Introduction As I come to this simple and straightforward text today, I have two things in mind. First, how clear and straight the Scripture can often be, addressing the most practical of concerns and considerations of life. This is true personally and communally. The second initial thought that seems prominently displayed before me today is how often the Christian life, in the New Testament, is portrayed in its relationship to the church. One of the great difficulties of our modern church life in our culture is the almost absent (or shall I say, growingly absent) reality of loyalty to, love for, and appreciation of the relational aspects of the Christian life in the context of the church. The idea that the Christian life is to be lived outside the boundary of our connection to both Christ and His Body, the church, is absolutely foreign to the Scriptures. I have entitled this message “Harmony and Humility” because I think these words truly and essentially address the core issue of the church and the relationships Christians have with each other in the church. Now, I want to make a general statement about this that I hope will serve us well in thinking about this: It is reasonable and even at times necessary for Christians to sometimes disengage from one another in the covenantal relationship to each other in the local church fellowship, but this is a last resort. There are times when Christians really feel they have no other option, either because of doctrinal concerns, ministerial concerns (Paul and Barnabas split their ministry team over this), or even relational concerns (disciplinary or otherwise). But splitting up is messy and difficult. It sometimes happens; it sometimes needs to happen. But in the normal course of church life and Christians relating to each other in church life, what does the Bible say to us today about interacting with each other in the life of the church? How should we think about each other, how should we treat each other, and how should we speak to each other? Let’s look at our text.

08-28-11
Pastor : Dr. John E. Greever
Sunday 10:15 AM Service: Preaching Through The Bible
The Book of Romans: : Romans 12:16