Stonepoint Church Audio Podcast

Paul, continuing his message on not passing judgment, teaches that the believer must decide to not be a stumbling block to his brother, which leads to disunity. Rather, believers must be a stepping stone, which leads to peace and mutual upbuilding. We can show the world a clear picture of Christ by being considerate of others, convinced in our own minds, and consistent in our actions. Cody King | Romans Visit our website! http://stonepointchurch.com

The Apostle Paul tells us that we are, "All being transformed to the same image from one degree of glory to another." Inherent in these varying degrees is a differential level of understanding of the gospel and the freedom that we have in Christ. The preferences this creates can cause believers to pass judgment on one another. Paul teaches us how not to. Cody King | Romans Visit our website! http://stonepointchurch.com

Every believer is called to love one another, and subject themselves to governing authorities, which displays love and love their neighbor as themselves. In order for this love to be known, it must be done in the light for all that is done in darkness is done in conflict with God's law. As we are told to cast off the works of darkness and walk decently in the light, we are reminded that the time of Christ's return is near, and all that is done in darkness will be brought into the light. Brandon Bachtel | Romans Visit our website! http://stonepointchurch.com

In a world where it can be increasingly difficult to subject ourselves to a governing authority, the Apostle Paul not only commands this for believers, but also tells us how, why, and what that governing authority is there for in the first place; and how we are to respond to it. Brandon Bachtel | Romans Visit our website! http://stonepointchurch.com

Paul's message today reflects Jesus' words from the Sermon on the Mount. As ministers of reconciliation, we are to be peacemakers, keeping short accounts with one another. We are not to seek out conflict, but to use it as an opportunity to rely on Him. Brandon Bachtel | Romans Visit our website! http://stonepointchurch.com

The Apostle Paul gives the church a practical description of the qualities that should mark true believers' lives in a world that desperately needs to see them. Brandon Bachtel | Romans Visit our website! http://stonepointchurch.com

As Paul writes to the church of Rome, he indicates the importance of not becoming quarrelsome or proud about particular spiritual gifts given by God. Paul wrote a parallel passage to the church of Corinth to emphasize similar areas of concern and how to use spiritual gifts for the common good. Brandon Bachtel | Romans Visit our website! http://stonepointchurch.com

Favoritism is Forbidden Brandon Bachtel | Identity

As a result of all that Paul had written earlier to the Church in Rome, he encourages them to be set apart and consecrated in Holiness to God as a living sacrifice. Brandon Bachtel | Romans Visit our website! http://stonepointchurch.com

Who is God? In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. - John 1:1 Brandon Bachtel | Identity Visit our website! http://stonepointchurch.com

God's ways are inscrutable, lofty, and impossible to understand without the aid of His Holy Spirit. As we grow in our understanding of His plan for Israel, the gentiles, and our lives, we recognize that salvation is from Him, through Him, and for His glory and our good. Brandon Bachtel | Romans Visit our website! http://stonepointchurch.com

Israel was a part of God's divine plan to bless the nations. Despite Israel's rejection of Christ as a whole (though a remnant remained), Paul reminded gentiles that the root of Israel was good and that gentiles were recipients of God's kindness in order to provoke Israel to jealousy and a returning to the root offered through Christ. Brandon Bachtel | Romans Visit our website! http://stonepointchurch.com

Despite Israel's disobedience, Paul uses Elijah and his experience with Ahab & Jezebel (1 Kings 18 & 19) to remind the church in Rome that God had kept for Himself a remnant of faithful believers as vessels for His service in Elijah's day and He would continue to do the same until His return. If you ever feel afraid, alone, or like you're the only one who cares, remember there are other faithful followers who can identify. Brandon Bachtel | Romans Visit our website! http://stonepointchurch.com

Everyone in history agrees that Jesus of Nazareth was scourged and crucified by Rome. But, did Jesus really die? Was he able to survive? Was his body stolen? Did others make up the event or have hallucinations? Discover for yourself what happened through early eye witness accounts around the resurrection! Brandon Bachtel | Easter Visit our website! http://stonepointchurch.com

Jesus was resolute in going to Jerusalem to fulfill His purpose as a sacrifice for sins. As he descended upon the City of Peace, He did not come as a normal King, but as one who reflected humility, gentleness, peace, and a servant nature. Many did not recognize His purpose and missed out on a relationship with the Savior of the World because they desired a different type of Messiah. Brandon Bachtel | Palm Sunday Visit our website! http://stonepointchurch.com

For centuries, God made Himself known to Israel and the Jews. He was not silent and use a variety of means to reveal Himself to His elect. However, due to their hardness of heart, rebellion, and deaf ears, God raised up a new people to fulfill His purposes throughout the earth. Today, God is using His bride, the church to fulfill His purposes and to reveal the "good news" to all the nations of the earth. Brandon Bachtel | Romans Visit our website! http://stonepointchurch.com

The law was never meant to bring about righteousness, but despair. Paul’s message is simple. Our righteousness is based on faith in Christ, not on the law. All we have to do is accept what Christ has done on our behalf. Brandon Bachtel | Romans Visit our website! http://stonepointchurch.com

God's purpose for Israel was to be blessed by him so that they would be a blessing to the world. Through their rejection of Him and His Son, God has chosen the Gentiles to now be blessed and carry on his original purpose for the nation of Israel. Cody King | Romans Visit our website! http://stonepointchurch.com

In this message, Paul makes clear to the Church of Rome that no one is grafted into the Kingdom of God simply by family or national privilege, including the Jews. Paul also shows how God can use people, nations, and circumstances to accomplish His purposes throughout the World, even when we don’t understand or comprehend all that God is doing. Brandon Bachtel | Romans Visit our website! http://stonepointchurch.com

Paul reminds Christ followers of the incredible benefit of knowing Christ and the assurance of God's promises kept in Christ. Not only is God for us, but we also discover that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. Brandon Bachtel | Romans Visit our website! http://stonepointchurch.com