Watch Out!

Posted byJRMITCH85Posted inUncategorizedTags:, , , ,

The church should strive to follow Paul’s example by living obedient, sacrificial, and loving lives to spread the message of God and bring peace and unity to the world. Paul’s final words to the church in Rome, serve to help us navigate the obstacles and challenges faced by the church in the 21st century. It is crucial to learn from Paul’s example and apply his wisdom to modern church operations.

Just as one should be a defensive and aware driver, avoiding distractions to contribute to safer roads, members of the church should strive to be the best people they can be, avoiding distractions and obstacles in their spiritual journey. This includes being vigilant against division and deception, striving for peace with everyone, and trusting in God to overcome evil.

Unity and reconciliation are essential for a strong church. Disagreements are inevitable, but it is crucial to live at peace with one another and embrace the peace of the Cross to find unity within the church. Decisions should be made based on Christ’s calling, not selfish ambition, prioritizing helping others over personal gain.

Paul made significant sacrifices for the message of God, acting in the best interest of the kingdom. The church should follow his example by living lives of obedience, purity, and love, effectively sharing the gospel and showing God’s love to the world. By embracing peace and love, the church can contribute to stopping violence and spreading God’s message of unity and reconciliation.

I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Ro 16:17–20.

Published by JRMITCH85

I am often asked what describes you, which is a hard answer because sometimes I move in a thousand different directions. Some call me an engineer, others call me pastor, a few call me captain, some call me friend, others call me dad, and one calls me sweetheart. All of these things are descriptors and are accurate, but they don't fully capture me. My favorite place is in the mountains, enjoying the beauty of nature and God's creation, running and hiking around with my family and friends, and taking photos to cement the memories. However, the people that know me the best know that my favorite thing to do is come up with crazy adventures that push the limits of what our minds and bodies can do. My faith in God is important to me and drives me to look at creation the way I do. Because of my faith, I look at these adventures and running races from Half Marathons all the way to 50-mile races, as well as several Obstacle Course Races, as an opportunity to push the body God gave me as an act of worship. Hopefully, someday soon, I look toward running longer races and bigger adventures. My hope is that humanity can understand that the wild is a gift, and we need to care for it and quit destroying it by the way we live.

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