Romans thirteen is inevitably the first passage that Christian peacemakers need to contend with. Often it's used as grounds to prove that Christians can set aside the teachings of Jesus in service of their country. But I believe Christians, having been heavily influenced by Augustine and his subsequent theologians, have made catastrophic errors in interpreting Paul's writings by disconnecting them from their context.
Peacemakers in the World of Vaxxed vs. Unvaxxed
We're living in a world of increasing hostility and division. People feel threatened by those who choose not to get vaccinated because they see their choice as being reckless and cavalier with other people's lives. And they're frustrated because they feel that the unvaccinated are prolonging the pain of the pandemic. Others see the coercive force being implemented to pressure people into getting vaccinated as threatening the foundations of our civil freedoms. And they feel threatened by the potential dangers of the vaccine given questions about its long-term health impacts. As Christians we find that it is through the chaos of all these questions and doubts that we are called to become peacemakers!
Civil Unrest and Peace
Romans 13:4 (CSB) — For [government] is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, because it does not carry the sword for no reason. For it is God’s servant, an avenger that brings wrath on the one who does wrong. Look at how much chaos is being inflicted on society because …
Come! Enter His Presence!
Romans 5:2 (CSB) We have also obtained access through him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. I want to keep this short and speak to the person who is longing to enter the presence of God, but who feels dry and …
The Fear of the Lord – God Will Repay
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNDXZai-_kg&feature=youtu.be The holy fear of the Lord is the means by which we bring the holiness of Christ to completion in our lives and walk in reverence with the knowledge that God will repay each person according to their works. Romans 1:18–19 (CSB) — 18 For God’s wrath is revealed from heaven against all godlessness …
Our Supernatural Rebirth: Titus 3:4-5
Titus 3:4–5 (CSB) — 4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared, 5 he saved us—not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy—through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. Salvation is a supernatural experience that cannot be accomplished …
Vision for Christian Life: Romans 12:1-21; 14:1-23
INTRODUCTION: Vision for Christian Life Opening Prayer: Ephesians 3:16–19 (CSB) — 16 I pray that he may grant [us], according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with power in [our] inner being through his Spirit, 17 and that Christ may dwell in [our] hearts through faith. I pray that [we], being rooted …
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