Posted on Mar 5, 2018 in Romans: A Walk From Condemnation To Grace |
Read Romans 14:1-23
Who is weak in faith and who is strong? We are all weak in some areas and strong in others. Our faith is strong in an area if we can survive contact with worldly people without falling into their patterns. It is weak in an area if we must avoid certain activities, people, or places in order to protect our spiritual life. It is important to take self-inventory in order to find out our strengths and weaknesses. Whenever in doubt, we should ask, Can I do that without sinning? Can I influence others for good, rather than being influenced by them?
Posted on Mar 4, 2018 in Romans: A Walk From Condemnation To Grace |
Read Romans 13:8-14
Why is love for others called a debt? We are permanently in debt to Christ for the lavish love He has poured out on us. The only way we can even begin to repay this debt is by loving others in turn. Because Christ’s love will always be infinitely greater than ours, we will always have the obligation to love our neighbors.
Posted on Mar 3, 2018 in Romans: A Walk From Condemnation To Grace |
Read Romans 13:1-7
Are there times when we should not obey the government? We should never allow government to force us to disobey God. Jesus and His apostles never disobeyed the government for personal reasons; when they disobeyed, it was in order to follow God’s moral standards. Their disobedience was not cheap: They were threatened, beaten, thrown into jail, tortured, and executed for their convictions. Like them, if we are compelled to disobey, we must be ready to accept the consequences.
Posted on Mar 2, 2018 in Romans: A Walk From Condemnation To Grace |
Read Romans 12:1-21
When sacrificing an animal according to God’s law, a priest would kill the animal, cut it in pieces, and place it on the altar. Sacrifice was important, but even in the Old Testament God made it clear that obedience from the heart was much more important (1 Samuel 15; Psalm 40; Amos 5). God wants us to offer ourselves, not animals, as living sacrifices: daily laying aside our own desires to follow Him, putting all our energy and resources at His disposal and trusting Him to guide us. We do this out of gratitude that our sins have been forgiven.
Posted on Mar 1, 2018 in Romans: A Walk From Condemnation To Grace |
Read Romans 11:25-36
Some say the phrase “and so all Israel will be saved” means that the majority of Jews in the final generation before Christ’s return will turn to Christ for salvation. Others say that Paul is using the term Israel to refer to the “spiritual” nation of Israel, which is comprised of Jews and Gentiles who have received salvation through faith in Christ. Thus, “all Israel,” or all believers, will receive God’s promised gift of salvation. Still others say that “all Israel” means Israel as a whole will have a role in Christ’s kingdom. The Jew’s identity as a people won’t be discarded. God chose the nation of Israel, and He has never rejected it. He also chose the church through Jesus Christ, and He will never reject it either. The privileges and invitation of God given to Israel can never be withdrawn. This does not mean, of course, that all Jews or all church members will be saved. It is possible to be Jewish or to belong to a church without ever responding to faith. But just because some people have rejected Christ does not mean that God stops working with either Israel or the church. He continues to offer salvation freely to all. Still others say that the phrase “and so” means “in this way” or “this is how,” referring to the necessity of faith in Christ.
