A LONG TIME AGO . . . God created the heavens and the earth and everything in them. Then He created man and woman and placed them in a beautiful garden to live. God walked with them in the garden as a true friend. And He gave them all the fruit of the trees to eat. Yet, there was one tree they were not allowed to eat. If they did, they would die.
The man and wife were tempted by a fallen angel and ate from this tree and it’s as if a huge earthquake took place and the man and wife were on one side of the deep ravine, and God on the other. Yet God promised a Savior would come one day and bridge that chasm.
The man and wife had children and the earth became filled with people. They were violent and thought about evil continually, this is, all but one family, Noah, his wife and three sons and their wives. God commanded Noah to build a huge boat and to collect male and female of all the animals. The heavens rained and the earth flooded for 40 days.
When the land was dry, God made a covenant with Noah and all the people of the earth that would be born from him in the years to come. This was, that God would never again destroy the world by a flood. The rainbow was God’s sign that He would keep His promise.
Again, people filled the earth, and like before, they were evil. They were all in one place and had one language. God saw how much destruction they could do and came down to scramble the languages and this caused the people to move all over the world.
Many years passed. From the line of Shem, one of Noah’s sons, God called a man named Abraham out of his native land, to another country to the west. He made the journey with his family. God spoke to Abraham as a friend and told him that his decedents would live in this new country and thrive and that one day a Savior would come. Abraham believed God and was called a righteous man because of his belief.
Three generations pass and there was a famine in the land called Israel, and the Hebrews moved to a land to the south called Egypt where they lived for 400 years. During that time they had become slaves. God then raised up a deliverer named Moses, a humble man before God.
When they returned to the land God gave them, they had become a great nation. On the way home, God gave them laws to live by, and a way to be forgiven for their sins with animal sacrifices. God gave them judges to guide them, but the people wanted a king, and so a king was chosen among the people and many, many kings ruled the land of Israel in the years to come. Some were good kings, many were bad kings. Prophets were appointed by God to bring the people back to God and to forsake idol worship. But the people refused. Yet, God never forgot the promise of a Savior.
Many years passed and the nation of Israel was swallowed up by other nations. Then a bright star shown in the sky and wise men from the east saw it and followed it. Angels appeared to shepherds in the field and were called to see a baby that was born in the nearby town. Yes! The Savior had been born of a virgin and His name is Jesus.
Jesus showed the way to God to His people. The land was owned by another nation, but the people had stayed together. Some recognized this man as the promised Savior, but most did not. Jesus did not come to be a king that would rule His people like other kings. No, His kingdom was hidden inside of a man or a woman or a child. They were going to be given the power to defeat the devil and to know God like the first man and woman did. How did this happen?
Jesus was sent to earth as a baby to grow up and teach the people God’s ways. Then to everyone’s surprise, He was killed by those who were jealous of Him. Yet even this had been predicted from the prophets of old. His disciples were grieved forgetting that Jesus had promised He would rise from the dead.
And three days later, He did! He arose from the dead! He appeared to His disciples for 40 days and then ascended to Heaven to be with His Father. But He made a promise to His disciples, this was the promise of the Holy Spirit who would give them the power to live a righteous, God-pleasing life, and be forgiven for their sins. And the power to defeat the devil. When Jesus was killed, He Himself became the last sacrifice for our sins. When He rose from the dead, the sacrifice was fulfilled! He was the very Savior that was promised to the first man and woman on earth.
The disciples of Jesus spread across the entire world to tell people of this good news. How to Know God, how to live life, and then when life ends, the promise of seeing God face to face and living with Him forever.
We came to you today as disciples of the One True God and to tell you His Story.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Friday, December 13, 2013
Holy Spirit Week
Holy Spirit Week
How did the coming of the Holy Spirit revolutionize the people of God?
What were the changes for Jews? The coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost was the very moment when everything changed. For the Jewish believer in Jesus the Messiah, the Law and the Prophets were fulfilled and a New Covenant was the new order. Imagine how they must have felt when 4,000 years of history, 4,000 years of promise, was finally fulfilled and 50 days after the ascension of Jesus, a new way of living was proclaimed. The first adjustment they had to make was how He came. Not as a political king who would establish an independent nation freed from Roman rule, but the suffering servant who would establish His Kingdom in men’s hearts. Another challenge for the Jews was letting go of what had been established–the way of sacrifices and obedience to the law, to a life lived in the Holy Spirit. How lost many of them might have felt. But for some, how liberating this must have been. However, there was often the temptation for the Jews to return to the law, even after accepting Jesus as their Messiah. Apostle Paul addresses this in his letter to the Galatians; "How foolish can you be? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort?" Galations 3:3.
Jesus their Messiah, fulfilled the law. He disclosed in His parables and discourses, the very heart of the law. He exposed the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and Sadducees who lived a sham. As the Branch, they had the advantage over the Gentiles as many Jews were eyewhitnesses. They had a foundation. They knew who they were . . . But for many, the New Covenant was very hard to grasp. "Under the old system, the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a young cow could cleanse peoples’s bodies from ceremonial impurity. Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God." Hebrews 9: 11-14.
What were the changes for the Gentiles? The Good News to the Gentiles was the news of Life itself. Having no foundation in the Jewish camp, they lived either by the influences of renown philosophers (which created seekers amongst them), or by the way of life rampantly pagan in New Testament times. The good news brought by Paul, Barnabas, Timothy, Silas and others, was not a "change" in Covenant as it was for the Jews, but a change in lifestyle. Defining was was good and righteous was the foundation that had to be laid first. Then layered on top of that was the truth that this is accomplished by the power of the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. This is the great emphasis of all of Paul’s letters. Defining this truth in every way he could, Paul showed by his way of life, and through letters just what this power was, and what it was capable of doing. While the Jew’s temptation was to slide back into the law, the Gentiles temptation was to slide into licence. " . . . throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created be like God–truly righteous and holy." Ephesians 4:22-24.
What are you equipped, called, inspired to do, with the help of the Holy Spirit? Having inherited a bent toward art from my mother, and a passion for detail from my father, I love to create beauty and order in every place God sends me and everywhere I live. But I consider this is more of a natural gifting. My first encounter with God at a very young age, was through a fresco located in the foyer of our Lutheran chapel in Los Angeles, California. As I stretched my little neck upwards, on my left was Paradise. There were Adam and Eve, various saints, lion and lamb, and a park-like beauty that stunned my senses. On the right of the mural hell was depicted. While I avoided looking at this side, I peeked. Demons, fire, smoke. The sins of their lives represented by gold coins in their eyes and ball and chain on their feet. But in the middle, standing on the head of a huge serpent was a Viking-like Jesus. Oh, He was wonderful. My little heart went pitter-patter over this wonderful being. It was not until college that I began to understand I could know this Being and that He could relate His heart to me, through the Holy Spirit. In Campus Crusade for Christ, I learned about the work and function of the Holy Spirit; "But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. There is no law against these things." Galatians 5:22.
It’s been a long journey since then! I married at 24 and in all truth, much of the ministry Tom and I have been involved with was serving his passion. Now that we are older, I find I have some space to find my own place. What would that be? Maybe not much more than what I have discovered since my first week in DTS in 1973. Hearing God’s voice. In a real way, it is this that has been the underlying passion of my life, even though it’s not as consistant as I would like. This "point of passion" has primarily taken the form of intercessory prayer. After this school I hope it will include teaching the Bible. I have taught in the past but usually about my own experiences. Now I see the greater need is to impart to others what I have learned of God’s character and a greater understanding of God’s Story so that we can see Him, and know Him better through His Word. So we can know how to live, how to love, how we are to do everything. Especially learn how to revere Him as Prophet, Priest, and King.
I would like to see growth in many areas of my life. But in light of what is written above, I would like to be more courageous–especially in branching out in giving to others both in hospitality and in even Bible study. Especially, and over all, having a greater sensitivity to the Holy Spirit in my daily walk with Him. "And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. Such love has no fear because perfect love expels all fear." I John 4: 17-18
How did the coming of the Holy Spirit revolutionize the people of God?
What were the changes for Jews? The coming of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost was the very moment when everything changed. For the Jewish believer in Jesus the Messiah, the Law and the Prophets were fulfilled and a New Covenant was the new order. Imagine how they must have felt when 4,000 years of history, 4,000 years of promise, was finally fulfilled and 50 days after the ascension of Jesus, a new way of living was proclaimed. The first adjustment they had to make was how He came. Not as a political king who would establish an independent nation freed from Roman rule, but the suffering servant who would establish His Kingdom in men’s hearts. Another challenge for the Jews was letting go of what had been established–the way of sacrifices and obedience to the law, to a life lived in the Holy Spirit. How lost many of them might have felt. But for some, how liberating this must have been. However, there was often the temptation for the Jews to return to the law, even after accepting Jesus as their Messiah. Apostle Paul addresses this in his letter to the Galatians; "How foolish can you be? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort?" Galations 3:3.
Jesus their Messiah, fulfilled the law. He disclosed in His parables and discourses, the very heart of the law. He exposed the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and Sadducees who lived a sham. As the Branch, they had the advantage over the Gentiles as many Jews were eyewhitnesses. They had a foundation. They knew who they were . . . But for many, the New Covenant was very hard to grasp. "Under the old system, the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a young cow could cleanse peoples’s bodies from ceremonial impurity. Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God." Hebrews 9: 11-14.
What were the changes for the Gentiles? The Good News to the Gentiles was the news of Life itself. Having no foundation in the Jewish camp, they lived either by the influences of renown philosophers (which created seekers amongst them), or by the way of life rampantly pagan in New Testament times. The good news brought by Paul, Barnabas, Timothy, Silas and others, was not a "change" in Covenant as it was for the Jews, but a change in lifestyle. Defining was was good and righteous was the foundation that had to be laid first. Then layered on top of that was the truth that this is accomplished by the power of the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. This is the great emphasis of all of Paul’s letters. Defining this truth in every way he could, Paul showed by his way of life, and through letters just what this power was, and what it was capable of doing. While the Jew’s temptation was to slide back into the law, the Gentiles temptation was to slide into licence. " . . . throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created be like God–truly righteous and holy." Ephesians 4:22-24.
What are you equipped, called, inspired to do, with the help of the Holy Spirit? Having inherited a bent toward art from my mother, and a passion for detail from my father, I love to create beauty and order in every place God sends me and everywhere I live. But I consider this is more of a natural gifting. My first encounter with God at a very young age, was through a fresco located in the foyer of our Lutheran chapel in Los Angeles, California. As I stretched my little neck upwards, on my left was Paradise. There were Adam and Eve, various saints, lion and lamb, and a park-like beauty that stunned my senses. On the right of the mural hell was depicted. While I avoided looking at this side, I peeked. Demons, fire, smoke. The sins of their lives represented by gold coins in their eyes and ball and chain on their feet. But in the middle, standing on the head of a huge serpent was a Viking-like Jesus. Oh, He was wonderful. My little heart went pitter-patter over this wonderful being. It was not until college that I began to understand I could know this Being and that He could relate His heart to me, through the Holy Spirit. In Campus Crusade for Christ, I learned about the work and function of the Holy Spirit; "But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. There is no law against these things." Galatians 5:22.
It’s been a long journey since then! I married at 24 and in all truth, much of the ministry Tom and I have been involved with was serving his passion. Now that we are older, I find I have some space to find my own place. What would that be? Maybe not much more than what I have discovered since my first week in DTS in 1973. Hearing God’s voice. In a real way, it is this that has been the underlying passion of my life, even though it’s not as consistant as I would like. This "point of passion" has primarily taken the form of intercessory prayer. After this school I hope it will include teaching the Bible. I have taught in the past but usually about my own experiences. Now I see the greater need is to impart to others what I have learned of God’s character and a greater understanding of God’s Story so that we can see Him, and know Him better through His Word. So we can know how to live, how to love, how we are to do everything. Especially learn how to revere Him as Prophet, Priest, and King.
I would like to see growth in many areas of my life. But in light of what is written above, I would like to be more courageous–especially in branching out in giving to others both in hospitality and in even Bible study. Especially, and over all, having a greater sensitivity to the Holy Spirit in my daily walk with Him. "And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world. Such love has no fear because perfect love expels all fear." I John 4: 17-18
Friday, December 6, 2013
Colossians
Colossians
What are the strengths and weaknesses in this church? This is another church in which Paul had not visited. This was a Gentile church battling a former lifestyle as well as some spiritual heresies floating around this area of the world. It seems they shared the same lack of knowledge concerning relationships that the Ephesians did. This smaller city seems not to be mentioned in the books of Acts.
What is the main idea of this epistle? The apostle does not directly argue with the Colossians about their false doctrines. Rather, beginning in the first chapter, he builds a positive case for Christian truth by showing the preeminence of Christ in everything. Nelsons Maps and Charts. And this is the key point in the book. Christ is all in all and the call He has on our life is union with Him.
What does this epistle show about the character and nature of God? Nelsons calls this book the most Christ-centered book in the Bible. He is the visible image of God in 1:15; the agent of creation in 1:16; the sustainer in 1:17; the head of the church in 1:18. And for this church it was important to know that worldly philosophy does not conform to Him, "Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body." Col. 2:8-9.
What are the strengths and weaknesses in this church? This is another church in which Paul had not visited. This was a Gentile church battling a former lifestyle as well as some spiritual heresies floating around this area of the world. It seems they shared the same lack of knowledge concerning relationships that the Ephesians did. This smaller city seems not to be mentioned in the books of Acts.
What is the main idea of this epistle? The apostle does not directly argue with the Colossians about their false doctrines. Rather, beginning in the first chapter, he builds a positive case for Christian truth by showing the preeminence of Christ in everything. Nelsons Maps and Charts. And this is the key point in the book. Christ is all in all and the call He has on our life is union with Him.
What does this epistle show about the character and nature of God? Nelsons calls this book the most Christ-centered book in the Bible. He is the visible image of God in 1:15; the agent of creation in 1:16; the sustainer in 1:17; the head of the church in 1:18. And for this church it was important to know that worldly philosophy does not conform to Him, "Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body." Col. 2:8-9.
Philippians
Philippians
What are the strengths and weaknesses in this church? This is a church in whom Paul was supported on more than one occasion. They were givers. "Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am far away, it is even more important." Gal 2:12. Paul expressed thoughts of their faithfulness: "Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you . . ." and emphasizing this again; "And now that I am far away, it is even more important." Gal 2:12. Were there some Judeaizers in their midst as there were in the Galatian church? The church of Phillipi is mentioned in Acts 16 as a Roman colony.
What is the main idea of this epistle?
The main idea of this epistle might be, "For God is working in you, giving you the desire and power to do what pleases Him." Phil. 2: 13. Repeated ideas are joy and rejoice! "But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God , just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy." Phil 2:17-18.
What does this epistle show of the character and nature of God? Philippians 2:5-11 expresses many attitudes of Christ Jesus:
He was God
He was humble
He was sacrificial
His name is above all names
He is the glory of His Father
Personal application: I really loved this book. It encouraged me and I felt that a spiritual father was speaking to me slowly and simply so I would understand everything. I realize Paul loved all the churches but in this church I sensed a special tenderness. It could be this translation makes it more so, but the words are very loving. There was a gentle "be careful" about it as well.
Point of Passion: Apostle Paul is both direct, and indirect, and he illustrates his points with care and intent. I would like to teach this way. I would like to inspire.
What are the strengths and weaknesses in this church? This is a church in whom Paul was supported on more than one occasion. They were givers. "Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am far away, it is even more important." Gal 2:12. Paul expressed thoughts of their faithfulness: "Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you . . ." and emphasizing this again; "And now that I am far away, it is even more important." Gal 2:12. Were there some Judeaizers in their midst as there were in the Galatian church? The church of Phillipi is mentioned in Acts 16 as a Roman colony.
What is the main idea of this epistle?
The main idea of this epistle might be, "For God is working in you, giving you the desire and power to do what pleases Him." Phil. 2: 13. Repeated ideas are joy and rejoice! "But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God , just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy." Phil 2:17-18.
What does this epistle show of the character and nature of God? Philippians 2:5-11 expresses many attitudes of Christ Jesus:
He was God
He was humble
He was sacrificial
His name is above all names
He is the glory of His Father
Personal application: I really loved this book. It encouraged me and I felt that a spiritual father was speaking to me slowly and simply so I would understand everything. I realize Paul loved all the churches but in this church I sensed a special tenderness. It could be this translation makes it more so, but the words are very loving. There was a gentle "be careful" about it as well.
Point of Passion: Apostle Paul is both direct, and indirect, and he illustrates his points with care and intent. I would like to teach this way. I would like to inspire.
Ephesians
Ephesians
What are the strengths and weaknesses in this church? Ephesians was the worst pagan city in which Paul ministered. It goes without saying that many of these new Gentile converts would be challenged in coming out of such a corrupt way of life into a Christ-like one. Many relational issues regarding family life come into focus as Paul addresses them as well as loose morals, loose conversations and lack of respect for one another. It was as if their behavior was not catching up very fast with their acknowledgment of God. Paul sees these problems and addresses their new identity in Christ. The church at Ephesus is mentioned several times in Acts; 18:19; 19:1-20 and 19:23-20:20.
What is the main idea of this epistle? "So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets and the cornerstone is Christ Jesus Himself." Eph. 2: 19-21. Identity is the key word in this epistle. Unity in the spirit is emphasized throughout.
What does this epistle show of the nature and character of God. Again, I must say, these epistles from Paul show the patient understanding God and Paul gives to these fledgling Gentiles as they learn the very basics of a godly life. God’s faithfulness to these churches is very touching. Using Paul like He does shows me his love for not only the church from these earliest times, but for us as well.
What are the strengths and weaknesses in this church? Ephesians was the worst pagan city in which Paul ministered. It goes without saying that many of these new Gentile converts would be challenged in coming out of such a corrupt way of life into a Christ-like one. Many relational issues regarding family life come into focus as Paul addresses them as well as loose morals, loose conversations and lack of respect for one another. It was as if their behavior was not catching up very fast with their acknowledgment of God. Paul sees these problems and addresses their new identity in Christ. The church at Ephesus is mentioned several times in Acts; 18:19; 19:1-20 and 19:23-20:20.
What is the main idea of this epistle? "So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets and the cornerstone is Christ Jesus Himself." Eph. 2: 19-21. Identity is the key word in this epistle. Unity in the spirit is emphasized throughout.
What does this epistle show of the nature and character of God. Again, I must say, these epistles from Paul show the patient understanding God and Paul gives to these fledgling Gentiles as they learn the very basics of a godly life. God’s faithfulness to these churches is very touching. Using Paul like He does shows me his love for not only the church from these earliest times, but for us as well.
Galatians
Galatians
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the church being written to? The Galatians had encountered a major flaw that threatened the very life-blood of the church. They had been easily swayed by visiting Jewish Christians (Paul doubted they were Christians at all), who taught these Gentile believers that they were still responsible to fulfill Jewish Law. This went against everything Paul had taught them of a life lived in grace by the power of the Spirit of God.
Yet this church also had a major strength; When Paul first came to them, he was ill "and they did not reject me because of the extra work to take care of me". In fact, they treated him as if he were "an angel from God." Gal. 4:12b-14.
What is the main idea of this epistle? The main idea Paul was trying to get across was that "Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free and don’t get tied up again to slavery and the law." Gal. 5:1. Some repeated ideas in the epistle were circumcision not of the flesh but the spirit; freedom to serve one another; faith expressing itself in love for one another. And even more "one anothers!"
What does the epistle show about the character and nature of God? Paul learned from Jesus Christ Himself these truths he is stating in this epistle to the Galatians. His passion shows something in this New Covenant that speaks of God’s unchangeableness. And the power in which this is a lifestyle bespeaks of God’s power. This power from God was the secret Paul knew from the core of his being.
Personal application: How differently this epistle affected me after learning about Paul’s background, especially in the areas he counted as rubbish compared to what he had gained in the revelation of Jesus Christ. Loss of family, reputation, and riches. I was also struck by his willingness to suffer for Jesus sake. His call was a radical one, I believe, and not one many are called to in this degree, but the passion in which he fulfilled God’s will should be the desire of every one of us who calls on the name of Jesus.
Point of Passion: There are times when I am interceding for others, that God will allow me to see His heart in the matter. This makes all the difference in how I pray. I use far less words. I think Paul lived in this realm on a continual basis. His epistles are short, precise, and entirely trustworthy.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the church being written to? The Galatians had encountered a major flaw that threatened the very life-blood of the church. They had been easily swayed by visiting Jewish Christians (Paul doubted they were Christians at all), who taught these Gentile believers that they were still responsible to fulfill Jewish Law. This went against everything Paul had taught them of a life lived in grace by the power of the Spirit of God.
Yet this church also had a major strength; When Paul first came to them, he was ill "and they did not reject me because of the extra work to take care of me". In fact, they treated him as if he were "an angel from God." Gal. 4:12b-14.
What is the main idea of this epistle? The main idea Paul was trying to get across was that "Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free and don’t get tied up again to slavery and the law." Gal. 5:1. Some repeated ideas in the epistle were circumcision not of the flesh but the spirit; freedom to serve one another; faith expressing itself in love for one another. And even more "one anothers!"
What does the epistle show about the character and nature of God? Paul learned from Jesus Christ Himself these truths he is stating in this epistle to the Galatians. His passion shows something in this New Covenant that speaks of God’s unchangeableness. And the power in which this is a lifestyle bespeaks of God’s power. This power from God was the secret Paul knew from the core of his being.
Personal application: How differently this epistle affected me after learning about Paul’s background, especially in the areas he counted as rubbish compared to what he had gained in the revelation of Jesus Christ. Loss of family, reputation, and riches. I was also struck by his willingness to suffer for Jesus sake. His call was a radical one, I believe, and not one many are called to in this degree, but the passion in which he fulfilled God’s will should be the desire of every one of us who calls on the name of Jesus.
Point of Passion: There are times when I am interceding for others, that God will allow me to see His heart in the matter. This makes all the difference in how I pray. I use far less words. I think Paul lived in this realm on a continual basis. His epistles are short, precise, and entirely trustworthy.
Romans
Romans
What are the strengths and weaknesses of this church? This is a church Paul had never visited in person at the time he wrote this epistle. The tone of the letter is highly theological (universal in appeal ), but it seems there were issues in this mixed congregation of Jews and Gentiles. Pride seemed alive and well in both camps! Strengths were there too; this was a church favorably talked about over the known world and must have had members that were perceptive and able to grasp what Paul was saying. From Paul’s salutations, there were a lot of good people in this church. The church in Romans is mentioned in Acts 28: 14-30.
What is the main idea of this epistle? Romans 1:16-17 expresses the main idea Paul was striving to get across; "For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes–the Jew first and also the Gentile. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in His sight".
What does this epistle show about the character and nature of God? This epistle reveals, chapter after chapter, the mystery that angels and prophets and kings had been waiting for. This is, the New Covenant, the Kingdom within, that was never fully understood until now. Through Paul, God’s willingness and infinite patience with man to reason with him is shown on every page. Paul is reflecting God in this fatherly way. Could anyone have done a better job? While a mere man with fears and tremblings, Paul is the choice God made to reveal the long awaited approach to God.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of this church? This is a church Paul had never visited in person at the time he wrote this epistle. The tone of the letter is highly theological (universal in appeal ), but it seems there were issues in this mixed congregation of Jews and Gentiles. Pride seemed alive and well in both camps! Strengths were there too; this was a church favorably talked about over the known world and must have had members that were perceptive and able to grasp what Paul was saying. From Paul’s salutations, there were a lot of good people in this church. The church in Romans is mentioned in Acts 28: 14-30.
What is the main idea of this epistle? Romans 1:16-17 expresses the main idea Paul was striving to get across; "For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes–the Jew first and also the Gentile. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in His sight".
What does this epistle show about the character and nature of God? This epistle reveals, chapter after chapter, the mystery that angels and prophets and kings had been waiting for. This is, the New Covenant, the Kingdom within, that was never fully understood until now. Through Paul, God’s willingness and infinite patience with man to reason with him is shown on every page. Paul is reflecting God in this fatherly way. Could anyone have done a better job? While a mere man with fears and tremblings, Paul is the choice God made to reveal the long awaited approach to God.
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