Paul adopts the label of the Strong, and then he submits to the weak in order to show the strong what Christlike strength actually looks like.

The question we learn to ask from culture is: “Who belongs at the table?”. But the question we learn from Jesus is “What am I willing to suffer so that others can be included?”. 

Without a good understanding of these two terms, no healing work can be done here, so let's start with the one central question for this chapter: “Who are the strong and the Weak?” Read more…

The “pattern of the world” is the phrase that Paul uses for what the Romans would call “The Cursus Honorum.”

The path of honor required selfishness, boasting about your abilities and accomplishments, putting yourself first, striving to rise above others, and boasting about both what you have and have accomplished.

in times of darkness, in times of rationing food and touch decisions we might be more tempted to flip that switch; we might turn to stockpiling instead of generosity; we might turn to killing over providing; we might put our trust in violence and the love of ourselves rather than peacemaking and the love our enemies.

Read more…

The book of Romans is still challenging the unexamined assumptions about gender roles that many hold in the church today… read more…

This week I am beginning a sermon series at Watermark Church (where I serve as Pastor) on Pauls letter to the church in Rome.

This week I am beginning a sermon series at Watermark Church (where I serve as Pastor) on Pauls letter to the church in Rome.