Reflecting the Image (by Carla Sunberg)

Just a little before this journey began, in Rome with the family.  More than twenty years ago,  Reflecting the Image  began as a simple discipline of opening God's Word each day, listening carefully, and sharing what I was learning. Along the way, those quiet mornings became more than 2,000 reflections. This past year, however, life became unusually full. Responsibilities, challenges, and unexpected circumstances interrupted that daily rhythm, and for the first time in many years, the blog fell silent. Then someone said something that I couldn't quite shake. "I miss reading your posts." Those simple words felt like a gentle reminder from the Lord that it was time to return. Over the past several weeks, we have finished our journey through Paul's letter to the Romans. It has been a fitting way to begin again. Romans reminded me to live for Christ, to lean into hope, to abide in the Holy Spirit, and ultimately to give glory to the only wise God. Now it is time for a...

The Romans believed that the Emperor was a god.  Scripture Rom. 16:25   Now to God who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages  26  but is now disclosed, and through the prophetic writings is made known to all the Gentiles, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith—  27  to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen. Observation Paul concludes his letter to the Romans with a magnificent benediction. It is filled with hope and encouragement. God is able to strengthen His people through the proclamation of Jesus Christ and the revelation of His truth. The result is a life of faithful obedience. Paul's final words lift our eyes above every earthly distraction to the One who alone deserves our worship. He is the  only wise God . Application I remember look...

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 ...