What does it look like to live the Christian life in the framework of Christian community? Because of the crazy times we are living in today, we want to be deliberate in bridging the gap between where the lost and hurting people are and where there is real hope in Christ. Instead of being defeated by all the dismaying obstacles in our way, we can ask, "Where do I see opportunities to build up God's Church? Where can I share the gifts God has given me?" True spirituality recognizes what God has done and what it means to be His children.

With hope and confidence, Romans 12 addresses a very similar situation that our world is confronted with today. The world is isolated and fragmented for different reasons today than it was in Paul's day but the solution is the same; build social bonds with genuine love and without hypocrisy. The Body of Christ is uniquely equipped to offer a powerful solution to the craziness of the present times.

Why as Christians should we submit to the government at all? Isn't our citizenship in heaven? Jews of Paul's day wrestled over these very issues. Paul argues that God Himself instituted the governing authorities for our own good. A society without government would be anarchy, which is bad for all. So, even a bad governing authority, like the Jews often had to endure in their day, was better than no government. As Christians, we need to submit to the governing authorities as chosen instruments of God and not view people with differing opinions of the government as the enemy.

In his series Christian Community in Crazy Times, Jim Leffel answers three questions: At the end of the day, what is the one thing that matters most?, Who is my neighbor? and How can we persevere in urgent love? These questions are incredibly relevant in light of the pandemic that is radically disrupting everyone's life now.

Paul addresses the issue of conflict in conscience in the early Roman churches. Just as Rome was a city overflowing with diversity of ethnicities, religions, and thought, so too within the the young church was the same cultural diversity. This resulted in clashing convictions of conscience. Because there was agreement over essential points of doctrine, Paul calls his audience to not engage in conflict over these grey areas of differences but instead, preserve relationships and conscience.\r\n\r\nHe tells them to accept the person but not necessarily agree with them, that we are accountable to God for our choices, so don't judge other's choices. Don't put obstacles in the way of a brother. Pursue peace by focusing on what people really need. And finally, be a person of conviction.

The three keys to perseverance Paul lays out in Romans 15 are 1. To react to challenges victoriously, to have perseverance, one must have an outward focus, and not be selfish. But recognize others have a claim on us to build them up in the Lord. 2. Be strengthened by the inspiring examples of faithful followers of God preserved in Scripture and 3. Let God speak to our thinking through his people and through his Word, so that we can come together with one mind and one purpose.

God wants to fill us so completely that we overflow with peace and joy in abundance. Just like Paul's Roman audience, modern Christians live stress-filled lives that leave us too often feeling depleted, running on empty. The answer to feeling empty is to thirst for God. As you trust in him, he will fill you to overflowing with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.