My first Wednesday back from vacation was indeed special. I was greeted with resounding applause as I walked into the educational wing of our church to lead noon and evening bible study. It’s really precious to know when you are away that people sincerely miss you and can’t wait to tell you how much they appreciate the ministry God has given you.
We resumed our study of Paul’s letter to the church at Rome. In recent weeks we had discussed the wickedness of man in his depraved state and have concluded that all men are under sin. Whether we are Jew or Gentile all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory. We continued our exploration of this rich doctrinal treatise, finding ourselves in chapter 3; verse 21-22; where Paul says:
We resumed our study of Paul’s letter to the church at Rome. In recent weeks we had discussed the wickedness of man in his depraved state and have concluded that all men are under sin. Whether we are Jew or Gentile all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory. We continued our exploration of this rich doctrinal treatise, finding ourselves in chapter 3; verse 21-22; where Paul says:
But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: (ESV)
Paul is expanding upon his thesis for the whole book which you may recall was eloquently stated earlier in chapter 1 verse 17. It says:
For in it (the gospel) the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” (ESV)
Having already succeeded in arguing that there is none righteous no not one in 3:10; Paul now makes it known that the only way we can become righteous is through faith in the finished work of Christ at Calvary. What the law, circumcision or any other thing could not perform has been provided through Christ who is the righteousness of God promised and revealed.
We had such a wonderful feasting of God’s word that time ran right past us. Truly, this was a fruitful day in the word as we praised God for His unspeakable gift of salvation made available to us all.
6 comments:
Great post brother! That Paul was a great man of God. Bless you! Glad you got back safe!
Just checking out your blog Pastor MgGhee! I love it that you are understanding that there is a generational divide. The mere fact that you are blogging and have entered the information age with vigor speaks to your ability and willingness to reach beyond the traditional role of the Pastor. Of course your wonderful character if reflected in your daily activities, not to mention your teaching.
Just to let you know you are appreciated by those of whom you least think notice!
There is a fisherman in you DUDE!
:0)
-New Member
Stephanie Spivey
It is so wonderful to have the teachings of Paul to show us the way towards "righteous" living and the spiritual mentality we as believers should pocess. Thanks for sharing this with us. Glad to have you back.
Be Blessed
Hey, it looks like somebody's members were happy to have daddy back home. Great lesson and you have proven what I truly believe, a rested Pastor is a productive Pastor. Keep pushing my friend.
Lance
Through your teachings, I now know who I belong too but I also know who I am and thats a wonderful feeling.
Brother: Wilson
Welcome Back!!!
I have been contemplating preaching through the book of Romans for a couple of years now. I know that when I get into it, it might take a year and still I would not exhaust its truth.
I have done a synopsis of the book by breaking it into its 3 main divisions.
Division 1: Romans 1-8 "The Priniciples of Why Salvation is Demanded."
Division 2: Romans 9-11 "The Parenthesis of How Salvation is Directed."
Division 3: Romans 12-16 "The Practicality of When Salvation is Demonstrated."
Keep up the good work my brother. You are plowing up "fallow ground" and making fertile ground so that the seed of the "incorruptible Word" can be planted.
Bless you friend,
Pastor Steve
Post a Comment