Inclusion - His Plan

“Wherefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God. For I say that Christ has become a servant to the circumcision on behalf of the truth of God ton confirm the promises given to the fathers, and for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy; as it is written, ‘Therefore I will give praise to Thee among the Gentiles, and I will sing to Thy name.’” Romans 15:7-9

Roman is about inclusion to me. I always think of this letter as a record of Paul teaching to a room filled with both Jews and Greeks/Gentiles, believers and pre-believers. He turns from one group (I imagine they didn’t actually sit together) and shares a convicting message to them about the other group; then turns to the other group and shares a convicting message to them about the other group. Back and forth he teaches. You see God’s message was to all – not to Jews alone. And that had been missed. When Christ came He was the one that bridged the gap in misunderstanding.

“”For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him.’” John 3:16-17

Take care to know God’s Word, your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: New request: URGENT: Please pray for Virgil (and all concerned), who has been waiting for a liver transplant for years– they have found an inoperable tumour in his liver and will do a procedure Tuesday, 18 August to try directly implanting chemo into the tumour. Laughlin, nine year old, recovering from serious hip surgery & in traction for another weeks; Reg and Bev on their trip. Answers: Nancy and Ed are reconciling. Thank you for praying! Praise for Rachael and Deborah for their sensitivity in prayer. Tim and Barb to be encouraged. Ongoing Requests: Michael and Diane for travelling mercies; God’s grace on USA; Barb to find the new work God has for her; Billy and Michelle for recovery; wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry, Gary, Adrian.