"(12) Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned - (13) for before the law was given, sin was in the world. But sin is not taken into account when 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 was a pattern of the one to come."
I guess if you don't really believe in Adam and Eve and all that jazz, you would feel very scornful toward these passages. How could one man and one woman doom us all? Maybe you think that if you were Adam you would have been able to follow God's commands in the first place and we'd still be living in Eden. But it is clear to me that we are no better than Adam. I can't even ride down the interstate without becoming iritated at someone so how can I think I'd be better than Adam or Eve? It's interesting to me that Paul points out that we all die. Whether you sin or follow all the rules, you will still die. What is beyond? I guess that's your choice. Sin leads to death, death of body, death of spirit, but if you choose to believe in the love of God and the salvation available to you through Jesus Christ, sure, you'll die, but your spirit will live on in the greatness of God's kingdom.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Romans 5:9-11
NIV "(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, when 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 rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation."
CEV "(9)But there is more! Now that God has accepted us because Christ sacrificed his life's blood, we will also be kept safe from God's anger. (10)Even when we were God's enemies, he made peace with us, because his Son died for us. Yet something even greater than friendship is ours. Now that we are at peace with God, we will be saved by his Son's life. (11)And in addition to everything else, we are happy because God sent our Lord Jesus Christ to make peace with us."
These verses were confusing to me, hence the two versions. The word "justified" seems to throw me off every time. One of the harder thing for me to understand is what Paul meant by being an enemy of God. It took me a few minutes of reading the footnotes in my Bible to realize he was talking about this: Humans are fallen, meaning we sin. God does not sin, so we are always seperated or against God because of our sin. In a very real sense, sin makes us enemies of God.
But Jesus is like a bridge. Jesus' blood allows us to be at peace with God. Picture two sides of a huge war suddenly being at peace. But if that was all Jesus did, the scars of the war would still exist and we all know that scars from war take many years to go away. Think about the trenches dug in World War I or the concentration camps of World War II - they're still there decades later. Thankfully Jesus also allowed our lives to be saved. In my war example peace exists, but the scars are also healed and we're allowed to move forward with life because both sides are saved. No more trenches, no more concentration camps, no more conflict, no more guilt over the past.
Wouldn't it be wonderful to be connected to God? I can tell you that for me it's a comfort to know I can be at peace with the One all-powerful God. I just need to remind myself every day that it's through the blood of Christ and his sacrifice that I can do that.
CEV "(9)But there is more! Now that God has accepted us because Christ sacrificed his life's blood, we will also be kept safe from God's anger. (10)Even when we were God's enemies, he made peace with us, because his Son died for us. Yet something even greater than friendship is ours. Now that we are at peace with God, we will be saved by his Son's life. (11)And in addition to everything else, we are happy because God sent our Lord Jesus Christ to make peace with us."
These verses were confusing to me, hence the two versions. The word "justified" seems to throw me off every time. One of the harder thing for me to understand is what Paul meant by being an enemy of God. It took me a few minutes of reading the footnotes in my Bible to realize he was talking about this: Humans are fallen, meaning we sin. God does not sin, so we are always seperated or against God because of our sin. In a very real sense, sin makes us enemies of God.
But Jesus is like a bridge. Jesus' blood allows us to be at peace with God. Picture two sides of a huge war suddenly being at peace. But if that was all Jesus did, the scars of the war would still exist and we all know that scars from war take many years to go away. Think about the trenches dug in World War I or the concentration camps of World War II - they're still there decades later. Thankfully Jesus also allowed our lives to be saved. In my war example peace exists, but the scars are also healed and we're allowed to move forward with life because both sides are saved. No more trenches, no more concentration camps, no more conflict, no more guilt over the past.
Wouldn't it be wonderful to be connected to God? I can tell you that for me it's a comfort to know I can be at peace with the One all-powerful God. I just need to remind myself every day that it's through the blood of Christ and his sacrifice that I can do that.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Romans 5: 6-8
"(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 man, though for a good man 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."
These three verses are some of the most famous in the Bible. People often quote verse 8, but I really think we need to focus on what Paul is saying on the other verses as well. It's interesting in verse 6 that he writes that Christ died for the ungodly. He didn't say that he died for the Jews, for the righteous, or for those that believed, but for the ungodly. It makes me so happy that I believe in a God that is willing to die for even people that don't believe in Him. Now, it's easy to write that Christ died for us, but Paul points out that people don't generally die for people they believe are good muchless for people that are bad and we have to know that among the "ungodly" we have some really awful people. It would have to be some really strong love that would drive a person to die for people that are righteous and good as well as those that are selfish and despicable.
These three verses are some of the most famous in the Bible. People often quote verse 8, but I really think we need to focus on what Paul is saying on the other verses as well. It's interesting in verse 6 that he writes that Christ died for the ungodly. He didn't say that he died for the Jews, for the righteous, or for those that believed, but for the ungodly. It makes me so happy that I believe in a God that is willing to die for even people that don't believe in Him. Now, it's easy to write that Christ died for us, but Paul points out that people don't generally die for people they believe are good muchless for people that are bad and we have to know that among the "ungodly" we have some really awful people. It would have to be some really strong love that would drive a person to die for people that are righteous and good as well as those that are selfish and despicable.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Romans 5:1-5
"(1) Therefore, since we have been justifed 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 rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. (3) Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces persevereance; (4) perseverance, character; and character, hope. (5) And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."
I found these verses sort of confusing because it throws out a bunch of abstract ,, concepts that I had to wrap my mind around in order to understand. I read it the first time and wondered - what does it mean to be justified through faith? Another version rewords it "By faith we have been made acceptable to God." That is easier to understand. By faith in Jesus Christ and his resurrection, we are good with God. It reiterates the concept that no one can get to God by works or by just being a "good person". Paul goes further to say that through faith we are at peace with God. How comforting to know that even though we sin, we can be at peace with the awesome power of God wrath through the blood of Christ! Sometimes I just imagine humans as small children continually into trouble. Human parents might cut their children loose and turn their backs on them because of their behavior, but God never turns his back and he never stops loving even though we deserve the severest reprimand. The concept of recieving Gods love even though we don't deserve it is where grace comes in. Through Christ we continually live in God's grace, which helps us draw closer to Him.
The second part talks about suffering leading to perseverance (or endurance), which leads to character, which leads to hope. Now suffering seems like something most American's don't seem to have in thier lives - we don't generally suffer like some people in other countries where famine, political coups and natural disasters cause genuine, heartwrenching suffering. But looks can be decieving. Maybe our sufferings are not as awful as the ones in say Haiti, but plenty of people are loosing thier jobs, wondering how to strech $10 for two weeks, doing drugs, involving themselves in unhealthy relationships, or simply allowing this world to fill their heads with lies. But Paul says that all this suffering leads to one thing - HOPE. By ourselves we could never overcome the suffering, but through God and Christ and the Holy Spirit, we can endure, build our character and have hope in a greater future. If it were not for God, we would only see our own problems, never the hope. Thank God for the hope we can put in Him, otherwise this world would be far too overwhelming.
I found these verses sort of confusing because it throws out a bunch of abstract ,, concepts that I had to wrap my mind around in order to understand. I read it the first time and wondered - what does it mean to be justified through faith? Another version rewords it "By faith we have been made acceptable to God." That is easier to understand. By faith in Jesus Christ and his resurrection, we are good with God. It reiterates the concept that no one can get to God by works or by just being a "good person". Paul goes further to say that through faith we are at peace with God. How comforting to know that even though we sin, we can be at peace with the awesome power of God wrath through the blood of Christ! Sometimes I just imagine humans as small children continually into trouble. Human parents might cut their children loose and turn their backs on them because of their behavior, but God never turns his back and he never stops loving even though we deserve the severest reprimand. The concept of recieving Gods love even though we don't deserve it is where grace comes in. Through Christ we continually live in God's grace, which helps us draw closer to Him.
The second part talks about suffering leading to perseverance (or endurance), which leads to character, which leads to hope. Now suffering seems like something most American's don't seem to have in thier lives - we don't generally suffer like some people in other countries where famine, political coups and natural disasters cause genuine, heartwrenching suffering. But looks can be decieving. Maybe our sufferings are not as awful as the ones in say Haiti, but plenty of people are loosing thier jobs, wondering how to strech $10 for two weeks, doing drugs, involving themselves in unhealthy relationships, or simply allowing this world to fill their heads with lies. But Paul says that all this suffering leads to one thing - HOPE. By ourselves we could never overcome the suffering, but through God and Christ and the Holy Spirit, we can endure, build our character and have hope in a greater future. If it were not for God, we would only see our own problems, never the hope. Thank God for the hope we can put in Him, otherwise this world would be far too overwhelming.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Romans 4: 18-25
"(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. (22) This is why "it was credited to him as righeousness." (23) The words "it was credited to him" were written not for him alone, (24) but also for us, to whom God will credit righeousness - for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. (25) He was delievered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justificaiton."
I love the point that Paul makes in these passages. He tells Abraham (picture white haired, wrinkled, maybe bent and walking with a stick, no children) that he's to be a father of a great nation and He tells Sarah (picture grey hair and wrinkled) that she will have child. Even Paul acknowledges that Abraham had every right to not believe God, but he did and was rewarded beyond belief for his faith. So lets say you are staring at a seemingly-insurmoutable problem - you have mountain of debt, you are in a bad relationship with someone, you have a health problem, you can't seem to get your act together is studying God's Word, whatever - God has promised you His love, His help and His mercy if you only have faith in him. If God can make Sarah have a child well past child-bearing years and make child-less Abraham into a father of a nation as vast as the stars in the sky, then He can help you overcome anything in your life. BUT ONLY TROUGH FAITH.
We should allow ourselves to be like Abraham. Abraham saw an insurmountable problem and like to see him thinking, "Well, I can't overcome this problem by myself, so I'm going to HAVE to trust in the Lord." If he had thought, "I'm going to do this all by myself," the I would not be sitting here today. In our world we are taught to be self-sufficient and only rely on ourselves, but we cannot do this for everything. If God has set your feet on a path, trust Him to help you find your way. If you dug yourself into a hole, trust Him to build you a ladder so you can climb out.
I love the point that Paul makes in these passages. He tells Abraham (picture white haired, wrinkled, maybe bent and walking with a stick, no children) that he's to be a father of a great nation and He tells Sarah (picture grey hair and wrinkled) that she will have child. Even Paul acknowledges that Abraham had every right to not believe God, but he did and was rewarded beyond belief for his faith. So lets say you are staring at a seemingly-insurmoutable problem - you have mountain of debt, you are in a bad relationship with someone, you have a health problem, you can't seem to get your act together is studying God's Word, whatever - God has promised you His love, His help and His mercy if you only have faith in him. If God can make Sarah have a child well past child-bearing years and make child-less Abraham into a father of a nation as vast as the stars in the sky, then He can help you overcome anything in your life. BUT ONLY TROUGH FAITH.
We should allow ourselves to be like Abraham. Abraham saw an insurmountable problem and like to see him thinking, "Well, I can't overcome this problem by myself, so I'm going to HAVE to trust in the Lord." If he had thought, "I'm going to do this all by myself," the I would not be sitting here today. In our world we are taught to be self-sufficient and only rely on ourselves, but we cannot do this for everything. If God has set your feet on a path, trust Him to help you find your way. If you dug yourself into a hole, trust Him to build you a ladder so you can climb out.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Romans 4: 16-17
"(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 are of 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 things that are not as though they were."
Going through Romans I think I might have needed to start with Genesis because Paul refers back to Abraham a lot in this fourth chapter. So a little background if you're not all that familiar with the story of Abraham. God told Abraham to leave his country and go to the land that He would show him and that He would make him the father of a great nation. Abraham did has he was told and through his children, a great nation was indeed created. Jesus was a direct descendant of Abraham and through Jesus we all become part of this nation. In my last post we found out the Abraham became saved through his faith in God. The law (think ten commandments) hadn't even been given, but Abraham's faith saved him just as our faith saves us.
Now, I just wanted to throw this out there today because it was on my mind. Some people might be wondering if I REALLY believe what I'm writing and I want you to all know that I do. I do believe that God reveals himself through his creation and that we're only saved through our belief in Jesus Christ. Symbols of our faith are fine, but if it's not in your heart, then it's worthless. By making these statements I'm not trying to be all high and mighty. I fail multiple times every single day and I frequently fail to live up to what God wants of me, but I'm trying, which is all that God can ask.
Going through Romans I think I might have needed to start with Genesis because Paul refers back to Abraham a lot in this fourth chapter. So a little background if you're not all that familiar with the story of Abraham. God told Abraham to leave his country and go to the land that He would show him and that He would make him the father of a great nation. Abraham did has he was told and through his children, a great nation was indeed created. Jesus was a direct descendant of Abraham and through Jesus we all become part of this nation. In my last post we found out the Abraham became saved through his faith in God. The law (think ten commandments) hadn't even been given, but Abraham's faith saved him just as our faith saves us.
Now, I just wanted to throw this out there today because it was on my mind. Some people might be wondering if I REALLY believe what I'm writing and I want you to all know that I do. I do believe that God reveals himself through his creation and that we're only saved through our belief in Jesus Christ. Symbols of our faith are fine, but if it's not in your heart, then it's worthless. By making these statements I'm not trying to be all high and mighty. I fail multiple times every single day and I frequently fail to live up to what God wants of me, but I'm trying, which is all that God can ask.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Romans 4: 9-15
"(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 righeousness. (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 the sign of the circumcision, 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 also the father of the circumcised who not only are circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised. (13) It was not through law that Abraham and his offfspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but thorugh the righeousness that comes by faith. (14) For if those who live by law are heirs, faith has no value and the promise is worthless, (15) because law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression."
Paul continues chapter 4 by continuing to discuss Abraham. Abraham was the hero of ancient Jews and the founder of the Jewish race/religion. It was through him that God made a covenant for him to be the father of a great nation. Paul points out, though, that Abraham was made right with God through his faith, not the outward symbol of circumcision. I think sometimes as Christians we put too much emphasis on outward symbols of faith. But God doesn't care about the outward symbol as much as he cares about the inner faith. We can be baptised before an entire church, but if our heart isn't change and faith isn't there, then it's meaningless. In fact Abraham hadn't even conducted the outward symbol of circumcision before God blessed him because of his faith. If the outward symbol was more important, then faith would have no meaning and that's not what God is all about. The emphasis is on faith.
Paul continues chapter 4 by continuing to discuss Abraham. Abraham was the hero of ancient Jews and the founder of the Jewish race/religion. It was through him that God made a covenant for him to be the father of a great nation. Paul points out, though, that Abraham was made right with God through his faith, not the outward symbol of circumcision. I think sometimes as Christians we put too much emphasis on outward symbols of faith. But God doesn't care about the outward symbol as much as he cares about the inner faith. We can be baptised before an entire church, but if our heart isn't change and faith isn't there, then it's meaningless. In fact Abraham hadn't even conducted the outward symbol of circumcision before God blessed him because of his faith. If the outward symbol was more important, then faith would have no meaning and that's not what God is all about. The emphasis is on faith.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Romans 4: 1-8
"(1) What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, 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 the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righeousness." (4) Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligaiton. (5) However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righeousness. (6) David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: "(7) Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whos sins are covered. (8) Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him." "
Sorry for being a slacker lately. It's easy to get caught up in laziness when I don't really have anything to do because it's constantly snowing. Back to Romans! Okay, so I was really confused by this passage. I didn't really understand the wording and even the footnotes in my Bible didn't help much. Thankfully there are other translations and these translations can be found online. What follows is New International Readers Version for this section. It makes SOOO much more sense!
"1 What should we say about those things? What did our father Abraham discover about being right with God? 2 Did he become right with God because of something he did? If so, he could brag about it. But he couldn't brag to God. 3 What do we find in Scripture? It says, "Abraham believed God. God accepted Abraham's faith, and so his faith made him right with God."—(Genesis 15:6)
4 When a man works, his pay is not considered a gift. It is owed to him. 5 But things are different with God. He makes evil people right with himself. If people trust in him, their faith is accepted even though they do not work. Their faith makes them right with God.
6 King David says the same thing. He tells us how blessed some people are. God makes those people right with himself. But they don't have to do anything in return. David says,
7 "Blessed are those
whose lawless acts are forgiven.
Blessed are those
whose sins are taken away.
8 Blessed is the man
whose sin the Lord never counts against him." —(Psalm 32:1,2)"
Here's the bottom line: You cannot be right with God through the things you do, you can only be right with God through your faith. Even Abraham, who was the ultimate hero for the Jewish faith, couldn't get to heaven through his awesome works, it had to be by faith! Faith makes you right with God!
Sorry for being a slacker lately. It's easy to get caught up in laziness when I don't really have anything to do because it's constantly snowing. Back to Romans! Okay, so I was really confused by this passage. I didn't really understand the wording and even the footnotes in my Bible didn't help much. Thankfully there are other translations and these translations can be found online. What follows is New International Readers Version for this section. It makes SOOO much more sense!
"1 What should we say about those things? What did our father Abraham discover about being right with God? 2 Did he become right with God because of something he did? If so, he could brag about it. But he couldn't brag to God. 3 What do we find in Scripture? It says, "Abraham believed God. God accepted Abraham's faith, and so his faith made him right with God."—(Genesis 15:6)
4 When a man works, his pay is not considered a gift. It is owed to him. 5 But things are different with God. He makes evil people right with himself. If people trust in him, their faith is accepted even though they do not work. Their faith makes them right with God.
6 King David says the same thing. He tells us how blessed some people are. God makes those people right with himself. But they don't have to do anything in return. David says,
7 "Blessed are those
whose lawless acts are forgiven.
Blessed are those
whose sins are taken away.
8 Blessed is the man
whose sin the Lord never counts against him." —(Psalm 32:1,2)"
Here's the bottom line: You cannot be right with God through the things you do, you can only be right with God through your faith. Even Abraham, who was the ultimate hero for the Jewish faith, couldn't get to heaven through his awesome works, it had to be by faith! Faith makes you right with God!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Romans 3:27-31
"(27) Where, then is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of observing the law? No, but on that of faith. (28) For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law. (29) Is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, 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."
I like these verses because it makes me feel better about my sinful humanity. Thank goodness that we are not saved by following the law. Sure we should TRY to follow the law, but we know we'll fail. I'll feel road rage as I'm driving behind a car going 5 below the speed limit and I might mutter under my breath. You'll say something out of anger, jealousy or frustration. So if we're not saved by following the law or doing good works, then how are we saved? By faith. Faith in God, faith in Jesus Christ and faith in the holy spirit. Sometimes I wonder why God chose faith to be how we are saved, but I guess it makes sense. If faith is how we are redeemed, then their isn't a single thing we can do on earth that gets us saved. Those that spread the word in Africa aren't better than those that donate canned goods to the local food bank because if both have faith, they are saved. This forces us to take a look at our relationship with God and not focus on selfish glory. Paul tells the ancient Jews that Jews and Gentiles are both saved through faith, but the laws are still there to be upheld by believers. Just because you have faith doesn't mean you can not uphold the law. If you have faith in God, your goal should becoming more like him, which means following the laws with God's help.
I like these verses because it makes me feel better about my sinful humanity. Thank goodness that we are not saved by following the law. Sure we should TRY to follow the law, but we know we'll fail. I'll feel road rage as I'm driving behind a car going 5 below the speed limit and I might mutter under my breath. You'll say something out of anger, jealousy or frustration. So if we're not saved by following the law or doing good works, then how are we saved? By faith. Faith in God, faith in Jesus Christ and faith in the holy spirit. Sometimes I wonder why God chose faith to be how we are saved, but I guess it makes sense. If faith is how we are redeemed, then their isn't a single thing we can do on earth that gets us saved. Those that spread the word in Africa aren't better than those that donate canned goods to the local food bank because if both have faith, they are saved. This forces us to take a look at our relationship with God and not focus on selfish glory. Paul tells the ancient Jews that Jews and Gentiles are both saved through faith, but the laws are still there to be upheld by believers. Just because you have faith doesn't mean you can not uphold the law. If you have faith in God, your goal should becoming more like him, which means following the laws with God's help.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Romans 3: 21-26
"(21) But now a righeousness from God, apart from the law, has been made known, to which the Law and Prophets testify. (22) This righeousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, (23) for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (24) and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. (25) God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished - (26) he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus."
So yesterday I wrote about how none of us were righteous because we've turned away from God and our ways are full of ruin and misery. I love how Paul says it in verse 23, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." But thank goodness that God loves us enough to give us a way out this desperate situation - Jesus Christ. If we have faith in Jesus Christ we become righteous in the sight of God. God no longer sees us through the clear glasses that show all of our sins, but through the blood of Christ who died for our sins. Could you imagine bearing the burden of all human sin and then dying for all of humanity? Jesus died utterly alone because the sins he bore cut him off from God. In today's world most of us wouldn't take the blame for something to save a person we love muchless complete strangers. Is it any wonder we find characters in movies who sacrifice themselves so compelling? It's because we wouldn't do it. Jesus was the first. And he was a real man who really was tortured and crucified. If we believe in him and his resurrection, then we can be redeemed in the eyes of God. Praise God!
So yesterday I wrote about how none of us were righteous because we've turned away from God and our ways are full of ruin and misery. I love how Paul says it in verse 23, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." But thank goodness that God loves us enough to give us a way out this desperate situation - Jesus Christ. If we have faith in Jesus Christ we become righteous in the sight of God. God no longer sees us through the clear glasses that show all of our sins, but through the blood of Christ who died for our sins. Could you imagine bearing the burden of all human sin and then dying for all of humanity? Jesus died utterly alone because the sins he bore cut him off from God. In today's world most of us wouldn't take the blame for something to save a person we love muchless complete strangers. Is it any wonder we find characters in movies who sacrifice themselves so compelling? It's because we wouldn't do it. Jesus was the first. And he was a real man who really was tortured and crucified. If we believe in him and his resurrection, then we can be redeemed in the eyes of God. Praise God!
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Romans 3:9-20
"(9) What shall we conclude then? Are we any better? Not at all! We have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under sin. (10) As it is written:
"There is no one righteous, not even one;
(11) there is no one who understands,
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) "There throats are open graves;
their tongues practice deciet."
"The poison of vipers is on their lips."
(14) "Theri mothes ar full of curisng 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 decliared righteous in his sight by observing the law, rather, throug hthe law we become conscieous of sin."
Paul spent a lot of time in chapter 2 talking about the law - he talked about how God will judge us based on the law and he talked about a more sinsiter aspect of the law such as judging others by it, but not holding yourself to the same standards. In this section Paul tells us the function of the law. But before he does that, he makes it very clear that no one on the face of the planet is better than another because we all sin. The middle section of these verses are all verses from the Old Testament where everyone is tossed into the same category - sinners. Read back over those verses...no one is righteous, we have all turned away from God and our ways are full of ruin and misery. Wow. We all have a serious problem don't we? So what is the law there for? If we follow the law can we become righteous and go to heaven when we die? Nope. In verse 20 Paul says that the laws are only there so that we can know what sin is and have that in our minds as we go through our days. Stay tuned tos see how we make it to heaven and become righteous :-)
"There is no one righteous, not even one;
(11) there is no one who understands,
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) "There throats are open graves;
their tongues practice deciet."
"The poison of vipers is on their lips."
(14) "Theri mothes ar full of curisng 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 decliared righteous in his sight by observing the law, rather, throug hthe law we become conscieous of sin."
Paul spent a lot of time in chapter 2 talking about the law - he talked about how God will judge us based on the law and he talked about a more sinsiter aspect of the law such as judging others by it, but not holding yourself to the same standards. In this section Paul tells us the function of the law. But before he does that, he makes it very clear that no one on the face of the planet is better than another because we all sin. The middle section of these verses are all verses from the Old Testament where everyone is tossed into the same category - sinners. Read back over those verses...no one is righteous, we have all turned away from God and our ways are full of ruin and misery. Wow. We all have a serious problem don't we? So what is the law there for? If we follow the law can we become righteous and go to heaven when we die? Nope. In verse 20 Paul says that the laws are only there so that we can know what sin is and have that in our minds as we go through our days. Stay tuned tos see how we make it to heaven and become righteous :-)
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Romans 3: 1-8
"(1) What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision? (2) Much in every way! First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God. (3) What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God's faithfulness? (4) Not at all! Let God be true and every man a liar. As it is written: "So that you may be proved right when you speak 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 arguement) (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?" (8) Why not say - as we are bing sladerously reported as saying and as some claim that we say - "Let us do evil that good may result"? Their condemnation is deserved."
In chapter 2 not many people are exempt from Paul's criticism. First he says don't judge others - we all fail there - then he talks about not being a hypocrite - we all fail there too. He starts chapter 3 by asking what's the point in being Jewish? Ancient Jews knew that they were God's chosen people, but with the death and ressurection of Jesus, everyone gained access to God. It probably made Jews feel like there wasn't any point in being Jewish, but Paul points out that Jews had one major advantage - they had the word of God since the beginning of time thus they were more familiar with it than the average Gentile. Paul continues by saying that even if some Jews didn't have faith, God is still faithful to them. I don't really get the rest of verse 4 so I'm going to skip ahead to verse 5. In verses 5-8, Paul talks about some arguments for not following God's law. Here's the reasons that other people have thrown out there:
1. God can't judge us because our unrighteousness makes God look better (verse 5)
2. God can't judge us because or lies make him appear more truthful (verse 7)
3. God can't judge us because our evil brings good to others (verse 8)
Wrong, wrong, wrong. It may be true that our sin makes the contrast between man and God all the more sharp, but what we need to remember is we'll be judged in the end. If we do evil in some misguided attempt to make people understand the nature of God, God will make no distinction between that sin and the sin of someone who didn't have God on their mind. No excuses people!
In chapter 2 not many people are exempt from Paul's criticism. First he says don't judge others - we all fail there - then he talks about not being a hypocrite - we all fail there too. He starts chapter 3 by asking what's the point in being Jewish? Ancient Jews knew that they were God's chosen people, but with the death and ressurection of Jesus, everyone gained access to God. It probably made Jews feel like there wasn't any point in being Jewish, but Paul points out that Jews had one major advantage - they had the word of God since the beginning of time thus they were more familiar with it than the average Gentile. Paul continues by saying that even if some Jews didn't have faith, God is still faithful to them. I don't really get the rest of verse 4 so I'm going to skip ahead to verse 5. In verses 5-8, Paul talks about some arguments for not following God's law. Here's the reasons that other people have thrown out there:
1. God can't judge us because our unrighteousness makes God look better (verse 5)
2. God can't judge us because or lies make him appear more truthful (verse 7)
3. God can't judge us because our evil brings good to others (verse 8)
Wrong, wrong, wrong. It may be true that our sin makes the contrast between man and God all the more sharp, but what we need to remember is we'll be judged in the end. If we do evil in some misguided attempt to make people understand the nature of God, God will make no distinction between that sin and the sin of someone who didn't have God on their mind. No excuses people!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
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 be circumcised. (26) 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 codemn you who, even though you have the written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker. (28) A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. (29) No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God."
If you were like me when you read these verses you were like "whoa!" At first glance it seemed like Paul was talking about circumcision out of nowhere. He's talking about hypocrisy in previous verses and now this? What's the connection? Well when I read the notes in my Bible I realized that for ancient Jews (and maybe modern Jews?) circumcision was an outward sign of submitting to God. But what Paul is trying to say is that your outward sign doesn't mean anything if you continue to disobey God's law. In fact, those that don't make an outward sign like circumcision, but obey God's law will be set above those who just make the outward sign. So let's apply this to Christianity, shall we. At my church a lot of people like to raise their arms during praise and worship which is all fine and good. But if you do this as a sign of your righteousness and you don't follow God's law in your heart, then you're a hypocrite, which we know from previous verses is not godly and turns others away from God. This also speaks to one key misconception people have about God and eternal life. Most people think that if they do good works in life, they'll have eternal life, but Paul clearly says there has to be a change in your heart made by the Holy Spirit. If you're doing good works great, but please make sure there's also been a heart and Spirit change so I can see you after death.
If you were like me when you read these verses you were like "whoa!" At first glance it seemed like Paul was talking about circumcision out of nowhere. He's talking about hypocrisy in previous verses and now this? What's the connection? Well when I read the notes in my Bible I realized that for ancient Jews (and maybe modern Jews?) circumcision was an outward sign of submitting to God. But what Paul is trying to say is that your outward sign doesn't mean anything if you continue to disobey God's law. In fact, those that don't make an outward sign like circumcision, but obey God's law will be set above those who just make the outward sign. So let's apply this to Christianity, shall we. At my church a lot of people like to raise their arms during praise and worship which is all fine and good. But if you do this as a sign of your righteousness and you don't follow God's law in your heart, then you're a hypocrite, which we know from previous verses is not godly and turns others away from God. This also speaks to one key misconception people have about God and eternal life. Most people think that if they do good works in life, they'll have eternal life, but Paul clearly says there has to be a change in your heart made by the Holy Spirit. If you're doing good works great, but please make sure there's also been a heart and Spirit change so I can see you after death.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Romans 2:17-24
"(17) Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and brag about your relationship to 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 teachers of infants, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowldge 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 brag about 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.""
It may seem like we can disregard this set of verses because Paul is talking to Jews, but there is an important lesson here. Paul is talking to the religious elite of his day, the Jews. If we were going to make a comparison to today, Paul would be talking to Christians. Both groups, ancient Jews and modern Christians, know who God is and they know what the laws are. Paul talks about how outwardly these two groups of people may know the law and teach it to others or use it to look down at others, but they don't apply the laws to themselves. Paul suggests that maybe one should start with themselves and their law-following abilities before they try to instruct others on the law. Here's an example: Before you instruct others on tithing, maybe you should be tithing yourself.
I think verse 24 tells modern Christians exactly why we need to apply the law to ourselves before we instruct others - if a Christian is viewed as a hypocrite, then God's name will be slandered by non-Christians. Example: Pretty much all of chapter 2 of Romans talks about not judging people because only God can judge us. Not too long ago Pat Robertson made some pretty judgmental comments about Haiti and many saw those comments as being hypocritical. God's word says not to judge so I'm sure some people saw Pat Robertson as a hypocrite and decided that they didn't want to worship the God of a hypocrite. Now Pat Robertson has done a lot of great and godly things in his life, but this is a simple example of how actions and words can cause people to turn away from God. I ask God every day to make my actions reflect Him and his Word. I fail. One thing Paul has been clear about is that we all fail, but there are so many people making an effort. Are you?
It may seem like we can disregard this set of verses because Paul is talking to Jews, but there is an important lesson here. Paul is talking to the religious elite of his day, the Jews. If we were going to make a comparison to today, Paul would be talking to Christians. Both groups, ancient Jews and modern Christians, know who God is and they know what the laws are. Paul talks about how outwardly these two groups of people may know the law and teach it to others or use it to look down at others, but they don't apply the laws to themselves. Paul suggests that maybe one should start with themselves and their law-following abilities before they try to instruct others on the law. Here's an example: Before you instruct others on tithing, maybe you should be tithing yourself.
I think verse 24 tells modern Christians exactly why we need to apply the law to ourselves before we instruct others - if a Christian is viewed as a hypocrite, then God's name will be slandered by non-Christians. Example: Pretty much all of chapter 2 of Romans talks about not judging people because only God can judge us. Not too long ago Pat Robertson made some pretty judgmental comments about Haiti and many saw those comments as being hypocritical. God's word says not to judge so I'm sure some people saw Pat Robertson as a hypocrite and decided that they didn't want to worship the God of a hypocrite. Now Pat Robertson has done a lot of great and godly things in his life, but this is a simple example of how actions and words can cause people to turn away from God. I ask God every day to make my actions reflect Him and his Word. I fail. One thing Paul has been clear about is that we all fail, but there are so many people making an effort. Are you?
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Romans 2: 12-16
"(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. (13) For 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. (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) since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.) (16) This will take place on the day when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.
I find this section of Romans confusing. I think this means that if you know the law, whether it's God's law or the law of morals, you will ultimately be judged by that law. So if you don't know God's law, there will still be a standard by which you will be judged. Now in my head I'm exempting all people that do not live in 3rd world countries because we all know what Christianity is. That might be a little unfair because there are probably people who lived in non-religious families that don't know what the Bible says. But everyone will still be judged based on the yardstick of our society. One thing Paul points out is that whether you know God's law or only society's law, you still sin. Society's law doesn't offer forgiveness, but isn't it a comfort to know that God's does. All we need to do is ask.
I find this section of Romans confusing. I think this means that if you know the law, whether it's God's law or the law of morals, you will ultimately be judged by that law. So if you don't know God's law, there will still be a standard by which you will be judged. Now in my head I'm exempting all people that do not live in 3rd world countries because we all know what Christianity is. That might be a little unfair because there are probably people who lived in non-religious families that don't know what the Bible says. But everyone will still be judged based on the yardstick of our society. One thing Paul points out is that whether you know God's law or only society's law, you still sin. Society's law doesn't offer forgiveness, but isn't it a comfort to know that God's does. All we need to do is ask.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Romans 2: 5-11
"(5)But because of your stubborneness 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. (6) God "will give to each person according to what he has done." (7) To those who by persistance 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. (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."
Paul starts off chapter 2 by talking about judging others and verse 4 ends by talking about how people that judge others will also face God's judgment, but God also has great kindness and leads us to repent for our sins, i.e. judging others and all the other sins he mentioned in Chapter 1. Verse 5 continues in the vein by saying that by not repenting (asking for forgiveness of our sins) we should expect some godly wrath when God's judgment is revealed.
About Repenting - theoretically asking for forgiveness should be easy, but I think in actuality it is hard. First we have to admit that we did something wrong and then verbalize it...horrors! But sometimes we don't think we deserve forgiveness, which can't be further from the truth. We all deserve second chances and God is in the business of giving people a million chances if that's what it takes to get them into heaven.
Okay, back to the verses. Paul talks a lot about how if you do good, you will recieve good from God. If you do evil, you will recieve wrath. Now when I first read this, it seemed contradictory. The Christian doctrine says to recieve eternal life you must believe in God and that Jesus died for your sins and invite them into your life, but Paul seems to be saying that by doing good you can get the same thing. That is not what Paul is saying. He's saying that if you believe in God and that Jesus died for your sins, that you'll WANT to do good things. And added incentive, if you do good things you recieve glory, honor and peace - who wouldn't want those things?
Paul starts off chapter 2 by talking about judging others and verse 4 ends by talking about how people that judge others will also face God's judgment, but God also has great kindness and leads us to repent for our sins, i.e. judging others and all the other sins he mentioned in Chapter 1. Verse 5 continues in the vein by saying that by not repenting (asking for forgiveness of our sins) we should expect some godly wrath when God's judgment is revealed.
About Repenting - theoretically asking for forgiveness should be easy, but I think in actuality it is hard. First we have to admit that we did something wrong and then verbalize it...horrors! But sometimes we don't think we deserve forgiveness, which can't be further from the truth. We all deserve second chances and God is in the business of giving people a million chances if that's what it takes to get them into heaven.
Okay, back to the verses. Paul talks a lot about how if you do good, you will recieve good from God. If you do evil, you will recieve wrath. Now when I first read this, it seemed contradictory. The Christian doctrine says to recieve eternal life you must believe in God and that Jesus died for your sins and invite them into your life, but Paul seems to be saying that by doing good you can get the same thing. That is not what Paul is saying. He's saying that if you believe in God and that Jesus died for your sins, that you'll WANT to do good things. And added incentive, if you do good things you recieve glory, honor and peace - who wouldn't want those things?
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Romans 1: 28-32
"(28) Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowldge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not 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 are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless; (32) Although they know God's righeous 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."
So I had to back up and finish chapter 1 because I got ahead of myself last night :-) Paul is still talking about how people knew God, but chose to serve the things in the world around them. I'm doing a really awesome bible study called The Truth Project and the guy in the DVD's talks about "the box". "The box" is the world that we live in and God is outside "the box". The people Paul is talking about are looking for a higher power and a meaning to life by looking inside "the box", but God isn't there. By not looking outside "the box" to find God and follow His will, they fall into all sorts of sin. I thought it was a tiny bit funny that Paul includes disobeying parents right along with murder, deceit and evil, but sin is sin I suppose. I think the food for thought today is this: in verse 32, Paul says that people who do the sins he's listed and turn away from God deserve death. The only way to avoid death that takes you to hell is to turn toward God and accept Jesus as your savior. Then you can hopefully put all those corrupting sins behind you with the help of the almighty God.
So I had to back up and finish chapter 1 because I got ahead of myself last night :-) Paul is still talking about how people knew God, but chose to serve the things in the world around them. I'm doing a really awesome bible study called The Truth Project and the guy in the DVD's talks about "the box". "The box" is the world that we live in and God is outside "the box". The people Paul is talking about are looking for a higher power and a meaning to life by looking inside "the box", but God isn't there. By not looking outside "the box" to find God and follow His will, they fall into all sorts of sin. I thought it was a tiny bit funny that Paul includes disobeying parents right along with murder, deceit and evil, but sin is sin I suppose. I think the food for thought today is this: in verse 32, Paul says that people who do the sins he's listed and turn away from God deserve death. The only way to avoid death that takes you to hell is to turn toward God and accept Jesus as your savior. Then you can hopefully put all those corrupting sins behind you with the help of the almighty God.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Romans 2:1-4
"(1) You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgement on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, 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 man, 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, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?"
When I was writing my last post I was really concerned about how I would come off. I wanted to write the truth without appearing like I am looking down my nose at people's sins. This section of Romans highlights why I was so concerned - God says don't pass judgment on people. I think there is a clear difference between trusting your intuition/voice of the holy spirit and passing judgment. Here's an example - you notice someone following you as you walk down the street, you're not crazy or wrong for judging them to be dangerous. That judgment has probably saved many people from disaster. But if you're at Walmart and you see an African American wearing baggy jeans and dreadlocks and you judge them to be a gang banger, you're passing a judgment that God would not approve of. Paul says that if you condemn someone, you will be condemned. God's judgment is based on truth, our judgment is based on something else - prejudice, experiences, things you've read, things you've heard, etc. How could our basis for judgment compare to God's basis - TRUTH? It can't! Paul goes further to say that you can't pass judgment on someones sins because you do the same thing! Basically he's saying that if you judge someone, you'll be a hypocrite. God can never be a hypocrite because he doesn't sin so he is worthy to pass judgment, but we are just men and not worthy of that responsibility.
One thing to understand: God doesn't just sit up in the clouds passing judgment. He is kind and patient and allows you to repent before he makes his ultimate judgment when you approach the pearly gates. But don't mistake his patience for acceptance of your sin. If you do, you may not like the judgment you get when you finally make it to heaven.
P.S. I just realized I accidentally skipped like 5 verses in Chapter 1...I'll get to those in my next post :-)
When I was writing my last post I was really concerned about how I would come off. I wanted to write the truth without appearing like I am looking down my nose at people's sins. This section of Romans highlights why I was so concerned - God says don't pass judgment on people. I think there is a clear difference between trusting your intuition/voice of the holy spirit and passing judgment. Here's an example - you notice someone following you as you walk down the street, you're not crazy or wrong for judging them to be dangerous. That judgment has probably saved many people from disaster. But if you're at Walmart and you see an African American wearing baggy jeans and dreadlocks and you judge them to be a gang banger, you're passing a judgment that God would not approve of. Paul says that if you condemn someone, you will be condemned. God's judgment is based on truth, our judgment is based on something else - prejudice, experiences, things you've read, things you've heard, etc. How could our basis for judgment compare to God's basis - TRUTH? It can't! Paul goes further to say that you can't pass judgment on someones sins because you do the same thing! Basically he's saying that if you judge someone, you'll be a hypocrite. God can never be a hypocrite because he doesn't sin so he is worthy to pass judgment, but we are just men and not worthy of that responsibility.
One thing to understand: God doesn't just sit up in the clouds passing judgment. He is kind and patient and allows you to repent before he makes his ultimate judgment when you approach the pearly gates. But don't mistake his patience for acceptance of your sin. If you do, you may not like the judgment you get when you finally make it to heaven.
P.S. I just realized I accidentally skipped like 5 verses in Chapter 1...I'll get to those in my next post :-)
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Romans 1:24-27
"(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 of God for a lie, and worshipped 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 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 indecent acts with other men, and recieved in themselves the due penalty for their perversion."
Okay, so in my last post Paul was talking about how God revealed himself through nature and His Word, but people still turned away from him and worhipped other things. Today Paul continues by saying that God let them pursue their sinful desires. If God has the power to do anything, why does he allow people to pursue their sinful desires? Answer - free will. We are not robots because God did not create us to be robots. We have the power to choose which direction we will go and God will not force us to choose Him. If we choose to pursue the sinful desires, there's nothing God will do to stop us. Important note: If you ask God into your life and you ask him to help you turn away from those sinful desires, then he certainly will do that, but this is a whole different story when compared to what Paul is talking about.
I feel like in this section of Romans Paul is referring to the people of Rome who still worshipped the Olympians. I am totally fascinated with ancient Rome and having read a lot about it I know that there was a lot of sexual impurity back then. Paul, as the mouthpiece of God, is very critical of homosexuality, so if you weren't really sure where God stood on that issue, go back and read verse 26 and 27. But there are other things besides homosexuality that I think that Paul is including or would have included if he was alive today - pornography, sexting, multipe partners, infidelity, etc. Now I can hear my high school students grumbling that sexting and too-sexy clothes is "normal" and that's what they want, but I have yet to read anything in the Bible that says you should do what is "normal" for your age group or culture. God holds us to a higher standard where we may have to go against our desires or what is "normal". I may desire to eat chocolate for every meal, but I don't think God would approve of me treating my body like a chocolate dump instead of a temple. Why should you listen to what Paul is saying? Because at the end of verse 27 he says "[they] recieved in themselves the due penalty for their perversions." I think this is referring to their heart or soul. Their actions were perverted so their hearts and souls became perverted, which Paul calls thier penalty. I don't want my heart and soul to be warped and distorted, otherwise how could I be a good mom, wife, daughter, sister or human being? I hope you'll pray for everyone to avoid these sins and stand strong against what is "normal" and stand up for what is godly.
Okay, so in my last post Paul was talking about how God revealed himself through nature and His Word, but people still turned away from him and worhipped other things. Today Paul continues by saying that God let them pursue their sinful desires. If God has the power to do anything, why does he allow people to pursue their sinful desires? Answer - free will. We are not robots because God did not create us to be robots. We have the power to choose which direction we will go and God will not force us to choose Him. If we choose to pursue the sinful desires, there's nothing God will do to stop us. Important note: If you ask God into your life and you ask him to help you turn away from those sinful desires, then he certainly will do that, but this is a whole different story when compared to what Paul is talking about.
I feel like in this section of Romans Paul is referring to the people of Rome who still worshipped the Olympians. I am totally fascinated with ancient Rome and having read a lot about it I know that there was a lot of sexual impurity back then. Paul, as the mouthpiece of God, is very critical of homosexuality, so if you weren't really sure where God stood on that issue, go back and read verse 26 and 27. But there are other things besides homosexuality that I think that Paul is including or would have included if he was alive today - pornography, sexting, multipe partners, infidelity, etc. Now I can hear my high school students grumbling that sexting and too-sexy clothes is "normal" and that's what they want, but I have yet to read anything in the Bible that says you should do what is "normal" for your age group or culture. God holds us to a higher standard where we may have to go against our desires or what is "normal". I may desire to eat chocolate for every meal, but I don't think God would approve of me treating my body like a chocolate dump instead of a temple. Why should you listen to what Paul is saying? Because at the end of verse 27 he says "[they] recieved in themselves the due penalty for their perversions." I think this is referring to their heart or soul. Their actions were perverted so their hearts and souls became perverted, which Paul calls thier penalty. I don't want my heart and soul to be warped and distorted, otherwise how could I be a good mom, wife, daughter, sister or human being? I hope you'll pray for everyone to avoid these sins and stand strong against what is "normal" and stand up for what is godly.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Romans 1:18-22
"(18) The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men 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. (20)For 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 men are without excuse. (21) For although they knew God, they neither glorifeid him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. (22) Although they clamied to be wise they became fools (23) and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles."
Most churches teach that God is a loving God - and he is. He loves each and every one of us, but there is another side and that is the wrathful God who is against the wickedness of men, but we'll get back to that. Paul talks about how God made himself clearly known through what he has made which is this beautiful world around us. Personally, if we really think about the complexity of our bodies, ecosystems, and universe it would be hard to think that it just randomly happened, that we just randomly evolved from goo that was swirling around in the ocean. I firmly believe that we were created by an eternally powerful God. It would be really hard to deny that He exists because we can't cut ourselves off from the natural world - we see it all the time. But people did and people do deny that he exists by putting other things before God. Back in Paul's day they created idols that looked like the world they were familiar with to worship. Sure God created the world, but the THINGS in the world were not created to be worshiped. The creator was supposed to be worshiped. Now don't look down your noses at the people in Paul's world because we do the same thing. We put THINGS like money, food, jobs, power, family, worries, etc. before God. Maybe we don't bow down and worship or worries, but we definately put them ahead of God when we let them consume us so that we cannot think about anything else. Remember that God is wrathful plus he created us and this world, so please pray that you won't put anything above God. More on this tomorrow :-)
Most churches teach that God is a loving God - and he is. He loves each and every one of us, but there is another side and that is the wrathful God who is against the wickedness of men, but we'll get back to that. Paul talks about how God made himself clearly known through what he has made which is this beautiful world around us. Personally, if we really think about the complexity of our bodies, ecosystems, and universe it would be hard to think that it just randomly happened, that we just randomly evolved from goo that was swirling around in the ocean. I firmly believe that we were created by an eternally powerful God. It would be really hard to deny that He exists because we can't cut ourselves off from the natural world - we see it all the time. But people did and people do deny that he exists by putting other things before God. Back in Paul's day they created idols that looked like the world they were familiar with to worship. Sure God created the world, but the THINGS in the world were not created to be worshiped. The creator was supposed to be worshiped. Now don't look down your noses at the people in Paul's world because we do the same thing. We put THINGS like money, food, jobs, power, family, worries, etc. before God. Maybe we don't bow down and worship or worries, but we definately put them ahead of God when we let them consume us so that we cannot think about anything else. Remember that God is wrathful plus he created us and this world, so please pray that you won't put anything above God. More on this tomorrow :-)
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Romans 1:16-17
"(16) I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. (17) For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last just as it is written: "The righteousness will live by faith." "
Paul says that he is not ashamed of the gospel, i.e. what he preaches and what is found in the Bible, because it is the way of salvation. I think we get stuck when we come across this word salvation, what does that even mean? Well, we all know that salvation has something to do with being saved, but saved from what? Simply put, we're being saved from ourselves. We all sin and sin leads to death so obviously we need to be saved. We can only find this salvation through the power of God. Paul isn't ashamed of the gospel because he is bringing life! We shouldn't fear either, though it is clear to me that this is MUCH easier said than done. Tonight I was asked how I decribe myself to strangers. I certainly don't start off saying, "Hi, my name is Julie. I'm a Christian." And why not? Am I ashamed? Maybe. I think it'll take more time than I have to write this post to figure that out. What about you? Is it just me who has issues publicly acknowledging the salvation of Christ?
Okay, I'll be honest, verse 17 confuses me. The gopel reveals a righteousness from God? Is this the same as saying it reveals rightness or truth? I'm not really sure, but I am sure that Paul is writing the word of God when he says the righteous will live by faith. The righteous is anybody who has accepted the word of God and they cannot be righteous if they do not have faith in Him. I'd like to zero in on the word "live". The righteous LIVE by faith. I think this goes back to the issue of being ashamed of the gospel, ashamed of being Christian. If we are living by faith would we not be. I am asking God as I type to help me live by my faith, because it is certainly there. I hope that God will help every Chritian live thier faith so that we can show others the way to salvation. Consider introducing yourself first and foremost as a Christian before you go into your family and job.
Paul says that he is not ashamed of the gospel, i.e. what he preaches and what is found in the Bible, because it is the way of salvation. I think we get stuck when we come across this word salvation, what does that even mean? Well, we all know that salvation has something to do with being saved, but saved from what? Simply put, we're being saved from ourselves. We all sin and sin leads to death so obviously we need to be saved. We can only find this salvation through the power of God. Paul isn't ashamed of the gospel because he is bringing life! We shouldn't fear either, though it is clear to me that this is MUCH easier said than done. Tonight I was asked how I decribe myself to strangers. I certainly don't start off saying, "Hi, my name is Julie. I'm a Christian." And why not? Am I ashamed? Maybe. I think it'll take more time than I have to write this post to figure that out. What about you? Is it just me who has issues publicly acknowledging the salvation of Christ?
Okay, I'll be honest, verse 17 confuses me. The gopel reveals a righteousness from God? Is this the same as saying it reveals rightness or truth? I'm not really sure, but I am sure that Paul is writing the word of God when he says the righteous will live by faith. The righteous is anybody who has accepted the word of God and they cannot be righteous if they do not have faith in Him. I'd like to zero in on the word "live". The righteous LIVE by faith. I think this goes back to the issue of being ashamed of the gospel, ashamed of being Christian. If we are living by faith would we not be. I am asking God as I type to help me live by my faith, because it is certainly there. I hope that God will help every Chritian live thier faith so that we can show others the way to salvation. Consider introducing yourself first and foremost as a Christian before you go into your family and job.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Romans 1:11-15
"(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, 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 other Gentiles. (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 als0 to you who are at Rome."
It's really clear to me that Paul is eager to reach Rome. He says in verse 12 that he wants to go so that they could "be mutually encouraged by each other's faith." So what? Well I think that Paul is giving us a perfect reason to go to church or Bible study or read blogs and books written by Christians - mutual encouragement by experiencing the faith of others. I've often heard that each Christian is like a cup that is constantly being drained by life. To fill up this cup you need to be exposed to God through His word and church, but it's not enough - we need to be encouraged by fellow believers. One of the reasons I love my church is because I regularly get to hear the testimonies of regular people and how God has worked in their lives. How encouraging to know that God doesn't just work in my preachers life, but in everybody's life! I think Paul especially needed this encouragement so I completely understand him wanted to spend time with the believers of Rome whose faith had reached the world.
Alrighty, so Paul tells the Romans he's tried to come to them many times so that he "might have a harvest" among the Romans just as he's had among other Gentiles. Quick definition Gentiles - non-Jewish people. So Paul had a lot of success in places like Syria, Galatia, Asia, and Macedonia and wanted the same thing in Rome. In verse 14 he explains why he wants this success - obligation to Greeks and non-Greeks, the educated and non-educated. I'd say that pretty much means he was obligated to everyone. I think that a lot of modern Christians don't take this seriously. We don't feel an obligation to those outside our church. Obviously that's not true for everything because Christians and Christian organizations are spending so much time and money on Haiti right now, but what happens when the attention dies down? I hope we don't forget our obligation is to spread the word among all the nations and not just cocoon ourselves in our church. We need the encouragement of our Christian brothers and sisters, but we need to get out there and be the face of God.
It's really clear to me that Paul is eager to reach Rome. He says in verse 12 that he wants to go so that they could "be mutually encouraged by each other's faith." So what? Well I think that Paul is giving us a perfect reason to go to church or Bible study or read blogs and books written by Christians - mutual encouragement by experiencing the faith of others. I've often heard that each Christian is like a cup that is constantly being drained by life. To fill up this cup you need to be exposed to God through His word and church, but it's not enough - we need to be encouraged by fellow believers. One of the reasons I love my church is because I regularly get to hear the testimonies of regular people and how God has worked in their lives. How encouraging to know that God doesn't just work in my preachers life, but in everybody's life! I think Paul especially needed this encouragement so I completely understand him wanted to spend time with the believers of Rome whose faith had reached the world.
Alrighty, so Paul tells the Romans he's tried to come to them many times so that he "might have a harvest" among the Romans just as he's had among other Gentiles. Quick definition Gentiles - non-Jewish people. So Paul had a lot of success in places like Syria, Galatia, Asia, and Macedonia and wanted the same thing in Rome. In verse 14 he explains why he wants this success - obligation to Greeks and non-Greeks, the educated and non-educated. I'd say that pretty much means he was obligated to everyone. I think that a lot of modern Christians don't take this seriously. We don't feel an obligation to those outside our church. Obviously that's not true for everything because Christians and Christian organizations are spending so much time and money on Haiti right now, but what happens when the attention dies down? I hope we don't forget our obligation is to spread the word among all the nations and not just cocoon ourselves in our church. We need the encouragement of our Christian brothers and sisters, but we need to get out there and be the face of God.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Romans 1:8-10
"(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 with my whole heart 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."
I find it really interesting in verse 8 that Paul says the faith of the Christians in Rome is being reported all over the world. I guess I think of Rome as being full of sin and find it sort of surprising that the Christians there were setting such a good example that their faith is being spread all over the world. Of course that's what Rome needed - Christians that were actually living their faith so that they might show the world their faith. And isn't that what we need? What if all the Christians in America lived their faith? I think that it would be hard, but it would look truely amazing!
I like verses 9 and 10 because Paul sets an excellent example of how to pray - constantly and at all times. Paul says that he is praying that God will open the way for him to go to Rome. God does answer that prayer...but not in the way he expects. He ends up going to Rome as a prisoner, which is an excellent reminder that we shouldn't expect answers to our prayers to look like what we invision.
LIVE YOUR FAITH AND PRAY!!
I find it really interesting in verse 8 that Paul says the faith of the Christians in Rome is being reported all over the world. I guess I think of Rome as being full of sin and find it sort of surprising that the Christians there were setting such a good example that their faith is being spread all over the world. Of course that's what Rome needed - Christians that were actually living their faith so that they might show the world their faith. And isn't that what we need? What if all the Christians in America lived their faith? I think that it would be hard, but it would look truely amazing!
I like verses 9 and 10 because Paul sets an excellent example of how to pray - constantly and at all times. Paul says that he is praying that God will open the way for him to go to Rome. God does answer that prayer...but not in the way he expects. He ends up going to Rome as a prisoner, which is an excellent reminder that we shouldn't expect answers to our prayers to look like what we invision.
LIVE YOUR FAITH AND PRAY!!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Romans 1: 1-7
"(1)Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God - (2) the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures (3) regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David (4) and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. (5) Through him and for his name's sake, we recieved grace and apostleship to call people from among the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. (6) And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. (7) To all in Rome who are loved by Gad and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ."
First, I want you to know that I'm starting with Paul's letters because I'm a wimp. Even though I think God called me to do this blog, I'm starting with something easy. Why are Paul's letters easy - I don't know, but my brain is telling me it's easier so this is where I'm starting. Second, Paul wrote lots of letter's to the early Christians to both encourage them and teach them more about the word of Christ. This first letter is to the Romans, hence the title Romans.
Okay so the first thing I find interesting is that Paul calls himself and apostle, which means "one who is sent" (presumably by God to spread the Word), and then later in verse 5 he says that "we" have recieved apostleship too. I find that interesting and profound because in my mind Paul is one of the greatest supporters of Christianity and to be lumped in with Paul is an awesome honor and a great responsibility. In verses 2-4 he clarifies who he's serving - Jesus Christ who's coming was prophisied (sp?) about, who was the Son of God, died, was resurrected and is now recongnized as Jesus Christ our Lord. I think this is important because we need to know what/who Paul stood for and it doesn't really get any clearer than that.
Paul goes on to say that through Christ we recieve grace and apostleship. The dictionary in my Bible says that grace is "God's free and unmerited favor for sinful humanity." Now, this might be upsetting to some people, but I need you to know, that we humans aren't perfect and will never be perfect. We will always sin which is why my grace definition calls us sinful humanity. Now that seems negative, but that puts us all in the same boat. Even if you dress to the nines on Sunday, never miss church, preach in front of a congregation, sing the most beautiful hymns or stand in the pew with your arms upraised, you still sin. Okay, so God shows everyone favor (which I think of as love and forgiveness) even though we're sinful, but it's more than that - it's free and unmerited/undeserved. God has the power to do anything - he spoke the world into existance - but even though we don't deserve it he choses to give us favor/love/forgiveness freely...how amazing! But there is one tiny stipulation. You have to go through Christ to get this grace. That means you have to accept him into your life to be your Lord and savior to recieve His grace. And when you do or if you have already Paul says we will "belong to Jesus Christ" in an awesome family of believers!
First, I want you to know that I'm starting with Paul's letters because I'm a wimp. Even though I think God called me to do this blog, I'm starting with something easy. Why are Paul's letters easy - I don't know, but my brain is telling me it's easier so this is where I'm starting. Second, Paul wrote lots of letter's to the early Christians to both encourage them and teach them more about the word of Christ. This first letter is to the Romans, hence the title Romans.
Okay so the first thing I find interesting is that Paul calls himself and apostle, which means "one who is sent" (presumably by God to spread the Word), and then later in verse 5 he says that "we" have recieved apostleship too. I find that interesting and profound because in my mind Paul is one of the greatest supporters of Christianity and to be lumped in with Paul is an awesome honor and a great responsibility. In verses 2-4 he clarifies who he's serving - Jesus Christ who's coming was prophisied (sp?) about, who was the Son of God, died, was resurrected and is now recongnized as Jesus Christ our Lord. I think this is important because we need to know what/who Paul stood for and it doesn't really get any clearer than that.
Paul goes on to say that through Christ we recieve grace and apostleship. The dictionary in my Bible says that grace is "God's free and unmerited favor for sinful humanity." Now, this might be upsetting to some people, but I need you to know, that we humans aren't perfect and will never be perfect. We will always sin which is why my grace definition calls us sinful humanity. Now that seems negative, but that puts us all in the same boat. Even if you dress to the nines on Sunday, never miss church, preach in front of a congregation, sing the most beautiful hymns or stand in the pew with your arms upraised, you still sin. Okay, so God shows everyone favor (which I think of as love and forgiveness) even though we're sinful, but it's more than that - it's free and unmerited/undeserved. God has the power to do anything - he spoke the world into existance - but even though we don't deserve it he choses to give us favor/love/forgiveness freely...how amazing! But there is one tiny stipulation. You have to go through Christ to get this grace. That means you have to accept him into your life to be your Lord and savior to recieve His grace. And when you do or if you have already Paul says we will "belong to Jesus Christ" in an awesome family of believers!
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