Practical Faith

How to get along with almost anyone – even people who see the faith differently than you

Romans 13:11-14

The world is listening

· You and the people you care about and even people who you don’t know are watching your life.

· What you do gives weight to what you say.

Romans 14:1-6; 1 Corinthians 8:7, 8

Three observations:

· Some people will always see Christianity more as rules and regulations.

· Some people have the idea that one can gain God's favor by doing certain things and abstaining from others.

· Some people can be careless with their freedom

How do we respond to people who see the faith differently?

Pursue Understanding

Show Respect

Disagree Agreeably - Teach truth and trust the Holy Spirit.

Dismiss – Discuss – Debate - Defend – Die For

You are family whether you agree or not - Romans 14:7-12

Don’t judge others VS. 13-16

Don’t cause others to stumble

Christian freedom and Christian love go hand in hand VS 17, 18

Build and Unite - VS. 19- 23

Response:

Am I living with urgency? – Time really is short

Am I treating others with understanding and respect?

What can I do this week to build others up and encourage unity in the church?