What we see here is Paul engaging with the idea of our rights as followers of Jesus, but also our responsibilities as followers of Jesus.
New World Living: Responsible citizens that love their neighbors and live holy lives to the glory of God. Principle: Romans 12:18 (ESV) 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. [China underground church Yeeui, Wenshui] Paul was writing during the first century of the Roman Empire, currently ruled by…
In writing to one of his ‘favourite’ church communities, Paul and his companions Silas and Timothy (yes, they are all males), described their treatment of “each of you as a father treats his own children”. 1 Thessalonians 2:10–12 (NLT) 10 You yourselves are our witnesses—and so is God—that we were devout and honest and faultless…
Paul has been building a narrative of what God has been doing, now he gives instructions on how to live. Paul pivots with the word “therefore…”
God’s faithfulness seen is Israel and the Gentiles Romans 1:16–17 (NLT) 16 For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. 17 This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start…
Israel’s stumbling Romans 1:16–17 (NLT) 16 For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. 17 This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to…
The Holy Spirit and the Trinity has been challenged since the third and fourth century through the error of Modalism based around the teaching of Sabellius. Some resources referenced: What is the Trinity R C Sproul; The Trinity and the Kingdom: the Doctrine of God – Jurgen Moltmann; Understanding Christian Theology – Zuck and Swindoll;…
The Holy Spirit and the Trinity witnessed in four momentous events: the Creation, the Incarnation, Pentecost, and the Gospel Ephesians 3:14–21 (NLT) 14 When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, 15 the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. 16 I pray that from his…
Spiritual gifts are unique abilities God places in every Christian that enable us to build up and encourage other believers in the church. We’re mid-way through a series on the book of Romans. Luther in his preface to the epistle he says, “It is worthy not only that every Christian should know it word for…