drinks. In the midst of these debates, Paul offers a remarkable reminder. The kingdom of God is not about rules concerning food and drink. Instead, it is about "righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." Suddenly, the conversation moves in an entirely different direction. Application How often do we reduce the kingdom of God to visible actions while overlooking the deeper realities of righteousness, peace, and joy? When we become consumed with arguing...

                                                                    Who Are You Living For? My granddaughter is learning from her grandpa. She left this at a hotel recently.  Scripture: Romans 14:7–9 We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ died and lived again, so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. Observation Paul is writing to the church in Rome, where believers find themselves surrounded by a very secular world. As new believers come into the congregation, they bring with them a variety of experiences and backgrounds. It's easy to judge one another for the ways they practice their faith. Some choose to abstain from certa...

For a discussion on what it means to "Put on Christ"  check out "the Christian Life."                                     Scripture: Romans 13:11–14 Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. (NRSV) Observation Paul was most likely speaking to those who were spiritually asleep. There comes a moment when one must wake up — and get up! The New Testament church lived with constant expectation of Jesus’ return. Each day that passes...

It's pretty easy to love these grands! Scripture: Rom. 13:8   Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not covet”; and any other commandment, are summed up in this word, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law. Observation Verse 8 may connect back to the previous section on paying taxes—reminding us not to leave any tax debts unpaid. But it may also reflect the wisdom that first-century Christians were better off without financial obligations weighing them down. By living debt-free, they were free to follow Christ fully. There is great freedom in loving others. Because Christ has lavished His love upon us, we owe love and grace to one another. In doing so, we fulfill the law of the Old Testament. The commandments listed here guide our...