Today, John brings us a message from Matthew 5:13-16 where Jesus says that we are the Salt of the Earth and the Light of the World. Being salt and light in this world anticipates that we will be different than those in the world, so much so, that they will notice the difference and want to glorify God because of us.

Our message today is the beginning of a new sermon series covering the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). Today John introduces us to the first 12 verses of Matthew 5, commonly known as the Beatitudes. Here we see God's design for success in humanity and Jesus' design for those who want to be His disciples.

Today in our message John leads us through Romans 16:1-16 where we discover a list of people whom Paul wants to send greetings. In our study we will see that every church needs servants like Phoebe, teachers like Prisca and Aquila, people like so many who seem unknown, and a family to belong to.

As John wraps up chapter 15 in our Romans study, we come to Paul's expressed desire to visit Rome and his explanation as to why he hasn't made it there, yet. Often we make plans in life, but through circumstances beyond our control, we just can't see them finalized. The most important point in all of this is to stay within the will and purpose of God.

In our study this morning, John brings to us a message that demonstrates the passion of Paul as he shares the gospel message with his ministry to the Gentiles. In this message we discover that as Christians our confidence rests in the goodness of God, in the grace of God, in the gospel of Christ, and in Christ alone.

Our study this morning takes us to Romans 15:8-13 where John leads us in understanding Paul's letter to the church in Rome. In our passage today, Paul wants us to see two ways in which Jesus is ministering to both the Jews and the Gentiles through fulfilling prophecy to both groups of people and by sending His Spirit to bring us all joy, peace, and hope.

In this message, John brings us to Romans 15 where Paul continues his encouragement to the church in Rome to work for unity. He specifically challenges those who are strong in faith to bear with the failings of the weak so that there will be harmony in the church and as a result we will glorify God

In our message today, John concludes Romans 14 where the apostle Paul encourages us to use our freedom in Christ for the benefit of others. Here we our told not to use our freedom in a manner that will hurt our brothers and sisters in Christ, hurt our witness, or the work of God, but to stay true to our faith and live for one another.

Sometimes our opinion appears to be greater than reality and the truth. In our study today, John discusses Paul's letter to the Romans in chapter 14:1-12. Here, we find two groups of people, the "weak" and the "strong." Everyone has their opinion over certain aspects of living the Christian life, and where the Bible is silent, we are to use our understanding of the fulness of Scripture to help us make a decision about what to do. But in all things, opinions should never cause strife and division in the body or Christ.

In the final section of Romans 13, Paul challenges the Christians in Rome to walk in the light of Christ rather than in the darkness of this sinful world. There is very little time remaining until the return of Jesus and as Christians we need to be aware of the times in which we live so that we can have the best impact on those around us for Christ. You are either going to live for Jesus or live for self. Which will you choose?