The BIG Picture (Shorts)

Paul's message in Romans 14:5 and 14:22 focuses on the importance of individual conscience and convictions in matters of personal practice, without causing harm to another believer's faith and while upholding the doctrine of righteousness. In Romans 14:5, Paul acknowledges that believers may have different opinions on non-essential matters, such as the observance of special days. He encourages each person to be fully persuaded in their own mind, meaning they should thoughtfully and confidently hold their faith based on their personal convictions. Paul emphasizes that these differences in practice should not lead to judgment or division within the community, as long as they do not contradict the fundamental teachings of the faith. In Romans 14:22, Paul advises believers to keep their personal convictions between themselves and God, not judging a brother who might be weaker in faith or condemning another who might be stronger in faith. If an individual has faith before God that a...

SOCIAL MEDIA COMMENT: Forget theology and let love be the primary function of your ministry. No need to tell others what they must believe or not believe, it will be evident what you believe when nothing but love flows from your lips. MY RESPONSE: One cannot just love another or do kind deeds alone for them to get saved. They need to learn the gospel. Rom.10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard [the gospel]? and how shall they hear without a preacher? ... Paul says it is the gospel that is the power of God to save (Rom.1:16). Showing love in deeds towards others is a great testimony of your faith, but those deeds cannot save anyone. Just being kind and doing good and loving others has great value and can soften their heart, but if the recipient never understands the message of the gospel concerning the cross and resurrection of Christ, all that love and care you give them is ultimately meaningle...

It is interesting to note that the Apostle Paul rarely talks about his own love for Christ. Instead, he often talks about Christ's deep love for him. He doesn't tell us to love Christ, but he highlights how much Christ loves us. This is in line with the special message committed to him: "The Gospel of the Grace of God" (Act.20:24). The Law commands, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God" (Matt.22:37), which is its core principle. Indeed, we should love God, but the law cannot make us love Him. Therefore, in grace, God tells us, "I love you." It is for this reason that Paul's letters are full of mentions of "the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus" (Rom.8:39). Just because God interacts with us through grace doesn't mean that believers shouldn't or don't love Him. In fact, love begets, or leads to more love. It is through learning and growing in understanding of Christ's love (through the written Word) that people...

When Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, he praised them for their strong growth in faith, (2Thes.1:3). How did he know they were growing spiritually? Because of 3 important things: Paul commended them for their love and kindness to one another (2Thes.1:3). They displayed patience, They had unwavering faith in persecution and tribulations they faced for the sake of Christ (2Thes.1:4).  Without true love, there can be no real spiritual growth, (1Co.13:1-8). Also, staying positive in tribulation is a clear sign of spiritual growth. These attributes demonstrated their spiritual maturity and their reliance on Christ's indwelling life.  So, what caused them grow spiritually? Only one thing! They received the Word of God as the truth, not just the words of men (1Thes.2:13). They had genuine interest in the scriptures and allowed the truths they learned to transform their lives. From the above we can learn, 'What is true spiritual growth', and also, 'How does it come about'.

  REACTION: You misrepresent the Lord. Your illustration of the Lord dangling a sinner over hell is not the nature of our Lord. REPLY: My post was an allegory. Your reference to Isa.42 is a beautiful prophecy of the meekness of Christ in His earthly ministry. Meekness is one part of God’s character, but God is not only love and meekness. He is also just, and righteous. God will sooner throw us in hell than defile His righteousness. Yet, He does not because of the cross of His Son. See Rom 3:25-26; Rom 4:5. Through Jesus, God is in the unique position to justify the ungodly, Rom 3:26. God can remain just and righteous yet justify ungodly people! Why? Because of the cross of Christ. However, as much as God reveals his love, He also reveals His hatred and wrath towards unrighteousness and ungodliness. Just read Romans 1. Thus, we cannot only rely on God's meekness and love, because His righteous wrath still remains over us. The only thing that saves us from God’s wrath is the cross wo...