This evening we take a closer look at Romans 16, where we see Paul talking about those who have helped him and his ministry. Pastor Brett discusses many of the helpers in detail, and we see how their actions apply to our lives today.

In this day and age, there is so much sin all over television, internet, music and other media. In Romans 16:19, Paul talks about being simple concerning evil. When applied to what we deal with today, we learn to simply tune out the things that are not of the Lord.

Romans 15 serves as a poignant conclusion to the previous chapters about our freedom. We take some time tonight to look at some Old Testament examples of people who gave up their own liberties to prefer others. It is a powerful reminder that we are blessed and the Body is blessed when we show selfless consideration to one another.

“In essentials, there must be unity, in non essentials, there must be liberty, and in all things, there must be charity”. In Romans 15:5-7, Paul explains this concept further. This morning, Pastor Brett unpacks and discusses in-depth the essential doctrines of the Christian faith. This important teaching is foundational to our understanding, growth, and fruit in the Christian life.

Among christians, there are plenty of conduct issues that are debatable. And boy are they debated! Tonight, we take a good look at what God’s Word has to say about our motives and what drives our decisions regarding these issues. We will also be challenged with what our posture should be toward fellow believers when it comes to these same topics.

Romans 14:10-12 talks about “facing the music”. We are all going to be accountable for our actions in this life on judgment day. Paul reiterates Isaiah 45:23, saying that “every knee will bow and every tongue will confess to God.”

We cover a lot of ground tonight as we finish up Paul’s checklist of practical ways to show love within the church. He follows this up with chapter 13, which outlines our responsibility to honor and submit to governing authorities in our lives. “Love is the fulfillment of the law” is the overarching theme of these chapters.

In Romans 13:11-14, the apostle Paul tells us to wake up, to put on the armor of God, to walk honestly and to put on Jesus Christ. Pastor Brett talks about this in detail, touching on alcoholism, fornication and immorality. He also discusses the importance of being a “put on”, and sharing the love of the Lord wherever we go.

It is no coincidence that Paul follows up the passage on spiritual gifts with an extensive teaching about love. If the gifts are the function of the church body members, then love is the circulatory system which keeps it all working well together. Paul emphasizes this crucial quality that should mark the life of a believer.

In Romans 12:21 Paul writes, “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” Today, Pastor Brett discusses this topic and how to deal with the evil around us, the evil near to us, the evil against us and the evil within us.