The familiar “matching cards game” proves to be a good illustration for what some in the church of Rome were doing. They were hoping to find a match among their deeds, their ancestry, and their possessions that would earn God’s favor. Paul points out that there is a big difference between having a symbol of […]
Paul addresses those who are self-righteous. Instead of comparing themselves to something inferior, so they could feel superior, he brings them face to face with the ideal standard of righteousness so they, too, will conclude they are guilty and in need of God’s mercy. Paul looks at what was thought to help their cause,a nd […]
Paul opens a dialogue with folks who think they “aren’t that bad.” Even THEY need a Savior! How will God judge those who are not only unrighteous, but self-righteous as well? We find that God judges with a universal judgment, a judgment based on production and a very just judgment.
The Pathway of Hope does not seem like a hopeful path! The news we have been brought indicates that man is hopelessly guilty and deserving God’s punishment. Man has seen God’s truth revealed but rejected it; how will God respond? We are told no less than 3 times in today’s passage that God responds by […]
Paul carefully begins to share the wonderful good news about what God has done to create the Pathway of Hope. He does this by sharing what sounds like bad news; but he is acting much like a doctor would – explaining the severity of the problem so that the cure is seen to be so […]
Paul writes to the Romans about the Pathway of Hope that leads from this earth to the beauty of God’s presence. The pathway is marked on all sides by the Good News of what God has done. Paul shows those in Rome just how drastically the Good News has affected him. It has made Paul […]
As Paul writes about the Pathway of Hope, he encourages others who are traveling the same pathway – especially those in Rome. We look at Paul’s plans for the present and future – noticing he had many dreams and thoughts, but always allowed God to shape his plans.
Today, we start a new series in the book of Romans! Our series is titled “Romans: The Pathway of Hope” Paul addresses people he never met by discussing a great topic dear to his heart: the HOPE that God creates by His own work.To discuss this pathway of hope, Paul writes extensively on the matter […]
Being the first at anything is noteworthy and conveys a sense of importance; to be the first human is certainly an honor. Yet we will find that Jesus is proven to be a better man than even the first man created. Pastor begins a mini-series leading up to Easter, titled “Jesus Does It Better.”