Romans 16 mentions several believers in Christ, beginning with Phoebe the deaconess.
Now I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea; that you receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and that you help her in whatever matter she may have need of you; for she herself has also been a benefactor of many, and of myself as well. – Romans 16:1-2.
Some versions use “deaconess” in place of “servant”, but in either case, Paul takes care in expressing his gratitude towards how God has blessed many people through the work of this woman named Phoebe. Phoebe means “Bright and Radiant”, and no doubt her name was a reflection of her worth in the sight of God which has been preserved for us in Holy Scripture along with many other Christians in that final chapter of Romans.
I learned that Cenchrea was a place East of Corinth, along the Saronic Gulf. Quite a long journey, roughly 1200 miles by sea or about the same by sea.
During that time, the Church was a growing and often persecuted group, not unlike today, especially in countries that offer no protection from belligerent anti-Christian groups. Believers in Christ met in places of opportunity, often in a believer’s home, often in secret.
The model for the church, without such grand structures commonly found around the world, made itself a better conduit for genuine belief, particularly if the consequence is persecution and death. It promoted the faithful transmission of Christ’s teachings, witness, and support.
Nowadays, being a “Christian” means many different things to those who call themselves Christians, many of which have nothing to do with the true gospel. Living apart from the true gospel will lead people to hell. The sole purpose of this blog is to help steer people, self-proclaiming Christians or not, to the saving Grace which is the Gospel of Salvation through the narrow gate that is the Resurrected Lord Jesus Christ.
Christianity is an intentional relationship with God, Jesus Christ the Lord and Savior is the head of the Church (the world wide body of believers). According to the teachings of Christ and of Scripture, a follower of Christ requires repentance (turning from sin) and a trusting in the saving work of Jesus.
Regarding the security Christ offers for Salvation as opposed to endeavoring to meet the demands and expectations of the world for your eternal peace: 28 “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-29
Jesus lived a righteous and sinless life, choosing to take upon Himself our sin, to receive the wrath and punishment for those who will ever come to a saving belief. Only a sinless sacrifice can satisfy the need for justice from a Holy God, that is one reason why we cannot work for our Salvation, that’s why we must place our trust only in the work of Jesus Christ for Salvation.
For a one minute explanation of the Gospel from the late Pastor John MacArthur, watch this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCP9UcC7BzE
For a review of the Ten Commandments: https://www.challenyee.com/the-ten-commandments/
All quoted excerpts have footnotes removed, usually from Legacy Standard Bible (LSB), sometimes from New International Version (NIV), on rare occasion the Amplified Bible (AMP).
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6-28-24