Romans 14 appears to be a bit out of place. Paul has been addressing how the fountain of the gospel flows outwardly into all the areas of our lives. At the end of chapter 13, he addresses how the gospel impacts our relationship to our neighbors. In chapter 15, Paul will talk about taking the gospel to Spain. He addresses local missions and then international missions.

In between local missions and international missions, Paul confronts an apparent conflict related to eating certain foods and observing certain days. What does this issue have to do with missions? Paul knows that a church in conflict loses credibility in sharing a message of reconciliation with the world. We cannot peddle unapplied truth. If we are going to preach reconciliation to the world, we need to demonstrate it in the church. And while we may not have disagreements over certain foods and observing certain days, the church today has its own issues that can quickly create conflict and nullify our witness. How should we deal with these issues? Not issues of doctrine or morality but areas of personal conviction that are not clearly revealed in Scripture. This is a critical, relevant and practical text.

I pray that you will make plans to join us as we gather around the Word of God and adjust our lives to His truth that we might glorify Him and love our neighbor.

In Christ,
Pastor Chad McDonald

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