Calvary Grace Church of Calgary

How does a list of names from two thousand years ago hold meaning for us today? In Romans 16, Paul, through loving greetings to individuals and families far away in Rome, puts the very Gospel he has laid through the previous 15 chapters on display. Romans 16 is Christian unity laid bare

Paul’s letter to the Romans is in one sense a missionary support letter. He wants to go to the church in Rome that they would help him to get to Spain. So he unpacks the mercies of God in the gospel and links his mission to the mission of the Roman church. He even shows how a 2000 mile detour to Jerusalem and their prayers for his success fit into God’s gospel purposes.

In 1792 William Carey wrote, "As our blessed Lord has required us to pray that his kingdom may come, and his will be done on earth as it is in heaven, it becomes us not only to express our desires of that event by words, but to use every lawful method to spread the knowledge of his name." Carey left England on a wooden boat for India in order to spread the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Carey knew this would glorify God, since it was Jesus' own purpose, as well as the apostles. Can you say you're living 'on purpose'? Are you living for the glory of God?

Fundamentalists and Liberals. Conservatives and Progressives. We see disagreement and disunity everywhere. And we see it in the church. But how are we to approach practical disagreements between Christians? In Paul's letter to the Roman Church, he tells them how to deal with those who disagree in a way that brings them back to the great theme of his letter, the glory of God in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

How do you respond when God delays in answering prayer? How will you not lose heart? How are we to understand the love of God in these times? Chapter 11 of John shows us what we need to see in these times and in all times. That is: Divine delays are for the glory of God and for our good.

How should believers relate to one another in light of controversial issues? Paul deals with this and how the gospel works itself out personally and communally.

The Christian life is a counter cultural life of holy love that says, "I owe you" not "you owe me". The motivation? Jesus is coming soon. Therefore, the eschaton affects our ethics.

The Romans Emperors Caligula, Claudius and Nero were a wicked group. Yet the Empire continued to bring order to most of the known world. How would Paul, the Roman citizen, counsel the Christians who lived at the Emperor's doorstep? Does he call for a tax revolt? Armed resistance? His exhortation in Romans 13.1-7 is surprisingly revolutionary.

Love is a great mystery. Few know what love is, confusing it with manipulation, coercion, deceit, or temporary infatuation. Christian love is a countercultural force because it is rooted in God's own unhypocritical character. The vindication of God's character is shown in part through the simple integrity of Christians loving one another and even loving their enemies; the ethic of Jesus himself.