Paul illustrates the marriage vow between two people (Romans 7:1-6). More clearly, Paul uses this illustration of the law of marriage. God has exclusive possession of you—spirit, soul, and body. If that troubles you, then maybe you’ve not completely died to self. Think about it. Once you were married to the world and “belonged” to… Continue reading An Illustration From Marriage (Romans 7:1-6)
Month: July 2023
Enslaved to Sin? (Romans 6:15-23)
As I read Romans, Chapter 6, I can’t help but think about slavery and our American history. Abraham Lincoln, in the Emancipation Proclamation, granted freedom to approximately 3 to 4 million slaves. Why such a disparity between the numbers? They counted the slaves as property and not people. So it gives merit to what Abraham Lincoln said… Continue reading Enslaved to Sin? (Romans 6:15-23)
Life in Christ – The With God Life! (Romans 6:1-14)
I open the Bible to chapter 6 of Romans, and immediately these words grab me hard: “…are you unaware…?” I understand that unawareness is a blind spot, and it is downright dangerous. So, I stop what I’m doing and pray: Lord, help show me where I am unaware.” Are you aware that… The enemy of our soul… Continue reading Life in Christ – The With God Life! (Romans 6:1-14)
Life and Death (Romans 5:12-21)
Paul does not sugarcoat the truth: we are sinners and deserve death. Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, in this way death spread to all people, because all sinned. (Romans 5:12 NIV) Death We inherited death from our ancestors, so sin dwells deep in our soul like… Continue reading Life and Death (Romans 5:12-21)
Reconciled! (Romans 5:6-11)
Have you ever had a blowout with someone you loved? I have, and it’s not pretty. A safe place is shattered and the only way to fix it is reconciliation. Sadly, sometimes, it is impossible. Today some families have stopped meeting for holidays because they can’t get along. They argue over politics, sports, and, yes,… Continue reading Reconciled! (Romans 5:6-11)
Faith Triumphs (Romans 5:1-5)
Peace! Have you ever given the value of peace much thought? In Romans 5 we are immediately hit with this surprising truth: a right relationship with God brings peace. Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1 NIV Faith triumphs. We do not have… Continue reading Faith Triumphs (Romans 5:1-5)
The Illustration of Righteousness (Romans 4:1-25)
Faith is something every Sister Disciple should give a second thought. In Habakkuk 2:4 it reads … the righteous will live by his faith. In chapter 4 of Romans, Paul gives us a clear picture of one man’s faith and how that faith is our greatest example of assurance, undoubtedly. Such faith marks a believer’s maturity. Isaiah 7:9b reads … If… Continue reading The Illustration of Righteousness (Romans 4:1-25)
Romans Chapter 3—The Guilty World Faces a Righteous God
We’ve spent a lot of time digging deep into Romans one and two, and we’re richer for it. We understand clearer the Gospel, living by faith, the depravity of humankind, and God’s righteous judgment. Last week, our primary focus was on the Jewish violation of the law and the truth about the circumcision of the… Continue reading Romans Chapter 3—The Guilty World Faces a Righteous God
God’s Judgment and the Law (Romans 2:12-29)
The Jews are Jews not because, out of thin air, they decided to create a religion with one God and be different by circumcision. No! God’s word makes it obvious that they are chosen: recognized by blood, by tradition, and by the Law. The Jews are different because they are messengers of the truth. Physically,… Continue reading God’s Judgment and the Law (Romans 2:12-29)
God’s Righteous Judgment (Romans 2:1-11)
I woke up this morning, opened the paper, and came face-to-face with evil: Gunman kills at least 20 (18 children), charges filed against candidate scam in Florida, Southern Baptist leaders plan release of secret abusers list, and inside China people for disturbing the social order (persecuted for their faith). Reminds me that the list of… Continue reading God’s Righteous Judgment (Romans 2:1-11)