Our study on Monday morning takes us to the book of Romans. At the time of writing this letter Paul had not yet visited the church in Rome. Many of the readers opposed the gospel, while others twisted it to suit their own preferences. Some said that salvation might be by grace but the believer is "kept" by the law. Some taught that you could be saved by grace and still live the way you wanted-- even continuing in sin.
Today the scriptures are still twisted to fit situations and people still think they can live any way they want regardless of the sin in their lives. The decline of man was the same in 56 as it is in 2009. They knew God (Romans 1:18-20); they perverted God's glory by "exchanging the glory of an incorruptable God for an image in the form of corruptible man" (Romans 1:21-23); "they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the creator" (Romans 1:24-25); "they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer" (Romans 1:26-32). We still don't get it! Why can't we have the motivation of Paul, "I am under obligation... I am eager to preach the gospel... I am not ashamed of the gospel..." (Rom 1:14-16).
My prayer today is that those who are readers of this blog and all christians will take up the cross and be "BOLD" for Christ.
Prediction: Rain today, Hot and Humid.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Thursday, June 4, 2009
I opened this post about a half hour ago and still I am lost into the nothingness as to what to say. I have grumbled of late and questioned why my dreams and visions seem to remain as they are defined. Kind of like going through the paces. I read in Hebrews,"For He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee". It is difficult to wait on God sometimes, but I rest assured with this very breath that He will never leave me or forsake me. He also said "I know the plans I have for you. Another assurance!
I spoke to a resource person last week concerning the startup of a CoffeeHouse here in my community. I have since done the math and it appears to not add up. So I turn the page and read the next chapter. God still says "I will not leave you".
Monday morning we begin a new study on Romans.
The first three chapters of Romans carefully argue that all men are guilty before God. No one who relies on his observance of the Law will be declared righteous in the divine court. The Law, as a moral revelation of righteousness, offers no hope; it testifies against us so that “every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God” (3:20).
Yet the devastating critique of our human condition ends on a note of hope. God has found a way to give us a righteousness that is apart from Law.
So before we begin a study of Romans we need to look at the word "Guilt".
What are some words that describe how guilt makes us feel?
The following are several approaches used to break free of guilt:
• One approach to handling guilt is to deny it.
• Another approach to handling guilt is to explain it away.
• A third approach to handling guilt is to punish ourselves.
• A fourth approach to handling guilt is to construct a system of do’s and don’ts which we can live up to.
• Of course, there’s a fifth approach. Just enjoy sin!
“Which of these approaches do you think most people would be likely to use? How have you in the past tried to deal with guilt feelings?”
I asked the following questions to begin preparation for this study:
Supposed someone accused you of not being a Christian. What proof do you have?
How do you share the gospel with someone?
How is a person saved?
I encourage you to follow my blog and discover the answers to these questions.
It is raining!
I spoke to a resource person last week concerning the startup of a CoffeeHouse here in my community. I have since done the math and it appears to not add up. So I turn the page and read the next chapter. God still says "I will not leave you".
Monday morning we begin a new study on Romans.
The first three chapters of Romans carefully argue that all men are guilty before God. No one who relies on his observance of the Law will be declared righteous in the divine court. The Law, as a moral revelation of righteousness, offers no hope; it testifies against us so that “every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God” (3:20).
Yet the devastating critique of our human condition ends on a note of hope. God has found a way to give us a righteousness that is apart from Law.
So before we begin a study of Romans we need to look at the word "Guilt".
What are some words that describe how guilt makes us feel?
The following are several approaches used to break free of guilt:
• One approach to handling guilt is to deny it.
• Another approach to handling guilt is to explain it away.
• A third approach to handling guilt is to punish ourselves.
• A fourth approach to handling guilt is to construct a system of do’s and don’ts which we can live up to.
• Of course, there’s a fifth approach. Just enjoy sin!
“Which of these approaches do you think most people would be likely to use? How have you in the past tried to deal with guilt feelings?”
I asked the following questions to begin preparation for this study:
Supposed someone accused you of not being a Christian. What proof do you have?
How do you share the gospel with someone?
How is a person saved?
I encourage you to follow my blog and discover the answers to these questions.
It is raining!
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