1. What do Christians do when they have conscientious differences? What would love cause them to do?

2. Hallmarks of the Transformed Life Loving Our Brethren When We Differ

3. What happens when brethren disagree about matters that involve the joint action of the church? How do we deal with those with conscientious objections to that which we do together?

4. Misuse of Romans 14-15 Misuses the context and results in disobedience Subverts God ’ s plan for leadership Paralyzes the local congregation

5. What principles should govern our practice?

6. Authority We need to keep focused on the word of Christ as the standard of authority in all congregational matters. Whoever speaks, let him speak, as it were, the utterances of God; whoever serves, let him do so as by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:11)

7. Leadership We need to choose leaders with knowledge of the word and wisdom to guide us in congregational matters and submit to them. Obey your leaders, and submit to them; for they keep watch over your souls, as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you. (Hebrews 13:17)

8. Edification We need to focus on real edification rather than personal likes and entertainment. Let all things be done for edification (1 Cor. 14:26).

9. Unity We need to work for harmony and avoid a factious spirit. it seemed good to us, having become of one mind (Ac. 15:25)

10. And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able also to admonish one another. (Romans 15:14) Reject a factious man after a first and second warning, (Titus 3:10)

11. Independence We need to exercise our congregational independence in doing what we agree to be right. shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; (1 Peter 5:2)

12. Though Romans 14 is not the answer to the problem of differences about collective work, these principles will help assure the peaceful and effective work of congregations.