The Weekly Epistle 8/25/21

As the old camp song put it, “They will know we are Christians by our love.”  Who will know?  The world!  How will they know we are Christians?  By our love!  How are we doing?  That camp song was taken directly from John 13:35.  
 
I am concerned that what the world is seeing is a lot of anger from those who profess the name of Jesus.  I am equally concerned that the issues of the day are dividing believers, rather than uniting us.  
 
During the beginning of the pandemic, I came across an article that was entitled, “Church, don’t let the Coronavirus divide you.”  At first pass, that sounds rather ridiculous.  But the enemy of the church is using it.  And quite frankly, we are giving the evil one plenty to work with.  
 
Back when I was doing “Wednesdays in the Word” I shared some thoughts around Romans 14.  It would be helpful if we revisited Romans 14.  I would encourage you to read the entire chapter in one sitting for yourself and read it slowly.  Here the principles I pulled out that I want to reiterate.
 
1.  All of us ultimately are judged by God (verse 1).
2.  Don’t take the place of the Lord in someone else’s life (verses 4-5).
3.  We are to live for the Lord (verses 6-7).
4.  When you judge you are usurping God’s role as judge (verse 10)
5.  We all must give an account to God (verse 12).
6.  Because of love, I must choose the course of action that best builds up the church (13-19). 
7.  Everything that does not come from faith is sin (23).
 
Paul’s words in Romans 14 are addressing matters of ethics on which Christians differ.  On disputable matters of application, we are to be convinced ourselves but allow others to decide as unto the Lord what is right for them.  As it relates to certain issues, one person may have more freedom to exercise his or her faith than the other.  It isn’t fair to assume that you are walking by faith, and others that believe differently than you are walking in fear.  Or that you are walking in love and others who feel differently than you are unconcerned for the well-being of others.  
 
Church, hold to your convictions.  But hold to those convictions in love.  Don’t judge!  Don’t look down upon others.  As Romans 14:17 says, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.”  And verse 19, “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”  
 
Let’s make every effort, church, as we gather as brothers and sisters in Christ to contribute to a safe haven that we all need from the storms around us.  Let’s do our part to provide that safe place where we can break from the chaos in the world.  Church, in this time, we need each other more than ever.  
 
Blessings, Pastor Brian