Now that we're into September, two things are true when it comes to music: First, the eligibility window for the 2027 Grammy Awards is now closed, and second, we can officially reflect on the question of what was the 'Song of the Summer'. So I thought it would be fun to check in on both … Continue reading Culture Roundup (September 5, 2026): Thoughts on the Album of the Year and Song of the Summer
After his challenging words about how Christ-followers should orient themselves towards civil authority, Paul returns to his more basic exhortations about how to live out God’s mercy and love in relationships — here turning explicitly to love. Let’s look at the text. Text [13.8] Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another; for the … Continue reading Waking Up to Love: Romans 13.8-14
Paul spent chapter 12 of his letter to the Romans advocating a new kind of community, built on the foundation of mercy and grace. This was a counter-cultural ethic that was the antithesis of the Roman Empire and its values. It’s particularly surprising then, when he starts the next chapter with what seems to be … Continue reading A Tyrant’s Dream? (Redux): Romans 13.1-7
Romans 12-14 describes how Paul expects Christ-followers to behave in community. In 12.1-8, he urges humility and inner transformation, and teaches that everyone in the Church has been given gifts to help build up the community. Now here in 12.9-21, he continues by discussing what healthy relationships look like. Text [12.9] Let love not be … Continue reading Living Sacrifices in Relationship: Romans 12.9-21
Last time, we saw how Paul introduced a new section in his letter to the Romans, dedicated to moral and ethical instruction, with an exhortation to radical transformation. While this call to change is individual, it is always for the sake of the community. And in the six verses we’ll look at today, we’ll see … Continue reading Living Sacrifices Empowered for Life Together: Romans 12.3-8
Matthew Root 