Reflecting the Image (by Carla Sunberg)

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...

Bust of Julius Caesar in Le Gallerie degli Uffizi Scripture: Romans 13:1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists authority resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you wish to have no fear of the authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive its approval; 4 for it is God’s servant for your good. But if you do what is wrong, you should be afraid, for the authority does not bear the sword in vain! It is the servant of God to execute wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be subject, not only because of wrath but also because of conscience. 6 For the same reason you also pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, busy with this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is due them—taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is d...

Scripture: Rom. 12:9   Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; 10 love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord.  12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. Rom. 12:14   Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 18 If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 No, “if your...