warning and praise

Good morning friends,
Today's reading concludes Romans. Paul warns the church that there are people in the church who try to gain from twisting faith, by changing the message to suit their desires. Any idea can be misused by people to gain power and the Christian faith is no exception. We've seen big church pastors use the gospel to get rich; we've seen small church pastors twist the message to justify hatred. Corruption in the church is unfortunately as old as the church. True faith seeks God's will.

Paul also praises God for revealing God's love in Jesus Christ to the whole world. This revelation of the mystery of God is an exciting new phase in human history, a movement Paul is thrilled to be a part of. For all the places where we need to change as a church we ask God's guidance. For the chance to be a part of sharing the joy of God's love we give God glory.

God bless,
Sam

Romans 16:17-27

17I urge you, brothers and sisters, to keep an eye on those who cause dissensions and offenses, in opposition to the teaching that you have learned; avoid them. 18For such people do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the simple-minded. 19For while your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, I want you to be wise in what is good and guileless in what is evil. 20The God of peace will shortly crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.


21Timothy, my co-worker, greets you; so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my relatives. 22I Tertius, the writer of this letter, greet you in the Lord. 23Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you.


25Now to God who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26but is now disclosed, and through the prophetic writings is made known to all the Gentiles, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen.