In Romans 6, Paul is dealing with a couple of objections he must have encountered more than a time or two in sharing the good news of Jesus with people. The first objection is in v. 1: What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? This goes back toContinue reading “Roots and Fruits”
Category Archives: Romans
Gloriously Ever After
Seriously Paul? The fifth chapter of Romans begins with a celebration of the peace we have with God through Jesus and “the grace in which we now stand” (v. 1-2). And just when you think it can’t get any better, Paul goes on to speak of how “we boast in hope of the glory ofContinue reading “Gloriously Ever After”
Stepping into Romans 4
One of the challenges of Romans is that it was written by a man who was essentially a Jewish rabbi before he came to Christ. Then after he surrendered to Him (Acts 22:12-16), he had countless discussions with Jewish people about how Jesus was the fulfillment of everything God had promised through the prophets (26:22-23).Continue reading “Stepping into Romans 4”
Romans and the Atonement
How does God make the world right while maintaining His righteousness? How does He treat a person as if they’ve never sinned when in fact, they have sinned (over and over)? How can He treat the violator of His law the same as the one who keeps it and still maintain both the law andContinue reading “Romans and the Atonement”
A Look At Romans 1:14-17 (2)
Paul wrote to disciples living in the heart of the Romans Empire and told them: I am obligated (1:14). Who was he obligated to? Those who were Greeks and non-Greeks (barbarians). In other words, he was obligated to those regarded as cultured and sophisticated and to those who were not. He was obligated to the wiseContinue reading “A Look At Romans 1:14-17 (2)”
From Groaning to Glory (1)
Romans 8:18-25 is one of the lesser known passages in Paul’s letter to the disciples at Rome. But lesser known doesn’t mean lesser value and we’ll see Paul has some profound things to say in this text. Let’s start with a little background on the church at Rome. The disciples at Rome had their shareContinue reading “From Groaning to Glory (1)”
From Groaning to Glory (2)
Paul told the disciples at Rome they were headed for glory through the resurrection of their bodies. But that’s not all he had to say on the subject. There was something else that was headed for the same glory—creation! Let’s look at his words in Romans 8:18-25. Creation and humanity have the same origin andContinue reading “From Groaning to Glory (2)”
Baptism And Wedding Vows
If you listen closely to the vows couples exchange during a wedding ceremony (whether they are traditional or ones they have written), they all have the same intent and purpose and say the same thing. They are promises that each will commit themselves to the attitudes and actions conducive to happy, healthy marriage. No oneContinue reading “Baptism And Wedding Vows”
Don’t Hold Back!
This is My body, which is given for you (Luke 22:19 ESV). When we come to these words marking the institution of the Lord’s Supper or communion, we would do well to take off our shoes because we are standing on holy ground. What was purposed in eternity was about to come to fruition. EverythingContinue reading “Don’t Hold Back!”
Experiencing The Word Of God
Our family has always liked to hike and over the years we’ve had the opportunity to do so in several states (almost always at state parks). The one thing none of us are blessed with is a great sense of direction, so we appreciate the fact that the trails are always color coded. Most ofContinue reading “Experiencing The Word Of God”
