PVN College

It's the beginning of the end. Paul starts to close out the greatest letter ever written as he writes about his own ministry.

Pastor Ryan walks us through the opening verses of the greatest letter ever written. In these verses we not only learn more about Jesus Christ, but about ourselves as well.

Paul closes this section of his teaching by reminding his readers that Israel is now a group of Jews and Gentiles. They have gathered together now to worship one Shepherd as one flock, though they come from different folds. This is a very important doctrine that can bring great comfort to God's people as they seek to do the hard work of being together for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Paul begins the closing arc of his great letter by reminding the strong in faith that they are meant to use their gift for the salvation and safety of others, not just themselves. Jesus is our perfect example in this, and our motivation for it.

Paul closes Romans chapter 14 by reminding the Church and reminding us that the strong in faith are not to push the weak, and the weak in faith are not to violate their conscience. Both will appear before God in the end.

What happens when the gentile Christians are not welcoming to their weaker Jewish brothers and sisters? What happens today when we try to push fellow Christians farther than they are preapred to go? Paul explains and warns the Church about this dangerous and potentially lethal mistake.

The Church is the New and restored Israel, full of both Jews and Gentiles. Since these two cultures are about to come together, they are going to need to make room for each other in love. They are going to need to be patient with the extra baggage that each culture brings to the table. Paul explains how they can not just tolerate each other, but welcome each other into Christ's Church.

Paul ends chapter 13 by reminding believers of the "Already But Not Yet." Christ has secured our salvation and we are redeemed, but we live in a world that is still suffering under nightfall. Time for Christians to wake up and share the light.

Paul now moves outward and widens his scope. Christians have learned how to interact with the empire. But how do they take God's Law and use it in society?

How does a Christian stay faithful to Christ in a difficult political world? How does the Church respond to political persecution or political crisis? Paul has important words for us on this ever-relevant topic.