How should we relate to history: ignore it and be forced to relearn its lessons, OR look at it so intently that we forget to live in the present? There is a balance that can be maintained! When we face difficulty, we often question whether there is a plan in place. Maybe life is just […]
As we make ready to enter the season of Spring and celebrate Easter, we must remember that the holiday has roots in the Jewish celebration of Passover. We turn our attention to this festival and feast and examine the picture prophesies that are displayed for our learning.
A branch signifies growth. When a plant has sufficient growth, it branches out. Paul uses that illustration to continue his discussion of just how gracious God is in His plan for making His fallen creation righteous. Notice how God’s plan branches out!
In the first century, there were three major schools of thought concerning the circumstances of life. The Essenes believed fate determined everything; mankind was helpless and could not interfere with what was already determined to happen. The Sadducees, by contrast, believed man mastered his own destiny; we make our own future and chart our own […]
We continue along the Pathway of Hope. The first eight chapters in Romans place a strong emphasis on FAITH – believing what God says IS true. Now a new section begins, one that focuses squarely on HOPE. Paul has shown God is working all things together for good to them who love Him. He is […]
The apostle Paul addresses the arguments of those who felt that they truly DID have an advantage with God. There ARE advantages to being part of God’s chosen people, but those advantages are not what some might imagine them to be. We need to hear what Paul says, as we have also been given unique […]
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 […]