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Apostle Paul on Sincere Love and Friendship

by Carolyn Schmitt

So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him.

Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

I’m speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it’s important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him. Romans 12:1-3 MSG

Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.

Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.

Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they’re happy; share tears when they’re down. Get along with each other; don’t be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don’t be the great somebody. Romans 12:9-16 MSG

I felt that Pauls’ own relationships spoke well of what he told us to do as we relate in sincere love and deep friendship. So I thought it might be instructive and encouraging to include his greetings to the Roman Christians in Chapter 16 of The Message . As you read what he says about the men and women he greets by name, think about how you would describe your relationships with your friends. Perhaps write something about each one in a journal.

Be sure to welcome our friend Phoebe in the way of the Master, with all the generous hospitality we Christians are famous for. I heartily endorse both her and her work. She’s a key representative of the church at Cenchrea. Help her out in whatever she asks. She deserves anything you can do for her. She’s helped many a person, including me.

Say hello to Priscilla and Aquila, who have worked hand in hand with me in serving Jesus. They once put their lives on the line for me. And I’m not the only one grateful to them. All the non-Jewish gatherings of believers also owe them plenty, to say nothing of the church that meets in their house.

Hello to my dear friend Epenetus. He was the very first follower of Jesus in the province of Asia.

Hello to Mary. What a worker she has turned out to be!

Hello to my cousins Andronicus and Junias. We once shared a jail cell. They were believers in Christ before I was. Both of them are outstanding leaders.

Hello to Ampliatus, my good friend in the family of God.

Hello to Urbanus, our companion in Christ’s work, and my good friend Stachys.

Hello to Apelles, a tried-and-true veteran in following Christ.

Hello to the family of Aristobulus.
Hello to my cousin Herodion.
Hello to those who belong to the Lord from the family of Narcissus.

Hello to Tryphena and Tryphosa—such diligent women in serving the Master.

Hello to Persis, a dear friend and hard worker in Christ.

Hello to Rufus—a good choice by the Master!—and his mother. She has also been a dear mother to me.

Hello to Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and also to all of their families.

Hello to Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas—and all the followers of Jesus who live with them.

Holy hugs all around! All the churches of Christ send their warmest greetings!

And here are some more greetings from our end. Timothy, my partner in this work, Lucius, and my cousins Jason and Sosipater all said to tell you hello.

I, Tertius, who wrote this letter at Paul’s dictation, send you my personal greetings.

Gaius, who is host here to both me and the whole church, wants to be remembered to you.

Erastus, the city treasurer, and our good friend Quartus send their greetings.
Romans 16:1-23 MSG

Note. To access scripture links that don’t appear in the email version, read the web version in your browser.

Apostle Paul on Sincere Love and Friendship2023-11-22T19:29:00-07:00

An Overview of Romans

by Grace Hunter

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Romans 12:9-16 NIV

Paul the Apostle wrote the book of Romans as a letter to the church in Rome in 57 AD. He was nearing the end of his third missionary journey and most likely he wrote this letter while in Corinth. Paul planned to visit Rome on his way to Spain, after he personally delivered the collection gathered from many churches for the poverty-stricken church in Jerusalem. He greatly desired to visit the Roman church, but he had not been there yet when he wrote Romans.

The church in Rome was predominantly Gentile but had a Jewish minority as well. The major theme of the letter to the Romans is the presentation of the gospel and God’s plan of righteousness for the world. Romans contains the clearest and most complete presentation of the gospel, perhaps because Paul had not yet visited Rome, nor had another Apostle taught the church in Rome directly.

Paul explains:

  • that all people are unrighteous;
  • that we receive justification through Christ;
  • the process of our sanctification,
  • the role of Israel, and
  • how we are to be righteous in the world.

Chapter 12 of Romans describes and instructs us on how we are to love one another in the body of Christ, His church. He begins Chapter 12 with:

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will,” Romans 12:1-2 NIV.

He then teaches on Spiritual gifts. Then chapter 13 instructs us on how we as Christians are to practice righteousness in the world around us, including interacting with governmental authority. Chapter 14 and 15 teach us how to interact with both mature and immature Christians.
Paul’s list of characteristics of how Christians should display God’s love and ways sacrificially (in giving of ourselves to others), precedes Paul’s instruction on how we are to interact with the world at large.

It’s always important to keep in mind the reason a particular book in the Bible was written, to whom it was written, by whom it was written, as well as the time and place it was written. Having an outline of the book as a whole is helpful in understanding a particular passage. For example, Romans is organized more like a theological essay than a personal letter. As you read over Romans 12:9-16, think about all that Paul is instructing the Roman Christians to live out in their spiritual lives. Think about how the Holy Spirit is speaking to you through this section of Romans.

Note. To access scripture links that don’t appear in the email version, read the web version in your browser.

An Overview of Romans2023-11-20T22:46:55-07:00

Red Couch Theology Podcast

Sermon Conversations with Alex and Aaron

This week the podcast was held before a live crowd on Monday, September 11, at 6:30 pm at South’s 6510 Community Room – recorded for later, online viewing.

There’s only so much we can cover in a Sunday morning gathering!
What can you expect? Pastors Alex, Aaron, and the occasional guest having a casual conversation, diving deeper into ideas and questions related to last Sunday’s teaching.

Ask questions about the sermon series, Sermon on the Mount,
by texting 720-316-3893 prior to, or during the “LIVE” podcast.

Blog sites:

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCWnNSTN-6XA7oYy6TBfS0LAxqxPvxVjH

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/guys-drinking-tea/id1616539767

Red Couch Theology Podcast2023-09-12T20:48:36-06:00

Why Seated on a Mountain?

From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” Matthew 4:17 NIV

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and he healed them. Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him. Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. Matthew 4:23-5:2 NIV

Why did Jesus sit on a mountainside to teach his disciples and the crowds? Mountains or hills were often places where God chose to reveal himself to the people of Israel. From Exodus 19:20 we learn that:

The LORD descended to the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the top of the mountain. So Moses went up.

God met and talked with Moses on Mt. Sinai, several times. Elijah asked for and God revealed His power on the top of Mt. Carmel (I Kings 18:16-46). Abraham was told to sacrifice his one and only son on Mt. Moriah, which later became the site chosen for Solomon’s temple (Genesis 22, II Chronicles 3:1-2).

…Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Matthew 17:1-2 NIV

Mountains will also be important in the last days as Micah told us.

In the last days the mountain of the LORD’s temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and peoples will stream to it. Many nations will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. Micah 4:1-2 NIV

There is another interesting narrative in Joshua 8:30-35 that relates to the people of Israel and Joshua, declaring the blessings and curses that God will give to His people. Deuteronomy 27–28 describes what these exact blessings and curses are.

Why was Jesus seated to teach his disciples? Because this was the custom of the time for teaching.

Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him. He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Luke 4:14-21 NIV (Emphasis added.)

Jesus seated on a mountain proclaiming God’s Kingdom is a powerful image that surely invoked memories of previous revelations of God, His power and of the Lord’s previous blessings. This week look at one or more of these other mountain top experiences and pray the Lord’s prayer remembering the many ways God has previously spoken to people and revealed Himself from the mountain top.

“`Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’ For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Matthew 6:9-14 NIV

Why Seated on a Mountain?2023-09-10T14:57:41-06:00

Jesus Speaks to Us All

Who did Jesus speak to in the Sermon on the Mount? Why does he bring this crowd together? What can we infer that he applies to us today?

Normally, when I think of a crowd, I think of an impersonal mass of people. In this case however, I believe Jesus has something completely different in mind that he delivers to a crowd for a very intentional purpose.

Matthew records that Jesus taught both this crowd of people and his disciples. Looking back at Matthew 4:18-25, describes the people following Jesus in more detail. Who are these people? How might they have received Jesus’ words?

  • People came from all over Galilee. (4:23)
  • Jesus taught in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom. (4:23)
  • They were people in the synagogues that he healed from diseases and sicknesses. (4:23)
  • They came from Syria. (4:24)
  • People brought “all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and he healed them.” (4:24)
  • Large crowds came from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and the region across the Jordan. (4:25)

The answer seems to be that it was likely that Jesus could have spoken to everyone in the region: people from all the cultures, religions, and geographical locations. Matthew indicates that Jesus was drawing people from Greek, Roman, Syrian, and Jewish areas, people in the synagogues and people outside, the rich and the poor, the healthy and the sick, the ruling Romans, the conquered Judeans, people who had never met Jesus and his chosen disciples.

Given this description, it’s clear that the sermon on the mount is for everyone, religious and non religious, healthy and sick, rich and poor, from every area and every culture, those who already follow Jesus and those who are curious. There is no inner group in this crowd — all come equally at the feet of Jesus to learn from him.

What is the purpose of speaking to this vast and diverse crowd? To me, it shows that learning what Jesus has to teach us is not like scaling a ladder in a hierarchy of achievement, or becoming the star student. There is something for everyone in the sermon on the mount, but no one can master it entirely. I believe Jesus brought together this crowd to remind people of their shared humanity. He shows us that he doesn’t fixate on exclusionary, gated communities or walled off nations; he comes for all of us, and we all have something to learn. His disciples and those he healed did not become object lessons or stand out characters — everyone mingled together. Jesus is the center who brings everyone together in himself.The purpose of the sermon on the mount is for healing, both physically and spiritually.

How does seeing yourself as part of the diverse crowd that Jesus speaks to affect the way you enter this series?

For today’s exercise, meditate on the section of his Sermon on the Mount known as The Lord’s Prayer:

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you,
but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:9-15 ESV

Jesus Speaks to Us All2023-09-10T13:59:32-06:00

Who’s in the Crowd

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them. Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him. Matthew 4:23-25 NIV (Emphasis added.)

Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. Matthew 5:1-2 NIV

These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. Matthew 10:2-4

Being curious as to how long it might take for Jesus to “go throughout Galilee”, teach in each town’s synagogue and stop to heal “all who were ill with various diseases,” I checked on Google and found this helpful site, (Ligonier.org). It said that Galilee encompassed an area of 2800 square miles and that even walking fast, it would take around 3 months to visit and preach in each town. Also the site had information on other cities that indicated that the crowds which followed Jesus would include Gentiles as well as Israelites.

Although Matthew 4:18-22 mentions only the calling of Peter, Andrew, James and John, it appears that the rest of the disciples (mentioned in Matthew 10:2-4), were there on the mount as Jesus started teaching what the characteristics of the kingdom of God would be. The disciples would be the ones who would follow him for all the years before His crucifixion while Jesus would be reinforcing his teaching with them.

There would be other crowds at other times in other places, but these 12 disciples would be the ones consistently with him whom he focused on.

What is encouraging to me is that the disciples, as well as the majority of the people in the crowds, were not the highly educated or the religious elite,
but were ordinary individuals like me. Also, Jesus saw and cared for all who came to him with a need for both healing and teaching.

As we start the adventure of studying The Sermon On The Mount, please join us in praying the Lord’s Prayer:

…“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,  but deliver us from the evil one.

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:9-15 NIV

Who’s in the Crowd2023-09-09T11:16:07-06:00

Turn Around

Imagine yourself included in the intimate group of disciples just recently chosen by Jesus. You’ve witnessed him teaching:invigorating new perspectives on the Scriptures, followed by spectacular, unprecedented healings of both physical and mental illnesses. These powerful acts have prompted expanding crowds to follow his every step.

As reported in Matthew 4, Jesus prefaced his teaching with these words: “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven has come near.” Here’s my paraphrase for those squeamish about using the words “Repent” and “Heaven”:

“Turn around and face me, listen deeply, and follow me in my Eternal Kingdom Way.”

One day, in the midst of an assembled multitude, you hear Jesus call your intimate group of disciples together for a teaching session you sense is momentous. Will you eagerly embrace his teaching as you hear for the first time his majestic overview of the attitudes and lifestyle expected in his Kingdom?

During these next few weeks, as our inner thoughts are freshly challenged by the extraordinary Kingdom Jesus describes in his “Sermon on the Mount”, please reflect on the following short phrases:

After Jesus’ baptism, and before beginning his ministry, he was tested by the Prince of This World. Jesus repeated the following phrase before quoting pertinent Scripture to dismiss the power of evil:

“It is Written. . .” Matthew 4 ESV

As Jesus delivered the stunning core teachings of His Heavenly Kingdom to his disciples, he repeated this phrase as he confirmed he is the Messianic author/origin of what “is Written”.

“You have heard it said, but I say…” Matthew 5 ESV

Open your mind and heart to hear Jesus’ Kingdom overview as if you are hearing it for the first time.

For today’s exercise, meditate on the section of his Sermon on the Mount known as The Lord’s Prayer:

…“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you,
but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Matthew 6:9-15 ESV

Turn Around2023-09-09T11:17:48-06:00

Red Couch Theology — “Live, In-Person” Podcast

Sermon Conversations with Alex and Aaron

This week the podcast will be held before a live crowd on Monday, September 11, at 6:30 pm at South’s 6510 Community Room – recorded for later, online viewing.

There’s only so much we can cover in a Sunday morning gathering!
What can you expect? Pastors Alex, Aaron, and the occasional guest having a casual conversation, diving deeper into ideas and questions related to Sunday’s teaching.

Ask questions about the sermon series, Sermon on the Mount,
by texting 720-316-3893 prior to, or during the “LIVE, IN-PERSON” podcast.

Blog sites:

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCWnNSTN-6XA7oYy6TBfS0LAxqxPvxVjH

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/guys-drinking-tea/id1616539767

Red Couch Theology — “Live, In-Person” Podcast2023-09-09T10:02:49-06:00

Red Couch Theology

Sermon Conversations with Alex and Aaron

There’s only so much we can cover in a Sunday morning gathering!
Each week, you’re invited to tune into our podcast at 11 am on Thursdays – recorded (and sometimes prerecorded) for later, online viewing.

What can you expect? Pastors Alex, Aaron, and the occasional guest having a casual conversation, diving deeper into ideas related to last Sunday’s teaching.

Ask Questions about the Sermon, “God’s Love Despite Christian Failures”,
by texting 720-316-3893 prior to, or during the “LIVE” Thursday podcast.

Blog sites:

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCWnNSTN-6XA7oYy6TBfS0LAxqxPvxVjH

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/guys-drinking-tea/id1616539767

Red Couch Theology2023-09-07T22:07:51-06:00

Red Couch Theology Live In-Person Podcast

Sermon Conversations with Alex and Aaron 

Next week the podcast will be held before a live crowd on Monday, September 11, 2023
at 6:30 pm at South’s 6510 Community Room – recorded for later, online viewing.

There’s only so much we can cover in a Sunday morning gathering!

What can you expect? Pastors Alex, Aaron, and the occasional guest having a casual conversation, diving deeper into ideas and questions related to Sunday’s teaching.

Ask questions about the sermon series, Sermon on the Mount,
by texting 720-316-3893 prior to, or during the “LIVE IN-PERSON” podcast.

Blog sites:

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCWnNSTN-6XA7oYy6TBfS0LAxqxPvxVjH

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/guys-drinking-tea/id1616539767

Red Couch Theology Live In-Person Podcast2023-09-07T22:34:03-06:00
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