Romans

1: 5 Verses Worth Reading When You're Feeling Ashamed 2: "Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” - Romans 10:11 3: "Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame." - Psalm 34:5 4: "fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." - Hebrews 12:2 5: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." - 1 John 1:9 6: "How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!" - Hebrews 9:14

Pay to all what is owed to them… respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. - Romans 13:7

Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? ... Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? - Romans 2:4

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. - Romans 1:16

1. To Halloween or not to Halloween… Let’s confront the debate. 2. Romans 14 describes how Christians should relate to each other on this type of thing: Do not judge each other. Do not cause each other to stumble. 3. Some Christians celebrate Halloween fully and see it as an opportunity for community and witness. 4. Some Christians abstain from Halloween entirely and redirect their family toward alternatives. 5. Some Christians participate selectively… the candy and the community without the horror themes. 6. Whatever you do tonight do it with a clear conscience before God and genuine love for your neighbor. 7. Be kind to the people in your church who land differently than you on this one. The unity of the body is worth more than winning the Halloween argument.

"If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." - Romans 12:18

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. - Romans 15:13

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. - Romans 15:4

You received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” - Romans 8:15

For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us - Romans 8:26

1. What does the Bible actually say about failure? More than you think. 2. 'Though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again.' - Proverbs 24:16. The falling is assumed. The rising is the point. 3. 'For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.' - 1 Corinthians 15:9. Paul never stopped being amazed that God used him anyway. 4. 'The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.' - Psalm 34:18. He doesn't pull back when you fall apart. He moves closer. 5. 'If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.' - 1 John 1:9. Not maybe. Not eventually. He simply does it. 6. 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' - 2 Corinthians 12:9. He doesn't work despite your weakness. He works through it. 7. 'Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning.' - Lamentations 3:22-23. Tomorrow morning is a fresh start. Every single time. 8. 'There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.' - Romans 8:1. Not less condemnation. Not condemnation with an asterisk. None. 9. 'He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.' - Philippians 1:6. Your failure did not cancel the work. He's still building. 10. Failure is not the final word. Save this for when you need the reminder.

We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance. - Romans 5:3

He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. - Romans 2:7

1. “Everything happens for a reason.” Except that isn’t in the Bible… 2. We say it because we want pain to make sense. And that instinct? That's not wrong. That's human. 3. What the Bible actually says: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him. (Romans 8:28) It doesn't say everything is good. It doesn't say everything has a reason. It says God works in all things. 4. You don't have to find a reason for what happened to you. You just have to trust that God is working in it. You are not alone in hard times. 5. Faith doesn't always mean having the answer. Sometimes it just means trusting the one who does.

1: God’s kindness isn’t permission to stay the same. It's meant to lead us somewhere. 2: Scripture says, “Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that His kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?” 3: God’s kindness doesn't ignore our sin. Instead, it invites us to turn away from our wrongdoings and draw closer to Him. 4: Every second chance, every new start, every moment of grace is His kindness at work. God is calling you back.

Pray this if today feels heavy. 1. God, I feel overwhelmed and I don’t even know where to start. 2. My thoughts are loud. My heart feels tired. Please quiet the noise inside me. 3. I release what I cannot control. I surrender what I cannot fix. I give You what I cannot carry. 4. Fill my mind with Your peace, my body with rest, and my heart with hope. 5. I am not alone. You are with me here.

Outdo one another in showing honor

"In Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others." - Romans 12:5

Fear is a liar

Letters: Modern lessons from the Early Church

Those who live according to the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. – Romans 8:5