I want to thank those of you whom have prayed for me these past few weeks. I made it to Colorado for the funeral and I am home now. I need to get back into a routine which will include this blog.
Romans 6:1-14 NIV
1 What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— 7 because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.
In the previous chapter Paul mentioned that where there is great sin, grace becomes greater. I could see myself coming up with the very argument above. My sin makes God look good, so I'll sin a lot to make him look great.
We are "dead" to sin. When a police officer arrives on the scene when a body is found, what would happen if he started questioning the body? What would happen if he started threatening the body with arrest if it did not answer his questions? NOTHING. It's dead. The body no longer obeys the officer because it is dead.
Like wise we are dead to sin. When temptation comes along to entice us, it has no power or authority over us.
8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him. 10 The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. 11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Christ cannot die again. He lives to God. We to are to live our lives to God.
12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. 13 Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. 14 For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.
Since since is not hour master anymore, the only way one sins is to willingly offer their parts to sin. It a choice that we make. If we are in Christ then HE is our master and not sin.
God Bless.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Made it to CO
We drive from Phoenix AZ to Grand Junction CO yesterday. Saw some beautiful country. Ashes will not be here till Sat at the earliest so we are guessing Mon/ Tue funeral.
Thank you all for you continued prayers.
God Bless.
Thank you all for you continued prayers.
God Bless.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
My sister has passed away.
My sister has passed on to be with the Lord. Cancer cut her down in only 4 months. She lived each day for the Lord and her blog praised our Savior every day.
Yesterday, Jan 21, 2012 she crossed the veil and saw our Savior face to face. She now is experiencing the truth of the Book of Romans and the truth of scripture.
If you are waiting till you are "older" to accept Christ, please note that Cheryl was 43. You never know when your life is going to end.
I request your prayers for my family as we get through these next few days.
God Bless.
Yesterday, Jan 21, 2012 she crossed the veil and saw our Savior face to face. She now is experiencing the truth of the Book of Romans and the truth of scripture.
If you are waiting till you are "older" to accept Christ, please note that Cheryl was 43. You never know when your life is going to end.
I request your prayers for my family as we get through these next few days.
God Bless.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Romans 5:12-21
Romans 5:12-21 NIV
12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned—
13 To be sure, sin was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not charged against anyone’s account where there is no law. 14 Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who is a pattern of the one to come.
I find it interesting that from Adam to Moses, there is only one recorded command. That is don't eat of the tree of life or the tree of knowledge of good and evil. And since Adam and Eve were thrown out of the Garden and an angel was placed to guard it and no one could ever reach either. Yet sin still reigned.
15 But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! 16 Nor can the gift of God be compared with the result of one man’s sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. 17 For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!
18 Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.
Our birth through Adam makes us all sinners. Our rebirth through Christ results in our justification.
20 The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, 21 so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The law was brought in to make people aware of their sin and need of a Savior. Paul deals with the next obvious question in the next chapter.
God Bless.
12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned—
13 To be sure, sin was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not charged against anyone’s account where there is no law. 14 Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who is a pattern of the one to come.
I find it interesting that from Adam to Moses, there is only one recorded command. That is don't eat of the tree of life or the tree of knowledge of good and evil. And since Adam and Eve were thrown out of the Garden and an angel was placed to guard it and no one could ever reach either. Yet sin still reigned.
15 But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! 16 Nor can the gift of God be compared with the result of one man’s sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. 17 For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!
18 Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.
Our birth through Adam makes us all sinners. Our rebirth through Christ results in our justification.
20 The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, 21 so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The law was brought in to make people aware of their sin and need of a Savior. Paul deals with the next obvious question in the next chapter.
God Bless.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Romans 5:6-11
Romans 5:6-11 NIV
6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
In God's perfect timing Christ died for me. There was NOTHING I did to deserve it and I was helpless to do anything about my status before God. The same is true for you.
9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! 10 For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11 Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
We were enemies with God and He provided a way for us to be reconciled. He balanced the books and allowed Christ to pay our debt. We have nothing to boast about except for God.
God Bless.
6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
In God's perfect timing Christ died for me. There was NOTHING I did to deserve it and I was helpless to do anything about my status before God. The same is true for you.
9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! 10 For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11 Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
We were enemies with God and He provided a way for us to be reconciled. He balanced the books and allowed Christ to pay our debt. We have nothing to boast about except for God.
God Bless.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Romans 5:1-5
Romans 5:1-5 NIV
1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.
We stand in grace. Think about that for a minute. There is an acrostic God's Righteous At Christ's Expense that explains grace. We boast in that and not in ourselves.
3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
These verses never made sense to me till 2011. Last year in March I was asked to leave home as my wife had filed for divorce. In one sweep I lost my home and family. In April of last year I had surgery and since they made a mistake they had to do it a second time. In October I lost my job that I'd had for 19 years. Both of my parents were hospitalized for emergencies. My big sister was diagnosed with cancer. All of these things made me want to forget 2011. But then the Holy Spirit showed me all that I had learned through all of that pain. He showed me how deep my faith had become. I was reminded that my daughter listened to the Spirit's call and was Baptized even though her life had fallen apart.
I understand joy in suffering. I understand what Paul meant when he said I am content in all circumstances.
Because I have persevered and allowed God to change my character, I have a hope in me that was not there in Jan of 2011.
God Bless.
1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.
We stand in grace. Think about that for a minute. There is an acrostic God's Righteous At Christ's Expense that explains grace. We boast in that and not in ourselves.
3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
These verses never made sense to me till 2011. Last year in March I was asked to leave home as my wife had filed for divorce. In one sweep I lost my home and family. In April of last year I had surgery and since they made a mistake they had to do it a second time. In October I lost my job that I'd had for 19 years. Both of my parents were hospitalized for emergencies. My big sister was diagnosed with cancer. All of these things made me want to forget 2011. But then the Holy Spirit showed me all that I had learned through all of that pain. He showed me how deep my faith had become. I was reminded that my daughter listened to the Spirit's call and was Baptized even though her life had fallen apart.
I understand joy in suffering. I understand what Paul meant when he said I am content in all circumstances.
Because I have persevered and allowed God to change my character, I have a hope in me that was not there in Jan of 2011.
God Bless.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Romans 4:13-25
Romans 4:13-25 NIV
13 It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. 14 For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless, 15 because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.
Vs 14 if we depend on being good or obeying the 10 Commandments, then our faith is worthless.
16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. 17 As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.
Vs 16 tells us that if we have the faith like Abraham did, then the promises belong to us as well.
18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” 19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.
I think of the things in which I have lost hope. Abraham had faith in the "humanly" impossible. His faith was in God's power. I think how often I give because I know I can't do something and since I can't figure out how God would do it, I quit trying or praying and just give up. Yet Abraham was "fully persuaded" and moved forward in faith.
22 This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” 23 The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, 24 but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.
Because of his faith, we too who have faith can be credited with righteousness. Only if we believe that Jesus "was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification."
Do you have this faith? Have you ever put your trust in Him. If the Holy Spirit is convicting you right now that you need this savior tell him in your own words that you know you are a sinner, you believe that God sent Jesus to pay the price for you sin and that you accept his payment for you sin.
If you do this, I would love to hear from you.
God Bless
13 It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. 14 For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless, 15 because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.
Vs 14 if we depend on being good or obeying the 10 Commandments, then our faith is worthless.
16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. 17 As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.
Vs 16 tells us that if we have the faith like Abraham did, then the promises belong to us as well.
18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” 19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.
I think of the things in which I have lost hope. Abraham had faith in the "humanly" impossible. His faith was in God's power. I think how often I give because I know I can't do something and since I can't figure out how God would do it, I quit trying or praying and just give up. Yet Abraham was "fully persuaded" and moved forward in faith.
22 This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” 23 The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, 24 but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.
Because of his faith, we too who have faith can be credited with righteousness. Only if we believe that Jesus "was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification."
Do you have this faith? Have you ever put your trust in Him. If the Holy Spirit is convicting you right now that you need this savior tell him in your own words that you know you are a sinner, you believe that God sent Jesus to pay the price for you sin and that you accept his payment for you sin.
If you do this, I would love to hear from you.
God Bless
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Romans 4:1-12
Romans 4:1-12 NIV
1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter? 2 If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. 3 What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”
What came first? Faith. Then came that action.
4 Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation. 5 However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.
When I read this, I immediately thought of chapter 3 verse 23 where Paul says "the wages of sin is death." If one is looking for what they are "owed" they're not going to receive mercy. God owes us nothing, but chooses to give mercy to those who trust him.
I can't help but marvel at the truth here. To be forgiven and know that I will never have to pay my sin debt is an amazing feeling.
9 Is this blessedness only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? We have been saying that Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness. 10 Under what circumstances was it credited? Was it after he was circumcised, or before? It was not after, but before! 11 And he received circumcision as a sign, a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. So then, he is the father of all who believe but have not been circumcised, in order that righteousness might be credited to them. 12 And he is then also the father of the circumcised who not only are circumcised but who also follow in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.
Abraham is the father of us all. His faith and then obedience showed the way for all of us. Paul will continue to show us this truth. Salvation does not come through anything we did, do or deserve. It come through faith in what Christ has done.
God Bless.
1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter? 2 If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. 3 What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”
What came first? Faith. Then came that action.
4 Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation. 5 However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.
When I read this, I immediately thought of chapter 3 verse 23 where Paul says "the wages of sin is death." If one is looking for what they are "owed" they're not going to receive mercy. God owes us nothing, but chooses to give mercy to those who trust him.
6 David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the one to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:
7 “Blessed are those
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
8 Blessed is the one
whose sin the Lord will never count against them.”
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
8 Blessed is the one
whose sin the Lord will never count against them.”
I can't help but marvel at the truth here. To be forgiven and know that I will never have to pay my sin debt is an amazing feeling.
9 Is this blessedness only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? We have been saying that Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness. 10 Under what circumstances was it credited? Was it after he was circumcised, or before? It was not after, but before! 11 And he received circumcision as a sign, a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. So then, he is the father of all who believe but have not been circumcised, in order that righteousness might be credited to them. 12 And he is then also the father of the circumcised who not only are circumcised but who also follow in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.
Abraham is the father of us all. His faith and then obedience showed the way for all of us. Paul will continue to show us this truth. Salvation does not come through anything we did, do or deserve. It come through faith in what Christ has done.
God Bless.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Romans 3:21-31
Romans 3:21-31 NIV
21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
Paul now brings it all together. He informs the Romans that both Jews and Gentiles have sinned and that both can have redemption and God's righteousness through Christ. The same applies to you and I today. We all have sinned. We all need to believe in Christ.
25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26 he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
Atonement: to make amends or reparations. Christ blood was the only sacrifice that would atone for the sin of the world. God in his mercy did not punish those who died in faith before Jesus. They died with a faith in the coming messiah.
27 Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires works? No, because of the law that requires faith. 28 For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, 30 since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. 31 Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.
There is nothing to boast about. I did nothing to atone for my sin. God is the God of all. God alone justifies through faith.
God Bless.
21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
Paul now brings it all together. He informs the Romans that both Jews and Gentiles have sinned and that both can have redemption and God's righteousness through Christ. The same applies to you and I today. We all have sinned. We all need to believe in Christ.
25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26 he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
Atonement: to make amends or reparations. Christ blood was the only sacrifice that would atone for the sin of the world. God in his mercy did not punish those who died in faith before Jesus. They died with a faith in the coming messiah.
27 Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires works? No, because of the law that requires faith. 28 For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, 30 since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. 31 Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.
There is nothing to boast about. I did nothing to atone for my sin. God is the God of all. God alone justifies through faith.
God Bless.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Romans 3:1-20
Romans 3:1-20 NIV
1What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? 2 Much in every way! First of all, the Jews have been entrusted with the very words of God.
11 there is no one who understands;
there is no one who seeks God.
12 All have turned away,
they have together become worthless;
there is no one who does good,
not even one.”
13 “Their throats are open graves;
their tongues practice deceit.”
“The poison of vipers is on their lips.”
14 “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”
15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood;
16 ruin and misery mark their ways,
17 and the way of peace they do not know.”
18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”
19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. 20 Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.
I did not break this passage up because I wanted the entire thought brought out. Paul has now spent Chapter 2 and the fist 20 verses of Chapter 3 explaining that nothing we do of ourselves can save us. We are not good enough to earn salvation and no one can say "I did not know.".
Do not be disheartened. There is hope and we will start talking about it tomorrow.
God Bless.
1What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? 2 Much in every way! First of all, the Jews have been entrusted with the very words of God.
3 What if some were unfaithful? Will their unfaithfulness nullify God’s faithfulness? 4 Not at all! Let God be true, and every human being a liar. As it is written:
“So that you may be proved right when you speak
and prevail when you judge.”
and prevail when you judge.”
5 But if our unrighteousness brings out God’s righteousness more clearly, what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us? (I am using a human argument.) 6 Certainly not! If that were so, how could God judge the world? 7 Someone might argue, “If my falsehood enhances God’s truthfulness and so increases his glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner?” 8Why not say—as some slanderously claim that we say—“Let us do evil that good may result”? Their condemnation is just!
9 What shall we conclude then? Do we have any advantage? Not at all! For we have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under the power of sin. 10 As it is written:
“There is no one righteous, not even one;11 there is no one who understands;
there is no one who seeks God.
12 All have turned away,
they have together become worthless;
there is no one who does good,
not even one.”
13 “Their throats are open graves;
their tongues practice deceit.”
“The poison of vipers is on their lips.”
14 “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”
15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood;
16 ruin and misery mark their ways,
17 and the way of peace they do not know.”
18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”
19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. 20 Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.
I did not break this passage up because I wanted the entire thought brought out. Paul has now spent Chapter 2 and the fist 20 verses of Chapter 3 explaining that nothing we do of ourselves can save us. We are not good enough to earn salvation and no one can say "I did not know.".
Do not be disheartened. There is hope and we will start talking about it tomorrow.
God Bless.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Romans 2:25-29
25 Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised. 26 So then, if those who are not circumcised keep the law’s requirements, will they not be regarded as though they were circumcised? 27 The one who is not circumcised physically and yet obeys the law will condemn you who, even though you have the written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker.
28 A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. 29 No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.
When a recruit gets off the bus at any military based they are stripped of all their civilian clothes and given the uniform of the branch they have volunteered for. Putting on that uniform does not make them a Marine, Sailor, Airman, or Soldier. It is only after the drill instructor breaks down each individual until they let go of their old life and accept military life.
A person can obey all the rule, put on their best clothes, go to church, youth group and Bible studies, give to the poor and just be a good citizen, but that will not make them a Christian. It's not until the Holy Spirit convicts them of sin and they realize their need of a Savior. Then they accept Christ's forgiveness of sin and allow the Holy Spirit to change them.
1 Samuel 16:7 NIV
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
God Bless.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Romans 2:17-24
Romans 2:17-24 NIV
17 Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and boast in God; 18 if you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law; 19 if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of little children, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— 21 you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? 22 You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? 24 As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”
Here Paul is speaking to the Jews about saying one thing and doing another. In verse 24 he admonishes them that their hypocrisy is causing God to be blasphemed.
Let's apply this to the church today. I ask these questions of myself as well. How many of us professing to be Christians hurt the cause of Christ by our action or inaction? How many nonbelievers refuse to even listen to the gospel because of an experience they had with a "Christian" in there past? Has so much of the world crept into your life that the only difference is you have to get up on Sunday's to go to church?
We will never be perfect. We will make mistakes. I have found that admitting and confessing those mistakes to my unsaved friends when I screw up in front of the them helps. They invariably say, "No big deal." Then I get the opportunity to explain my relationship with Christ. Without exception my friends listen because I don't come across as "holier than thou".
God Bless.
17 Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and boast in God; 18 if you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law; 19 if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of little children, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— 21 you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? 22 You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? 24 As it is written: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”
Here Paul is speaking to the Jews about saying one thing and doing another. In verse 24 he admonishes them that their hypocrisy is causing God to be blasphemed.
Let's apply this to the church today. I ask these questions of myself as well. How many of us professing to be Christians hurt the cause of Christ by our action or inaction? How many nonbelievers refuse to even listen to the gospel because of an experience they had with a "Christian" in there past? Has so much of the world crept into your life that the only difference is you have to get up on Sunday's to go to church?
We will never be perfect. We will make mistakes. I have found that admitting and confessing those mistakes to my unsaved friends when I screw up in front of the them helps. They invariably say, "No big deal." Then I get the opportunity to explain my relationship with Christ. Without exception my friends listen because I don't come across as "holier than thou".
God Bless.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Romans 2:12-16
Romans 2:12-16 NIV
12 All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law.
Paul, a Jew, was writing the a Gentile audience. Paul had been raised under the law and without Christ would be judged by that law. To break only one law made them guilty of it all. The Romans did not have the law, but they too would not be excused.
13For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.
Only one man ever obeyed the entire law and that is Jesus.
14 (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.)
There are good people out there that are on their way to hell. They do good things and they help people. They obey the law and pay their taxes. But these are works and not enough.
16 This will take place on the day when God judges people’s secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.
Even as I paste this verse in my blog I think about what's going on in my head and the secrets I keep. God knows about them and a day is coming that those will be judged. I'm glad that I have accepted Christ's forgiveness so that my secrets will not condemn me. Paul will discuss this in Romans 8. I won't link to it now, but you can look it up if you like.
God Bless.
12 All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law.
Paul, a Jew, was writing the a Gentile audience. Paul had been raised under the law and without Christ would be judged by that law. To break only one law made them guilty of it all. The Romans did not have the law, but they too would not be excused.
13For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.
Only one man ever obeyed the entire law and that is Jesus.
14 (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.)
There are good people out there that are on their way to hell. They do good things and they help people. They obey the law and pay their taxes. But these are works and not enough.
16 This will take place on the day when God judges people’s secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.
Even as I paste this verse in my blog I think about what's going on in my head and the secrets I keep. God knows about them and a day is coming that those will be judged. I'm glad that I have accepted Christ's forgiveness so that my secrets will not condemn me. Paul will discuss this in Romans 8. I won't link to it now, but you can look it up if you like.
God Bless.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Romans 2:5-11
Romans 2:5-11 NIV
5 But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed.
Here are the people who willingly refuse to accept Jesus payment for their sin. They are stubborn and unrepentant. They may actually live this entire life without any punishment for their ways. However there will be a day of reckoning. That day will not come from man, it will come from God.
6 God “will repay each person according to what they have done.” 7 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. 8 But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.
At first glance one may say this is a "works" salvation. It is not. In light of vs5 Paul was speaking to those who have rejected Christ, these verses show the contrast evidenced in the life of one who has NOT rejected Christ.
9 There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; 10 but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 11 For God does not show favoritism.
Again, not a works message. This shows that God will not give special treatment to any people group. The Jews received first recognition because they are God's chosen people. They received the Word form God first and were to bring it to the world.
To sum up: If we were reject Christ's salvation it will be evidenced in our lives. If we accept Christ's salvation it will be evidenced in our lives. It does not matter who you are "for God doe not show favoritism."
God Bless.
5 But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed.
Here are the people who willingly refuse to accept Jesus payment for their sin. They are stubborn and unrepentant. They may actually live this entire life without any punishment for their ways. However there will be a day of reckoning. That day will not come from man, it will come from God.
6 God “will repay each person according to what they have done.” 7 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. 8 But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.
At first glance one may say this is a "works" salvation. It is not. In light of vs5 Paul was speaking to those who have rejected Christ, these verses show the contrast evidenced in the life of one who has NOT rejected Christ.
9 There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; 10 but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 11 For God does not show favoritism.
Again, not a works message. This shows that God will not give special treatment to any people group. The Jews received first recognition because they are God's chosen people. They received the Word form God first and were to bring it to the world.
To sum up: If we were reject Christ's salvation it will be evidenced in our lives. If we accept Christ's salvation it will be evidenced in our lives. It does not matter who you are "for God doe not show favoritism."
God Bless.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Romans 2:1-4
Romans 2:1-4 NIV
1 You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 2 Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3 So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? 4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?
Are you a hypocrite? Do you do something and then cast judgement on someone else for the same offense? Sometimes people feel offended that person continues to "get away" with (insert whatever sin here) for so long. Verse 4 explains the purpose is to lead us to repentance.
Now what do we do if a brother is sinning? Do we allow the sin to continue so as to not "pass judgement"? NO! Vs 2 clearly states the God has already passed judgement on certain behaviors and those are clearly marked out in scripture. Should you see a brother in sin you follow Matthew 7:4-5 NIV and then Matthew 18:15-17 NIV if there be a need to go that far.
No where is scripture does it tell us to judge the world or non Christians. That is God's job. We are to bring the gospel to the world and allow God's Word to change the world.
God Bless.
1 You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 2 Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3 So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? 4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?
Are you a hypocrite? Do you do something and then cast judgement on someone else for the same offense? Sometimes people feel offended that person continues to "get away" with (insert whatever sin here) for so long. Verse 4 explains the purpose is to lead us to repentance.
Now what do we do if a brother is sinning? Do we allow the sin to continue so as to not "pass judgement"? NO! Vs 2 clearly states the God has already passed judgement on certain behaviors and those are clearly marked out in scripture. Should you see a brother in sin you follow Matthew 7:4-5 NIV and then Matthew 18:15-17 NIV if there be a need to go that far.
No where is scripture does it tell us to judge the world or non Christians. That is God's job. We are to bring the gospel to the world and allow God's Word to change the world.
God Bless.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Romans 1:18-32
Romans 1:18-32 NIV
18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
I have heard the question asked, "How can God send people to hell if they have never heard the gospel?" Here it is. You can see God within nature itself. This is also why evolution is so absurd. Intelligent design is EVERYWHERE yet man wants believe in evolution. This way he does not have to submit to an all powerful God and creator.
21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.
We see this throughout human history. Idols in the form of man and all sorts of beasts. Today we worship pop stars, movie stars, political figures and our "stuff" this materialistic society has said we "need".
When man turns his heart from God he will turn to sexual sin. Sexual sin gets ever more hungry. It is never satisfied outside of God's design. Verses 26 and 27 clearly states that homosexuality is not natural. In fact it clearly calls it shameful. It also states that it is the result of turning one back on God. There is no such thing as a person "born" a homosexual.
This is one area I feel the church has failed homosexuals. Sexual sin is sexual sin. So many of our churches will help a teen boy or girl that disobey God and create a child out of wedlock. The church will come along side love and assist in getting those kids on the right path. Yet when a youth admits to homosexual desires they are treated like a leaper and cast out. God hates ALL sexual sin, but he loves the sinner. He loves them so much he sent Jesus to die for them. People who have fallen into homosexuality need love, understanding and help. If they don't get it from the church they will seek it elsewhere.
28 Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. 29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31 they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. 32 Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.
Read verses 28 to 31 and then watch the evening news or read the front page of just about any news paper. God has given those who reject him over to a depraved mind.
When I read verse 32 I can't help but think of our society as a whole. The more debase something is, the more is is revered in life. This ought not to be so.
God Bless.
18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
I have heard the question asked, "How can God send people to hell if they have never heard the gospel?" Here it is. You can see God within nature itself. This is also why evolution is so absurd. Intelligent design is EVERYWHERE yet man wants believe in evolution. This way he does not have to submit to an all powerful God and creator.
21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.
We see this throughout human history. Idols in the form of man and all sorts of beasts. Today we worship pop stars, movie stars, political figures and our "stuff" this materialistic society has said we "need".
24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.
26 Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. 27 In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.
When man turns his heart from God he will turn to sexual sin. Sexual sin gets ever more hungry. It is never satisfied outside of God's design. Verses 26 and 27 clearly states that homosexuality is not natural. In fact it clearly calls it shameful. It also states that it is the result of turning one back on God. There is no such thing as a person "born" a homosexual.
This is one area I feel the church has failed homosexuals. Sexual sin is sexual sin. So many of our churches will help a teen boy or girl that disobey God and create a child out of wedlock. The church will come along side love and assist in getting those kids on the right path. Yet when a youth admits to homosexual desires they are treated like a leaper and cast out. God hates ALL sexual sin, but he loves the sinner. He loves them so much he sent Jesus to die for them. People who have fallen into homosexuality need love, understanding and help. If they don't get it from the church they will seek it elsewhere.
28 Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. 29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31 they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. 32 Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.
Read verses 28 to 31 and then watch the evening news or read the front page of just about any news paper. God has given those who reject him over to a depraved mind.
When I read verse 32 I can't help but think of our society as a whole. The more debase something is, the more is is revered in life. This ought not to be so.
God Bless.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Romans 1:8-17
Romans 1:8-17 NIV
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. 9 God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you 10 in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you.
We need to pray for those people to whom we minister. My first conviction upon reading this is I do not pray enough for my children. My second conviction was I did not pray enough for the boys in the Pioneer Club I helped to teach. Also notice the recognition that Paul gives. He tells them that he has heard good things about them. I've been real good at the admonition part of leadership. Now to work on the prayer and praise part.
11 I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— 12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. 13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.
Getting together is good. The question is, do we encourage one another? I attended a diner party one evening and the other guest looked at our host and asked, "What is the Lord doing in you life this week?" I was blown away. At 40 years of age and having been a Christian for better that 3/4 of that time, I cannot remember Christ being the center of the conversation during a social visit. The next time it happened I went to a friend's after he and I went out to the movies. He and I spoke till 3:30 in the morning about God and both of us left encouraged and refreshed in the Lord.
There is nothing wrong with getting together to watch football or hockey, I just want to encourage you to invite the Lord along. Use the breaks and commercials to encourage each other in Christ.
14 I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. 15 That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome.
Paul was the apostle sent to the gentiles. He did much of his preaching to the Greeks. Now he had and opportunity to go to Rome and was excited about it.
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”
Paul was not ashamed. I admit that sometimes I have been and I have not shared my faith when I was prompted by the Holy Spirit.
Faith is very prominent in this book. Christianity is by faith. We are not saved by what we do. What we do is the result of what we believe. It is the outcome of the faith we have in God.
God Bless.
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. 9 God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you 10 in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you.
We need to pray for those people to whom we minister. My first conviction upon reading this is I do not pray enough for my children. My second conviction was I did not pray enough for the boys in the Pioneer Club I helped to teach. Also notice the recognition that Paul gives. He tells them that he has heard good things about them. I've been real good at the admonition part of leadership. Now to work on the prayer and praise part.
11 I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— 12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. 13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.
Getting together is good. The question is, do we encourage one another? I attended a diner party one evening and the other guest looked at our host and asked, "What is the Lord doing in you life this week?" I was blown away. At 40 years of age and having been a Christian for better that 3/4 of that time, I cannot remember Christ being the center of the conversation during a social visit. The next time it happened I went to a friend's after he and I went out to the movies. He and I spoke till 3:30 in the morning about God and both of us left encouraged and refreshed in the Lord.
There is nothing wrong with getting together to watch football or hockey, I just want to encourage you to invite the Lord along. Use the breaks and commercials to encourage each other in Christ.
14 I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. 15 That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome.
Paul was the apostle sent to the gentiles. He did much of his preaching to the Greeks. Now he had and opportunity to go to Rome and was excited about it.
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”
Paul was not ashamed. I admit that sometimes I have been and I have not shared my faith when I was prompted by the Holy Spirit.
Faith is very prominent in this book. Christianity is by faith. We are not saved by what we do. What we do is the result of what we believe. It is the outcome of the faith we have in God.
God Bless.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Romans 1:1-7
Romans 1:1-7 NIV
1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God—
Paul starts with showing his credentials. An apostle is a rare breed. For one to be an apostle you must have a specific message given to you by Jesus Christ himself. Paul met the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. Paul was taken to the third heaven and taught personally by Jesus.
2 the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David,
Paul continues with validating his message. Isaiah 7:14 foretells the virgin birth. Isaiah 53:4-6 foretells him taking our punishment. Psalm 22 foretells Christ torment of being separated from God. Psalm 69:21 foretells His experience on the cross. In all 300 prophesies about Christ were fulfill by him.
4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.
Paul continues with the validation of the one who gave the message. Christ rose from the dead. This makes what he said something we can believe in.
5 Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake. 6 And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
This is a call to "all Gentiles" to obedience that comes from faith. There were only two people groups at the writing of this letter. Jews and non-Jews also known as Gentiles.
The Roman church was the first to receive this letter. Through God's plan the letter was passed to other churches and preserved through time and now we too get to read it.
So I ask you to pray for me as I study this book and share what God has for us. Romans is a deep book the we could spend our lives on and never fully understand it and that is why I shied away from it for so long. However the first time I study this book, I learned that it is also very practical and teaches the foundation every believer in Christ should know.
God Bless.
1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God—
Paul starts with showing his credentials. An apostle is a rare breed. For one to be an apostle you must have a specific message given to you by Jesus Christ himself. Paul met the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. Paul was taken to the third heaven and taught personally by Jesus.
2 the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David,
Paul continues with validating his message. Isaiah 7:14 foretells the virgin birth. Isaiah 53:4-6 foretells him taking our punishment. Psalm 22 foretells Christ torment of being separated from God. Psalm 69:21 foretells His experience on the cross. In all 300 prophesies about Christ were fulfill by him.
4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.
Paul continues with the validation of the one who gave the message. Christ rose from the dead. This makes what he said something we can believe in.
5 Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake. 6 And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
This is a call to "all Gentiles" to obedience that comes from faith. There were only two people groups at the writing of this letter. Jews and non-Jews also known as Gentiles.
7 To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Roman church was the first to receive this letter. Through God's plan the letter was passed to other churches and preserved through time and now we too get to read it.
So I ask you to pray for me as I study this book and share what God has for us. Romans is a deep book the we could spend our lives on and never fully understand it and that is why I shied away from it for so long. However the first time I study this book, I learned that it is also very practical and teaches the foundation every believer in Christ should know.
God Bless.
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