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The Beginning of Marriage | Bob Wriedt | Genesis 2:18-25
Why was it 'not good' for Adam to be alone? In a world that was still untouched by sin, Genesis 2:18 introduces something surprising—Adam’s aloneness needed a solution. This Sunday, we’ll look at how God addressed this, first by showing Adam the limits of work, wealth, and creation, and ultimately by creating woman. While this passage beautifully points to marriage, it also reveals something even greater—the joy of our union with Christ. Join us as we explore God's design for marriage as a reflection of His love and purpose.
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Genesis 2:18-25
18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for[a] him.” 19 Now out of the ground the Lord God had formed[b] every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. 20 The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field. But for Adam[c] there was not found a helper fit for him. 21 So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. 22 And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made[d] into a woman and brought her to the man. 23 Then the man said,
“This at last is bone of my bones
and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called Woman,
because she was taken out of Man.”[e]
24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. 25 And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.
Made for a Garden | Bob Wriedt | Genesis 2:4-17
What were you put on earth to do? It’s a question we all ask at some point, whether we’re choosing a career, building a life, or reflecting on the past. This Sunday, we’re looking at Genesis 2:4-17, where Adam hears directly from God about his purpose. Through this passage, we’ll see what it reveals about our own calling and what we were made to do.
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Genesis 2:14-17
4 These are the generations
of the heavens and the earth when they were created,
in the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens.
5 When no bush of the field was yet in the land and no small plant of the field had yet sprung up—for the Lord God had not caused it to rain on the land, and there was no man to work the ground, 6 and a mist was going up from the land and was watering the whole face of the ground— 7 then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature. 8 And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed. 9 And out of the ground the Lord God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
10 A river flowed out of Eden to water the garden, and there it divided and became four rivers. 11 The name of the first is the Pishon. It is the one that flowed around the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold. 12 And the gold of that land is good; bdellium and onyx stone are there. 13 The name of the second river is the Gihon. It is the one that flowed around the whole land of Cush. 14 And the name of the third river is the Tigris, which flows east of Assyria. And the fourth river is the Euphrates.
15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”
The Rest of God | Jason Ricafranca | Genesis 2:1-3
What does it truly mean to rest in God? In Genesis 2, we see that after six days of creation, God rested—not because He was tired, but because His work was complete and good. His rest is a gift for us.
Just like a child enjoys vacation without worrying about the details, God invites us into His rest, trusting that He has already taken care of everything we need.
Join us this Sunday as we unpack Genesis 2:1-3 and explore what it means to truly rest in Him.
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Genesis 2:1-3
2 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. 2 And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. 3 So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.
Made in the Image of God | Bob Wriedt | Genesis 1:24-31
What gives every person inherent worth? The Bible teaches that all people are made in the image of God, setting humanity apart from the rest of creation.
This Sunday, we’re looking at the final section of Genesis 1, where God creates humanity in His image. How does this truth shape the way we live and treat those around us?
Join us as we explore this foundational truth together.
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Genesis 1:24-31
24 And God said, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds—livestock and creeping things and beasts of the earth according to their kinds.” And it was so. 25 And God made the beasts of the earth according to their kinds and the livestock according to their kinds, and everything that creeps on the ground according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.
26 Then God said, “Let us make man[a] in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
27 So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.
28 And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” 29 And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. 30 And to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the heavens and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. 31 And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.
A Good Day's Work | Bob Wriedt | Genesis 1:6-23
What does creation tell us about God? The beauty, complexity, and balance of the world point to an incredible Creator.
This Sunday, we’re continuing in Genesis 1, exploring the middle days of creation and why the Bible’s description is both good and true. How does this ancient account speak to our modern world?
Join us as we reflect on God’s handiwork together.
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Genesis 1:6-23
6 And God said, “Let there be an expanse[a] in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.” 7 And God made[b] the expanse and separated the waters that were under the expanse from the waters that were above the expanse. And it was so. 8 And God called the expanse Heaven.[c] And there was evening and there was morning, the second day.
9 And God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.” And it was so. 10 God called the dry land Earth,[d] and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good.
11 And God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants[e] yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth.” And it was so. 12 The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 13 And there was evening and there was morning, the third day.
14 And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons,[f] and for days and years, 15 and let them be lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth.” And it was so. 16 And God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. 17 And God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth, 18 to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19 And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.
20 And God said, “Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds[g] fly above the earth across the expanse of the heavens.” 21 So God created the great sea creatures and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarm, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. 22 And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” 23 And there was evening and there was morning, the fifth day.
In the Beginning | Bob Wriedt | Genesis 1:1-5
How did we get here? This Sunday, we’re starting a year-long journey through the book of Genesis, exploring the origins of the universe, humanity, and God’s relationship with His people. We’ll begin with Genesis 1:1-5, reflecting on the creation of the universe and the greatness of God. Let this passage inspire awe, worship, and wonder in your heart. Join us as we go back to the beginning.
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Genesis 1:1-5
1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.
Putting Life In Perspective | Dr. Uche Anizor | Revelation 1:4-20
How does Christ view the start of a new year? This Sunday, guest preacher Dr. Uche Anizor will take us through Revelation 1:4-20, offering insight into Christ’s perspective on beginning anew. If you’ve been feeling unmotivated in your spiritual life, this message is for you. Join us for an encouraging start to the year.
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Revelation 1:4-20
4 John to the seven churches that are in Asia:
Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth.
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood 6 and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 7 Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail[a] on account of him. Even so. Amen.
8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
9 I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet 11 saying, “Write what you see in a book and send it to the seven churches, to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.”
12 Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, 15 his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.
17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, 18 and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. 19 Write therefore the things that you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this. 20 As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.
Why We Gather | Jason Ricafranca | Hebrews 10:19-25
Why do we gather as a church community? This Sunday, we’re concluding our short series by exploring the work of Christ as our great high priest and how it shapes the purpose of our gatherings as believers.
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Hebrews 10:19-25
19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near
Why We Sing | Chris Howard | Colossians 3:16
Have you ever thought about why we sing in church so often?
This week at Grace, Pastor Chris will help us think through what happens when God's people lift their voices together. We will unpack how singing shapes our faith, how it impacts those around us, and why God calls us to express our worship through song.
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Colossians 3:16
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
The End of Romans | Bob Wriedt | Romans 16:21-27
This week at Grace, we are finishing Romans!
The final verses of Romans are a doxology, a powerful expression of worship to God for all He has done. This doxology ties together many of the major themes of the book, giving us a chance to reflect on what we’ve learned and how it shapes our faith.
Join us as we look back on this incredible journey through Romans and consider how to take what we’ve learned into our daily walk with God. Let’s celebrate, reflect, and plan together for what’s next in our relationship with Him.
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Romans 16:21-27
21 Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you; so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen.
22 I Tertius, who wrote this letter, greet you in the Lord.
23 Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you.
25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.
The People of Romans: More than Just Names | Bob Wriedt | Romans 16:1-16
When you read the list of names in Romans 16:1-16—Phoebe, Prisca and Aquila, Andronicus and Junia, Epaenetus, Ampliatus, Rufus—what do you take away from it? If your answer is "Not much," you’re not alone. But there is so much more here than meets the eye.
These names represent real people whose lives teach us about the heart of early Christianity and what it means to live faithfully today. This passage is not just a list. It is a treasure trove of examples and mentors in the faith.
Join us this week at Grace as we uncover the stories behind these names and discover how their lives can inspire us to live with purpose, faithfulness, and a heart for the gospel. These early Christians remind us that every believer, no matter their role, has a significant part to play in God’s story.
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Romans 16:1-16
1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae,2 that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well.
3 Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. 5 Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia. 6 Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me.8 Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow 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 kinsman Herodion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus. 12 Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother, who has been a mother to me as well. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them. 15 Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.
Partners in the Gospel | Bob Wriedt | Romans 15:22-33
If someone called you "needy," how would you feel? In our culture, “needy” is often used as an insult. But the truth is, we all have needs—physical, relational, and spiritual. Even the Apostle Paul, with all his boldness and faith, openly acknowledged his needs in Romans 15:22-33.
As Paul outlines his plans for the future, we see his deep commitment to the mission of Jesus, even in the face of personal risk. But we also see his reliance on others. Paul needed the Romans, just as we need one another.
This week at Grace, we will explore what Paul’s example teaches us about acknowledging our needs, supporting one another, and meeting the needs of others without feeling overwhelmed. Join us as we unpack this powerful passage and reflect on how our needs and the needs of others shape our lives in Christ.
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Romans 15:22-33
22 This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you. 23 But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you, 24 I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25 At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. 27 For they were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings. 28 When therefore I have completed this and have delivered to them what has been collected,[a] I will leave for Spain by way of you. 29 I know that when I come to you I will come in the fullness of the blessing[b] of Christ.
30 I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, 31 that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 so that by God's will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company. 33 May the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Proud of My Work for God | Jason Ricafranca | Romans 15:14-21
Is there someone in your life where you’ve posed the thought, “I can’t imagine where I’d be if it weren’t for you”? I sometimes think of impactful teachers, pastors, friends, and especially my wife when I think about how I would answer this question.
There’s something special about having someone so impactful in our lives that we can’t even begin to imagine what our life may look like today without their involvement.
This Sunday we’re continuing our slow wind-down of the final couple chapters in the book of Romans. In Romans 15, the Apostle Paul shares about the specific calling he has received in life that was tied to the grace that was shown him by Jesus. Because of the grace of God that brought Paul to faith in Christ, Paul found his calling to minister, evangelize, and share the good news to people from all over the world!
I can’t imagine what my life would have looked like if God hadn’t used loved ones and friends to not only share the gospel, but disciple me in my faith growing up as a young man (and even today)! My hope and prayer is that this Sunday, as we dive into Romans 15, that we are reminded of the salvation we have received from Christ and feel compelled to share this good news to others around us!
Looking forward to hearing about your Thanksgiving holiday and opening up the word with you all this weekend!
Blessings!
- Pastor Jason
Romans 15:14-21
14 I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers,[a] that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able to instruct one another. 15 But on some points I have written to you very boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 17 In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God. 18 For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me to bring the Gentiles to obedience—by word and deed, 19 by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God—so that from Jerusalem and all the way around to Illyricum I have fulfilled the ministry of the gospel of Christ; 20 and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else's foundation, 21 but as it is written,
“Those who have never been told of him will see,
and those who have never heard will understand.”
Thankful for the Gospel | Bob Wriedt | Romans 15:7-13
"What are you thankful for?"
You might get asked this question a few times in the next week or so. I imagine for many of us, the answers will be similar to last year - our family, friends, health, and (if we're feeling spiritual) God's love for us.
These are great answers! But they aren't the only ones. This week at Grace, we're going to spend some time reflecting on the dozens of reasons we have to be grateful to God.
To facilitate that, we've changed the order and elements of our worship service, so that you have ample time and prompts to help you fill up a long list of reasons to be thankful to God.
As part of this special Thanksgiving service, we'll continue in Romans 15:7-13 and reflect on some reasons to be thankful for the gospel.
I'm eager for you to experience this week's service and for you to overflow with gratitude to God.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
Romans 15:7-13
7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
8 For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9 and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,
“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles,
and sing to your name.”
10 And again it is said,
“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.”
11 And again,
“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles,
and let all the peoples extol him.”
12 And again Isaiah says,
“The root of Jesse will come,
even he who arises to rule the Gentiles;
in him will the Gentiles hope.”
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
A strong Christian life | Bob Wriedt | Romans 15:1-6
What does it mean to be a strong Christian?
"Strong" is one of Paul's favorite metaphors to talk about the Christian life. Romans begins (1:11) and ends (16:25) with the stated goal of the book - to strengthen us. He prays for strength for others (Col 1:11), exhorts people to 'be strong' (Eph 6:10), and describes himself as strong in Christ (Phil 4:13).
You've probably heard the metaphor of a "strong Christian" so often that you stopped noticing that it is a metaphor. But we all know that physical strength has nothing to do with what Paul is describing. So, what does it mean to be a strong Christian?
This week at Grace, we're in Romans 15:1-6, where Paul describes his expectations of the strong and their means for achieving them. In short, he tells us what spiritual strength is, what it's for, and how to cultivate it.
Let's take advantage of this opportunity to strengthened together this Sunday.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
Romans 15:1-6
1 We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus,6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Living Together in Christian Freedom | Bob Wriedt | Romans 14:13-23
This week at Grace, we're in the second half of Romans 14 and continuing the discussion of Christian freedom.
And honestly, it's in the second half of the chapter where things get challenging. Because this is the part of the passage where it's not enough to just "let it go" when we disagree. When the application is, "Don't quarrel about secondary matters of faith," most of us nod our heads agreeably. Who wants to fight over things that are of dubious importance?
But the second half of Romans 14 is tougher to nod along with amicably. Now Paul challenges us to sacrifice our preferences for the sake of one another, and let the weaker brother have their way as a gift of love. In the words of my kids (seemingly a dozen times a day), "Why does HE get to be first? Why can't I be first?" Or, "Why should SHE get HER way? Why can't we do it MY way?"
Good questions. And not ones that go away when we get older. So let's talk about them.
See you Sunday!
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
Romans 14:13-23
13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. 14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. 15 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. 16 So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.
20 Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. 21 It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.[a] 22 The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. 23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.
But they're wrong! | Bob Wriedt | Romans 14:1-12
This week at Grace, we're in Romans 14:1-12, where Paul describes the importance of Christian freedom in disputed matters.
For the Romans, the presenting issue was how the Old Testament food laws applied to Christians. For us today, issues of Christian freedom abound: politics, entertainment, alcohol... We could go on and on.
How do we live together in Christian community with people who disagree with us?
This week's Scripture is invaluable in showing us a path forward. I'm very grateful for our former senior pastor, Don Shoemaker, and all that he taught me about Christian freedom, and I'm looking forward to opening the discussion with you all this Sunday.
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
PS. This Sunday is the end of Daylight Saving Time for the year. Enjoy the extra hour of sleep!
Romans 14:1-12
1 As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. 2 One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. 3 Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. 4 Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master[a] that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.
5 One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.6 The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. 7 For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. 8 For 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. 9 For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.
10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God;11 for it is written,
“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,
and every tongue shall confess[b] to God.”
12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.
Love and Perspective | Jason Ricafranca | Romans 13:8-14
In the movie adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ book, The Count of Monte Cristo, there’s this
scene where the main character, Edmond Dantes, has to fight to the death against another man
named Jacopo. Both of these men are prisoners and only one is supposed to survive.
During the epic battle, Dantes bests Jacopo, but instead of taking his life he shows mercy and
persuades the captain to spare both of them. The captain agrees and Jacopo, upon realizing
that he has been set free, offers his life to serve Edmond. In a beautiful exchange, Jacopo
whispers to Dantes, “I swear on my dead relatives – and even the ones who are not feeling to
good – I am your man forever!”
I love this line! Throughout the course of the movie, you see just how loyal and loving of a
friend Jacopo is to Edmond as he offers advice, adopts a role as caretaker, and even protects
Edmond’s family from danger!
Jacopo (a really fun name to pronounce) realized what he had been freed from, and even
though he was free to do whatever he wanted – he committed his life to serving Edmond…
This Sunday we will be looking at Romans 13:8-14 and we’ll be making the connection that you
and I are in a similar situation – we have been freed from the penalty of sin and death, and
Paul’s imperative from Romans is powerful… “Owe no one anything, except to love each other,
for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law” – How do we go about doing this? Join us
this Sunday to dive deeper into this passage!
See you soon!
- Pastor Jason
Romans 13:8-14
8 Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 For 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: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
11 Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. 12 The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy.14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
Understanding Authority | Bob Wriedt | Romans 13:1-7
For as long as I've been a Christian, I've been encouraged to love my enemies. Passages like Jesus' instruction to turn the other cheek or Jesus' forgiveness of his crucifiers are rightly tied to the very fabric of Christian ethics.
Being so familiar with the call to love our enemies might blind us to the obvious question: Why? Why would anyone love their enemies? Is it just a provocative and difficult thing to do? Or is there more to it than that?
This week at Grace, we'll be in Romans 12:14-21, looking at Paul's exhortation to bless and not curse those who persecute them. This paragraph represents the other side of the coin from the paragraph that came before. Last week, Chris taught on loving one another in the church. Now, Paul shifts to loving those who are against us. Yet the ethic of love remains the same.
Is there something in the big picture of the gospel in Romans that answers the question of why we should love our enemies?
Let's talk about it together this Sunday!
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
Romans 13:1-7
1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities 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. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval,4 for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.
Who would love their enemies? | Bob Wriedt | Romans 12:14-21
For as long as I've been a Christian, I've been encouraged to love my enemies. Passages like Jesus' instruction to turn the other cheek or Jesus' forgiveness of his crucifiers are rightly tied to the very fabric of Christian ethics.
Being so familiar with the call to love our enemies might blind us to the obvious question: Why? Why would anyone love their enemies? Is it just a provocative and difficult thing to do? Or is there more to it than that?
This week at Grace, we'll be in Romans 12:14-21, looking at Paul's exhortation to bless and not curse those who persecute them. This paragraph represents the other side of the coin from the paragraph that came before. Last week, Chris taught on loving one another in the church. Now, Paul shifts to loving those who are against us. Yet the ethic of love remains the same.
Is there something in the big picture of the gospel in Romans that answers the question of why we should love our enemies?
Let's talk about it together this Sunday!
In Christ,
Pastor Bob
Romans 12:14-21
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. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.