Over these past few months we have all been isolated from others with whom we desire to spend time. Many of us have struggled with being separated because we long for human interaction, especially with those to whom we are closest. Equally, church fellowship and relationships have become more appreciated during this time because we miss each other and recognize and appreciate more fully the value of living our faith together. As we begin to regather, we should remember the reason and common bond that draws us to one another. It is the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul's words in the last half of Romans 15 according to this week's Explore the Bible and Video Study: Reach, can serve as a great reminder of this truth.

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Romans 15:14-16 - Notice that Paul commended the people for their spiritual maturity. He used very emphatic pronouns, I myself, to drive home his conviction that they were full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to instruct one another. While other parts of his letter had been rather direct, he knew they were strong in their faith. Paul was called to be a leader in the church because of the grace given to him by God. Because of this and the fact that he was a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles and served as a priest of the gospel of God, he had to provide instruction. This is what someone who is called does. His role is not just to express platitudes of love, but to provide instruction, correction, guidance, and admonition. This was Paul’s role.

• How do you respond when a minister, pastor, or other church leader, offers you guidance, correction, or instruction? Do you only want them to talk about how much they love you and how much God loves you, or do you want them to disciple you? Does your perspective need to change regarding how you view the role of those who are called to guide the church?
• How would you describe your purpose in a letter to fellow believers? How would you complete Paul’s statement in verse 16? - “My Purpose is that . . .”

There are two instances in my life when arguments that took place between believers really had an impact on me. One related to a conversation I had about the reputation of a certain church for having fights during business meetings, and the other was an event in which I was guilty of participating. In both instances Paul's advice to believers about arguments in Romans 14:1-12 should have been at the forefront of my mind. This is why this week's Explore the Bible and Video Study: Accepting is so important.

It was well over 25 years ago that I had the conversation with someone regarding a local church in the area. The person asked me this question, "Do they still have fights during their business meetings? They have really earned the reputation of having some huge fights including people being escorted out of the building due to their anger."  It saddened me that this church had earned this reputation among other churches. I wondered how the lost world viewed the situation as they looked on.

Rewind many years earlier when I was a young, passionate seminary student. I remember sitting in a local Denny's pulling an all-nighter study time for finals. I was studying with my cousin who was also attending seminary, and we began to debate some theological issue. I don't even recall what the issue was now . . . that shows how "important" it was! Our debate turned to a semi-loud argument that prompted another seminary student at another table to come over and remind us that we were only hurting the cause of Christ through out "debate." This was so embarrassing to the both of us because we knew, at the end of the day, our debate wasn't going to solve anything.

In both of these instances, we see how disagreements and differences among fellow believers can escalate into something that only hurts the cause of Christ. Because of this I suggest you take Paul's wisdom to heart in this week's passage, Romans 14:1-12. Here is a summary regarding how we should respond to believers with whom we disagree:

• Accept anyone who is weaker in their faith.
• Don’t argue about disputed matters.
• Don’t look down on other believers.
• If you believe something strongly, respond with respect to others' views when it comes to issues that aren’t of theological significance.
• Remember, we have all been saved by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ. We are all learning to walk the path of Christ together.

How would you describe your view of local government? What do you value most about your local government? These are two questions asked this week in the Explore the Bible Study and Video: Citizens.

We live in unprecedented times in the United States due to the COVID-19 virus. These times have fueled the debates regarding how much the government should be involved in the personal lives of its citizens. We have observed protests at state capitols as well as shop owners refusing to close because of the quarantine. We have seen legal battles regarding government overreach with varied outcomes depending upon what part of the country in which you live.  We have all heard the news reports regarding some government officials forcing businesses and even churches to comply with government mandates by using threats and strong-arm tactics.

We should understand that we live in a broken world and we have been conditioned by this broken world to focus on the bad, but there are good things going on as well. Yes, we have all heard the stories of some governmental entities crossing the line; yet we have also observed good governmental leaders trying to do what’s best. Many government officials in the local, state, and national arenas are trying to make the best decisions for safety, while honoring personal rights and religious freedom. This is a difficult season for all due to what we are facing.  There are as many opinions regarding how far the government should go with policy and making laws as there are people in this country. Equally, there have been discussions regarding how people should respond, especially those who proclaim to be followers of Christ.

Twice in Romans 12, Paul emphasized that we should do good and avoid evil (verses 9 & 21). This statement was a part of Paul’s challenge for us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. (Romans 12:1, CSB) We discovered in last week's session that being a living sacrifice means we sacrifice our natural responses for godly responses. This takes daily effort as we continuously strive to be transformed by the Holy Spirit into  people who are holy and pleasing to God (12:2).

The way in which we respond to governing authorities is one of the most difficult areas of transformation for a believer. Our natural response to governmental authorities or governmental decisions that we believe are wrong might not align with how a believer should respond. This is what Paul wants to address in chapter 13.

We will see by Paul’s words that our challenges are nothing new. We live in a much freer society than did the people during Paul’s time. So, imagine their struggles as believers. Imagine trying to live your faith in a society that was controlled by evil Roman rulers. During the period in which Paul was writing, one of the vilest and most ruthless leaders ever to rule Rome was in power. His name was Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, also known simply as Nero.

Sacrifice has been a common theme over the past weeks. Paul begins the final section of his letter to believers in Rome with the theme of sacrifice. The Explore the Bible Study and Video: Sacrifice will help your group understand all Paul was saying in Romans 12 regarding what it truly means to present our bodies as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1)

Paul begins by describing the kind of sacrifice we should be making as believers. He begins in Romans 12:1 by stating this: Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. (CSB)

Paul continues by giving us a list, in Romans 12:3-21, of sacrifices we will need to make, and is only possibly to make through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit . Here is the list that will be explored further in the session: