Posts by John Longmire (Page 2)

Therefore welcome one another, just as Christ also welcomed you, to the glory of God. (Romans 15:7) The house of God is ever-increasing. God is always drawing people to himself and to his Son Jesus Christ. Those whom he draws need a home, and so the church must be open and welcoming to everyone. Jesus called us “The City on a Hill,” and so we are to be visible to weary souls who are seeking God and looking for a…

Now may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, according to Christ Jesus, so that you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ with one mind and one voice. (Romans 15:5-6) We are all in this together. There is a beautiful kinship among Christian believers that is precious to God and a joy to us. When we recognize each other as sisters and brothers, we enter into…

For whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that we may have hope through endurance and through the encouragement from the Scriptures. (Romans 15:4) The Scriptures are for your instruction, not just for true doctrine, but for how to live. The Scriptures have been given to you for hope, for endurance, and for encouragement. I’ve said before that the way of Christ is difficult. Actually, it is a beautiful and delightful way. The ways of…

Now we who are strong have an obligation to bear the weaknesses of those without strength, and not to please ourselves. Each one of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself. On the contrary, as it is written, The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me. (Romans 15:1-3) As we progress to Christian maturity, we will have the opportunity of sharing what we have…

Do not tear down God’s work because of food. Everything is clean, but it is wrong to make someone fall by what he eats. It is a good thing not to eat meat, or drink wine, or do anything that makes your brother or sister stumble. Whatever you believe about these things, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. But whoever doubts stands condemned if he eats, because his…