Tag Archives: hope

Church as Relationship Redux

Posted on May 13, 2017 by Don Merritt

Church began with relationship, the relationship between Jesus and His disciples. Each of the disciples knew Jesus in fact they knew Him pretty well, at least in human terms. They spent three years together travelling, eating, talking, laughing, crying and … Continue reading →

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The Body of Christ and How we “Do Church”- Redux

Posted on May 12, 2017 by Don Merritt

Is church a list of programs, or a set of traditions, ceremonies and pageantry? Does it really matter what style of music you have, or whether or not the preacher (by whatever name) wears robes, a suit or jeans? Is … Continue reading →

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Romans: A Summation

Posted on May 11, 2017 by Don Merritt

Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by … Continue reading →

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Paul’s View of his Ministry

Posted on May 11, 2017 by Don Merritt

Romans 15:14-22 At this point, Paul shifts entirely the focus of his message; what has been persuasive in nature now becomes more of a personal reflection. I hope you have read these verses, because we can glean a great insight … Continue reading →

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Living in Unity and Hope

Posted on May 10, 2017 by Don Merritt

The third and final supporting point in this section is found in 15:1-13 and shows us that we are intended to live in unity and hope. Paul has broken this passage into three sections: First, he shows us that selfless … Continue reading →

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About Judging Others

Posted on May 9, 2017 by Don Merritt

Romans 14:1-12 Paul’s discussion of our response to grace now takes a different path, for Paul is discussing different opinions among believers. He begins in 14:1-3. Verse 1 sets the tone for this discussion: Accept the one whose faith is … Continue reading →

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Lesson 6: Walk in the Light

Posted on May 9, 2017 by Don Merritt

And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let … Continue reading →

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Lesson 5: Love

Posted on May 8, 2017 by Don Merritt

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and … Continue reading →

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Housekeeping

Posted on May 7, 2017 by Don Merritt

When things are going along well, we are able to take of routine maintenance and keep up with the necessary repairs, but in rough times these things can get away from us.  When it comes to a house, we might … Continue reading →

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Lesson 3: Concerning Revenge

Posted on May 6, 2017 by Don Merritt

Romans 12:17-21 In 12:1-16 Paul has discussed our response to grace with a series of short statements that stem from the theme of sincere love, but in 17 ff. he seems to focus on one particular subject: Revenge. While the … Continue reading →

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