Paul used some foreign words to us Methodists, “we are to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling.” Is this right? Didn’t Paul know about the Methodist emphasis on God’s grace? We don’t do anything about our salvation, God does everything. What is going on here?  Is that theological bait and switch?  Or is Paul proclaiming the responsibilities and rewards of living in God’s grace.

Paul gave some other instructions for how to live under Roman domination. How to live in a way you can be light and life, even with your mask on. Are you shining like stars in the world, even with your mask on?