Romans 13:8-10 We are called, as Christ-followers, to dig a little deeper and see the spiritual nature of the commandments and not just to seek conformity to a bare minimum standard that would help us avoid punishment. We are to love God and to seek the intent of God's law in loving others as we love ourselves.

Matthew 3:13-17 Christians are baptized in water to identify with Jesus. At his baptism, we see a part of Jesus' glory revealed AND his identification with us. Baptisms are an occasion for us to celebrate God's work in adding to His people.

Romans 13:1-7 A Christian's default posture toward governing authorities should be one of appropriate submission to God-ordained institutions. However, there are cases when civil disobedience is sanctioned by scripture. Christians are not to obey laws that require them to sin. We ought to obey God rather than man.

Romans 13:1-7 Slides Our King has set up governing authorities for His people to follow as honorable citizens of this country and of a greater country.

Acts 8: 26-40 Slides Those who have had an encounter with Jesus Christ (like the Ethiopian eunuch) have great joy because of the freedom that comes with knowing Him.

Romans 12:16-21 Slides We are challenged to display Christlike Humility and Trustful Peacemaking as members of a Christ-centered church culture.

Romans 12:9-21 Slides In order to exhibit the characteristics of a truly Christian church culture, followers of Jesus need the transforming grace of the Gospel to change their hearts.

Romans 12:9-13 Looking down the trail of a Jesus-centered church culture.

Romans 12:3-8 Slides God did not design us to be self-sufficient in the church, but to minister to one another using our gifts.

Romans 12:2 Slides Christians should not seek conformity with the world, but mere nonconformity is NOT the main goal. The main goal is transformation. The Christian life is being captivated by the mercy of God as motivation to worship out of love for Jesus. Nonconformity that ignores God's mercy and spurns transformation is reduced to legalism.