Romans 15 - 1.16.26

Scripture:  Romans 15:4-7

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.

Observation

These verses are telling us how important all scriptures are. Both the Old Testament and New Testament is about Jesus Christ. It shares stories with us that we are sinners, imperfect and need a redeemer. The New Testament references the Old Testament many times and here are a couple of verses:

1 John 1-4:  “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.  The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us.  We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.  We write this to make our joy complete.”

Jesus pointed to the Old Testament in Matthew 5:17-18: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.”

Application:

At DSC our Bible reading plan uses an Old Testament and New Testament reading along with a Psalm or Proverb. There are many other plans, but if you attend DSC, I suggest this plan since we as a church body should be united. If you belong to another body and they have a plan, be in unity with that body by participating in their Bible plan. If they do not have a plan, we welcome anyone at Desert Streams.

Psalm 133:1 “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”

We need to love each other as Christ loves us. We are servants of Christ so when we look at our neighbors and wonder why they might do something, we to think of ways to encourage rather than be judgmental or discouraging.  Romans 15:2 shows how we should be with our neighbors, people we meet or others in our community: “Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.”

Prayer:

Jesus, your word is a lamp unto my feet. May I dwell and meditate on your Word. Forgive me when I am distracted from you, Lord, and my priorities do not line up with what you have best for me Lord. Thank you, Jesus, for those who have encouraged and blessed me over the years.

Jesus may our church body accept those who come in to the church just as you, Jesus, accept us. Let us love one another just as you love us. May we open our hearts and encourage those in need. Thank you, Jesus, for showing us in your Word how to be an example of your mercy and grace. Jesus may we always glorify your name. In Jesus name Amen

- Robert Oberg