Justification: The Other Side of Condemnation
Condemnation and justification are two key concepts in our faith. They are opposites; different sides of a coin. One is very good; the other is very bad. Let’s look at both and bring the contrast into a sharp focus. We start with the bad one. Condemnation Mankind has been condemned since Eden. When God […]
The Struggle
Almost everything in life is a process. Our physical growth is a process occurring over decades. Education is a process spanning years and years. In the same way, spiritual development is a process. It takes time to purge the bad habits and develop new, godly habits. Sometimes we become impatient with ourselves and with others […]
Romans – Know the Book
Romans is the most profound book in the Bible. Written by Paul it plumbs the depths of theology and offers magnificent pearls for every reader. It is a book that raises praises to the Almighty God and centers the readers thoughts upon Jesus his inestimable Son. Tragically, many errant doctrines are taught based upon misunderstandings […]
Wake Up, Man Up – Romans 13:11-14
While studying for another article I came across this paragraph in Romans. I think because I have been reading David Platt’s Radical the passage grabbed my attention. Paul is essentially saying get ready, man-up, its time to get serious about our faith. Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you […]
Truth Haters
A couple of verses for your consideration without comment from me. You are encouraged to offer your thoughts in the comments section. “They hate him who reproves in the gate and they abhor him who speaks truth” (Amos 5:10). And from the New Testament: “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all […]
Romans 6, Part Four (Romans 6:12-13)
The crucial challenge for Christians is to live righteously. As a chosen race and a holy nation( 1 Peter 2:9) we should live, act and think differently from the world. It is not always easy but it is possible. In Romans 6:12-13 we see the call to godly living. “Let not sin therefore reign in […]
Romans 6, Part 3 (Romans 6:1-11)
This section of Romans 6 contains 3 very powerful analogies to help us understand our walk with Christ. Remember from chapter 5 that Paul is arguing that although grace exceeds sin (Romans 5:20) we must avoid sin if we intend to claim that we belong to Christ (Romans 6:1-2). Now Paul offers three key comparisons […]
Romans 6, Part 2 (Romans 6:3)
As we continue our look at this great chapter of the Bible we want to examine verse 3 in some detail. Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ were baptized into his death? (Romans 6:3, ESV) Paul is building on the thought begun in Romans 5 where he […]
Romans 6
For some reason I have been thinking about Romans 6 quite a bit lately. I did a lengthy discussion of it at the University in Lethem and then used it as the basis for a Bible Study class in Georgetown on Wednesday night. There is a lot of meat on these verses! Romans is arguably […]
Freedom
Romans 5:6, 15-17 Matthew 18:21-35 Independence Day is upon us and we celebrate the founding of our great nation. Marked by outdoor parties with mounds of ribs, beans and potato salad we will stuff ourselves immensely and then settle down to watch a sky-show of fireworks. Many will hardly consider the cost of our Declaration […]
