Romans 16

Read Romans Chapter 16

In Romans Chapter 16, Paul mentions, greets or salutes many people. In fact I count 27 names listed from verse 1 through verse 15.

Now this the sort of material that one might just read over or skip. But it always catches my attention.  Paul is trying to acknowledge everyone and not miss anyone. Now remember that all scripture is given by inspiration of God, so this isn’t just Paul acknowledging everyone, but GOD!

Remember when Jesus said that God knows the number of hairs on your head; that He knows when a single sparrow falls to the ground?The Bible says that he left the 99 for the1.  Why ? Because everyone is important to God!  Folks, our Heavenly Father loves us and knows all about us . 

Listen to these beautiful words from Psalm 139:  “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me!” Amen!

Romans 15

Read Romans Chapter 15

Chapter 15 gives us four descriptions of the character of God. There are two listed in verse 5:  “Now may the God of (patience) and (comfort) grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus,”

So first off He is the God of patience or as some translations say “who gives endurance“.  I like the God of patience!  Wow, aren't you glad that He is so patient with us, whereas I would have given up on me a long time ago.  His love and mercy and patience is never ending!

Next it says He is the God of comfort.  Most translations use the word encouragement.  Oh wow, that so awesome!  God is a encourager. I believe He is our biggest cheerleader in life!

Verse 13 says “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing."  So thirdly He is the God of Hope!  And not only hope, but he wants us full of joy!

Finally verse 33 says “Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.” He is the God of peace.  He wants us, his children, to live in peace!  Folks, this is a picture of God, but better yet this is our Father!!!

Romans 14

Read Romans Chapter 14

“Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭14:1

Now this is a interesting little verse here.  Let’s look at the Amplified Version of it: “As for the one whose faith is weak, accept him [into your fellowship], but not for [the purpose of] quarreling over his opinions.” Here’s the deal.  We probably won’t agree on every single Bible doctrine out there. Now don’t get me wrong.  Having a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ is the most important thing of all. We should always remember the words of Jesus that a man must be born again,  but after that we are all learning.  Some of us are further along in knowledge than others.  We have to be patient with people.  Avoid arguments that can potentially slow a person's growth,  or worse yet drive them out of church and fellowship!  Arguments and disagreements can be over such silly stuff.  I once argued with a guy about whether a man-made satellite could eventually make it to Heaven. He thought it could.  I thought he was silly. I just made him mad, then he didn’t care much for me.  All because of a satellite.  So folks, I will leave you with this as your guide: “But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.”  ‭‭II Timothy‬ ‭2:23‬