Reflecting the Image (by Carla Sunberg)

You have to avoid the big rocks! Scripture: Rom. 16:17   I urge you, brothers and sisters, to keep an eye on those who cause dissensions and offenses, in opposition to the teaching that you have learned; avoid them.  Observation As Paul brings his letter to the Romans to a close, he offers one final series of instructions. Having greeted friends and co-workers in the faith, he now turns to something that is clearly weighing on his pastoral heart. He is deeply concerned about division within the community of believers. There were those who were causing dissensions and creating obstacles by teaching in opposition to the truth the church had received. Paul, who had been trained by one of the finest rabbis of his day, understood the importance of sound doctrine. He knew that there would always be voices claiming to offer something new or different. His instruction is both simple and direct: do not give your time or attention to teaching that leads you away from the truth you ...

Dad, visiting with friends!  Scripture Rom. 16:3   Greet Prisca and Aquila, who work with me in Christ Jesus,  4  and who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.  5  Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert   in Asia for Christ.  6  Greet Mary, who has worked very hard among you.  7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my relatives who were in prison with me; they are prominent among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.  8  Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord.  9  Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys.  10  Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus.  11 Greet my relative Herodion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus.  12  Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphae...

Lake Stockton -- a favorite place for prayer retreats.  Scripture Romans 15:30 I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in earnest prayer to God on my behalf. Observation In humility, Paul asks the believers in Rome to intercede for him. He has shared his concerns, his burdens, and his travel plans. Fully aware that he cannot accomplish this mission in his own strength, he asks them to join him in earnest prayer. That phrase— earnest prayer —captures my attention. It suggests something far deeper than simply saying, "I'll pray for you." Paul knows the journey ahead will be difficult. He needs believers who will genuinely carry him before the Lord. History tells us that he was right. The road to Rome was dangerous. He would eventually arrive there—not as a free man, but as a prisoner. Yet before the journey ever began, Paul recognized that it had to be covered in prayer. Application There is so much about pra...

My granddaughter's new high score at Bass Pro Shop's shooting range! This is her ambition :).  Scripture Romans 15:20–21 Thus I make it my ambition to proclaim the good news, not where Christ has already been named, so that I do not build on someone else's foundation, but as it is written: "Those who have never been told of him shall see, and those who have never heard shall understand." Observation As Paul begins to conclude his letter to the church in Rome, he pauses to speak about his ambition. Throughout his life, we catch glimpses of Paul's remarkable drive. He was present when Stephen was stoned. He sought official permission to persecute Christians in Damascus. His ambition was unmistakable. Then Jesus met him on the road to Damascus. Paul did not lose his ambition. Instead, it was completely redirected. For the rest of his life, his ambition became proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. Rather than building on someone else's work, he longed to ...

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 ...