Bay Leaf Baptist Church

Pastor Jared Richard's sermon on Romans 14:1-13a examines how the church can maintain unity despite differences in matters of conscience. Drawing from Paul's letter to the Romans, he identifies the problem of division between "weak" and "strong" believers over issues like food restrictions and special days. This division threatens both the church's witness and mission. Pastor Jared explains that the solution is found in three Gospel demands: accepting those whom God has accepted in Christ, individually living under the lordship of Christ, and anticipating God's perfect judgment. He introduces the concept of "theological triage," distinguishing between essential Christian beliefs (dogma), denominational differences (doctrine), and personal convictions (disputable matters). The sermon concludes with a powerful reminder that while we don't have to agree on everything, we must welcome one another just as God has welcomed us in Christ, keeping the main things central while giving freedom in matters of conscience.